Samsung has rolled out the One UI 8 Beta 2 update for the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra, bringing fresh features and improvements for users in the beta program. This update, based on Android 16, is currently available in select regions, including the US, UK, South Korea, Germany, India, Poland, and Canada.

It aims to enhance the user experience by fixing bugs and introducing a new feature called Now Brief. The Now Brief feature is a standout addition, offering a customizable widget that provides quick access to key information like weather, calendar events, and reminders directly from the home or lock screen.

Users can personalize it to suit their needs, making it a handy tool for staying organized. This update also tackles several issues reported in the first beta, such as problems with the lock screen, app crashes, and system slowdowns. It improves overall stability, refines animations for smoother transitions, and enhances compatibility with third-party apps.

The One UI 8 Beta 2 update is a step toward the stable release expected later this year. For Galaxy S24 users, the stable version might arrive by late September or early October, depending on Samsung’s timeline for the Galaxy S25 series. The update weighs around 700 MB and includes the August 2025 security patch for added protection.

Samsung is also expanding the beta program to other devices, like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, giving more users a chance to test the new software.To install the update, Galaxy S24 users in eligible regions can go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

Since this is a beta version, some bugs may still appear, so users should back up their data before updating. Samsung encourages feedback from beta testers to help refine the software before its official launch.

Google’s Gboard keyboard is getting a fresh look and simpler settings to make typing easier for everyone. The suggestion bar, where words or clipboard items pop up, now uses pill-shaped boxes instead of rounded rectangles.

This change is rolling out to all users with Gboard version 15.8.4 and is especially noticeable on the Pixel 10 series, where it supports features like Magic Cue and Pixel Screenshots.

A bigger update is coming to Gboard’s settings menu. The “Preferences” section has been reorganized to make things easier to find. For example, there’s a new “Layout” section with a toggle for the suggestion strip, and options like double-space for periods or touch-and-hold for symbols are now grouped under “Shortcuts” and “Key tap.”

This makes it quicker to adjust common settings without digging through menus. Another tweak renames “Text correction” to “Corrections & suggestions,” splitting it into sections like Automatic corrections, Spelling & grammar, and Suggestions. A new toggle lets users decide if word suggestions appear in the suggestion strip.

These changes are currently in the beta version (15.8.5) but will soon reach all devices.Meanwhile, YouTube TV has good news for its subscribers: Fox channels, including popular ones like Fox News, Fox Sports, and local Fox stations, aren’t going anywhere.

There was worry among users after talks between Google and Fox Corp suggested some channels might be dropped. But YouTube TV confirmed that a new deal ensures all Fox-owned channels will stay available.

This is a relief for viewers who rely on YouTube TV for live sports, news, and entertainment from Fox networks. The announcement came through a post on X, putting an end to rumors and giving subscribers peace of mind.

Both updates show Google’s focus on improving user experience, whether it’s making typing smoother with Gboard or keeping favorite channels on YouTube TV. These changes, big and small, aim to keep users happy and engaged.

Samsung is rolling out exciting updates for its Galaxy devices with the One UI 8 Beta program, based on Android 16. The Galaxy S25 series in the US, including the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, recently received the One UI 8 Beta 6 update.

This update, weighing around 800 MB, brings smoother performance, bug fixes, and the September 2025 security patch. It tackles issues like a lock screen glitch that showed only app icons instead of full notifications and improves a home screen widget for a better user experience.

A new feature, Call Captions, displays live text of what the other person says during calls, making conversations easier to follow. The Now Brief feature, exclusive to 2025 flagships, now includes a read-aloud option and YouTube integration, offering personalized video recommendations.

Meanwhile, Samsung is expanding the One UI 8 Beta to more devices, including the Galaxy A-series. Models like the A36, A35, A55, and A54 are set to join the beta program in September 2025 in countries like India, South Korea, and the UK.

These mid-range phones are being tested internally to ensure a smooth rollout. However, due to hardware limitations, some advanced AI features, like the enhanced Now Brief, won’t be available on A-series devices. The Galaxy A56 might skip the beta and go straight to the stable One UI 8 update, following the pattern of the A55 last year.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has also received the One UI 8 Beta 2 update in South Korea, with plans to expand to other regions soon. This update includes the September 2025 security patch and fixes issues with Android Auto, camera previews, and cover screen widgets.

The Now Brief feature is now available on the Z Flip 6, with similar upgrades expected for the Z Fold 6 and S24 series. Samsung plans to launch the stable One UI 8 version in September 2025, starting with the S25 series, followed by other devices like the S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6. Users can join the beta via the Samsung Members app and provide feedback to help refine the software.