Android’s Photo Picker is getting a handy upgrade with a new search bar to help you quickly find photos in your gallery. This feature, now rolling out, lets you type simple words to search through both local and cloud-stored images. It’s a big time-saver when you’re looking for a specific picture but don’t want to scroll through your entire collection.

The search bar sits above the “Photos” and “Collections” tabs, and when you tap it, the keyboard pops up for easy typing. Recent searches and suggested terms also appear to make things even smoother. Google first introduced the Photo Picker in Android 13 back in 2022, but it took time for apps to adopt it.

The lack of a search option and cloud support slowed things down. Last year, cloud media support was added, and now the search bar is finally here, though it was expected in 2024. Some Pixel users on Android 16 have already spotted it, but it’s likely rolling out to others via a Google Play System Update, not tied to a specific Android version.

Google is also working on a date scrubber feature, which will let you jump to photos from a certain month or year. While there’s no release date yet for this, it could make navigating large galleries even easier. For now, the search bar is a welcome change, making it simpler to share that perfect photo with friends.

Samsung recently rolled out a big update for its SmartThings app, making it easier and smarter to control your home. The update brings new AI features that let users create custom routines with simple commands, like turning off lights when you leave. This makes setting up your smart home a breeze, even for beginners.

The app now works better with Apple devices too. iPhone and Apple Watch users can control SmartThings devices, such as lights and appliances, right from their wrist with a new watch widget.

This cross-platform support shows Samsung’s focus on making its app work for everyone, not just Android users.Another cool addition is better Matter support, which helps SmartThings connect with more smart home devices from different brands.

This gives users more choices when building their smart home. The update also includes a “Home Life” survey to personalize your experience and a feature to share Galaxy SmartTag locations with others via a temporary link. Samsung’s SmartThings Energy tool lets you track power usage and estimate bills, helping you save energy.

Compared to Apple’s slower approach to adding new features, Samsung’s fast updates make SmartThings a top choice for smart home fans. This update shows Samsung is serious about making your home smarter and easier to manage.

Samsung is set to launch its latest gadgets, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and new wearables, at its Unpacked event on July 9 in Brooklyn, New York. To make the reveal even more thrilling, the company has planned fun activities at Galaxy Experience Spaces in cities like New York, London, Paris, and Dubai.

These spots let people try out the new devices hands-on.In New York, Samsung is hosting free events open to everyone, no sign-up needed. Visitors can check out the new foldables and wearables, play interactive games, and even win cool prizes like Galaxy devices through exciting giveaways.

The events are designed to show off what these gadgets can do, from sleek designs to smart features powered by Galaxy AI.You can catch the Unpacked event live on Samsung’s website or YouTube channel at 10 a.m. ET on July 9.

For those who want to get a head start, reserving a new Galaxy device now comes with a $50 Samsung credit. These events are a great chance to see Samsung’s latest tech up close and have some fun while you’re at it.