Samsung's upcoming One UI 8.5 is introducing a new feature that seems like a blessing.

      A smart, system-level ad blocker in Device Care is designed to eliminate spammy apps and create a cleaner, smoother Android experience.

      What’s the update? Leaked versions of One UI 8.5, Samsung’s forthcoming user interface, now feature a new setting within the “Device Care” section.

      This new option is named “Block apps with excessive ads.”

      This tool automatically detects apps that send a high volume of ad notifications.

      It can either place these apps into deep sleep mode or completely block their ad notifications.

      The feature provides two modes: “Basic blocking” and “Intelligent blocking.”

      Why does this matter? The “Basic blocking” mode targets known ad-ridden apps, while the “Intelligent blocking” mode employs on-device analysis of notifications to dynamically identify and block ads.

      Many low-quality or ad-supported apps, such as video games, inundate users with excessive advertising and spammy notifications.

      This system-level option can automatically curtail such behavior and significantly enhance user experience.

      Samsung has a similar feature, but it only allows for blocking on an app-by-app basis. In contrast, the new tool does not rely on whether developers allow users to disable ad notifications.

      Why should this interest you? By integrating ad-blocking capabilities into Device Care, Samsung is reducing intrusive and bothersome app behaviors.

      If you utilize many free apps, One UI 8.5’s “Block apps with excessive ads” feature could greatly minimize bothersome ad notifications.

      Apps in deep sleep mode will not frequently activate to display ads or perform background tasks, leading to improved battery life and performance.

      Rather than manually adjusting each app’s notification settings, One UI 8.5’s ad-blocking feature could save you significant time.

      John McCann / Digital Trends

      What’s the next step? The initial public beta of One UI 8.5 is expected to launch soon, reportedly starting on December 8 in select regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Korea, and Germany.

      As this feature evolves, Samsung may enhance the detection algorithm or fine-tune the intelligent blocking system to more effectively distinguish between harmless notifications and genuine advertisements.

      The introduction of this feature could alter the approach developers take when creating ad-supported apps.

      Other Android manufacturers might follow suit, making ad-notification blocking a standard component of the operating system.

      For over five years, Shikhar has consistently clarified developments in consumer technology and presented them…

      Take a look behind the scenes of Apple’s charming festive film, filmed on an iPhone 17 Pro.

      The short film was entirely produced using Apple’s flagship phone — with assistance from a complete production team.

      For a dose of holiday cheer, Apple has released a short film titled A Critter Carol (top), featuring forest animals enjoying themselves with an iPhone 17 Pro inadvertently left behind by a hiker.

      The delightful Critter Carol showcases various animals utilizing the iPhone 17 Pro to record a “song of friendship” — inspired by the Flight of the Conchords’ Friends — before the hiker returns to retrieve his lost phone, which holds a heartwarming surprise.

      Read more

      Bose is applying its audio expertise to a smartphone, but this denim-clad beauty isn’t for sale.

      POCO’s new flagship makes a global call, but sends the U.S. straight to voicemail.

      POCO has officially unveiled its new flagship phones, the POCO F8 Ultra and POCO F8 Pro, for the global market. While the specifications are impressive, the standout feature is the audio quality. In a rare collaboration, POCO partnered with Bose to tune the stereo speakers on both models.

      The F8 Ultra is particularly eye-catching, featuring a unique denim-blue finish (yes, with a denim texture) and boasting a sizable 6.9-inch OLED display with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The battery is an impressive 6,500mAh unit with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The camera system is also top-tier, including three 50MP sensors, one of which is a sophisticated 5x periscope zoom lens.

      Read more

      Google Maps is streamlining its functionality as the Pixel 10 introduces a no-frills navigation mode.

      Google is implementing a dedicated "Power Saving mode" for its latest devices, the Pixel 10 series. Just two weeks after hinting at it in a Feature Drop, the update is now being rolled out to the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and the foldable 10 Pro Fold.

      Consider it a simplified mode for your navigation needs. When using navigation and you press the power button to turn off the screen, instead of locking the phone or keeping it fully illuminated, it transitions to a highly minimal black-and-white interface.

      Read more