Samsung has officially unveiled the new Home Up module, packed with innovative customization features as part of its One UI 7.0 update. This highly anticipated upgrade was initially introduced during the Beta Program and has now become publicly available. With Home Up, Samsung aims to enhance the user experience by offering a versatile suite of UI personalization tools, providing users with greater design flexibility and expanded options for customizing their home screens.
The Home Up module, which is part of the popular Good Lock application, is designed to empower users to tailor their device home screens according to their personal preferences. This module includes a range of features that make it easier to create a unique and personalized device experience.
The standout feature of the new Home Up is the DIY Home Screen option, which liberates users from the typical constraints of home screen customization. This feature allows you to design a layout that truly reflects your unique style. Users can freely resize and reposition apps, widgets, and folders to create a personalized arrangement. Additionally, the ability to conceal app icons beneath decorative elements using stickers and layer tools adds an extra layer of creativity. Simply add a sticker to your home screen, position it over an app icon, and adjust the layer settings for a stylish look.
One of the common criticisms of the One UI has been its laggy animations. However, Samsung has addressed these concerns by significantly improving system transition effects and animations in the latest update. The Home Gesture Animation feature allows users to personalize their Galaxy animations further. With this functionality, you can adjust the transition animations that play when returning to the home screen from an app. There are four preset options available, along with an Advanced Tuning feature that gives users granular control over speed and vibration settings.
Another notable addition in Home Up is the ability to disable the Show Favorites option. This feature caters to users who prefer a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic, providing a refreshed home screen experience without congestion.
Samsung has described Good Lock’s Home Up module as one of the top three exciting features in One UI 7. The company plans to highlight two more plugins in the coming weeks, each showcasing upgraded capabilities and features.
In addition to the new features in Home Up, Samsung also released a significant update for the SmartThings app, which now includes Matter 1.4 support. This upgrade aligns with the rollout of the stable version of One UI 7 and brings several enhancements to the SmartThings ecosystem. Notably, SmartThings is now integrated with Samsung Health, aiming to improve users’ sleep environments and deliver more personalized automation experiences.
The integration of Samsung Health allows users to receive sleep environment reports on their Galaxy devices. These reports analyze various factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and light intensity using connected sensors. This data provides users with valuable insights to optimize their rest. When paired with a Galaxy Watch or Ring, SmartThings can automate home adjustments based on sleep patterns, such as turning off lights and the TV at bedtime.
The recent update introduces enhanced flexibility to SmartThings routines, allowing for recurring schedules on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Users can automate smart lights to change colors for special occasions, ensuring that automation fits seamlessly into their lifestyles. Furthermore, the update enables integration with Samsung TV Plus on 2025 Samsung TV models, allowing users to set their TV to switch on at specific times for their favorite shows.
Another innovative feature allows users to send voice messages through SmartThings-connected speakers. For example, a parent can relay a message such as, “I will be home soon, grab a snack,” and it will play instantly on a connected speaker, keeping families connected effortlessly.
With the Calm Onboarding feature, Samsung has streamlined the setup process for its appliances purchased from official channels. This feature now extends to third-party SmartThings-compatible devices, enhancing the overall user experience by providing delivery updates and step-by-step setup guides via the app. This initiative is currently being rolled out in South Korea, with plans for broader availability soon.
The latest SmartThings update also introduces support for Matter 1.4, expanding compatibility to energy management devices such as water heaters, heat pumps, and solar power systems. This builds on existing support for lights, thermostats, and other smart devices, further enhancing the SmartThings ecosystem.
In addition to the updates mentioned, Samsung has released a new version of the Game Booster app, version 7.0.50.27, which includes performance improvements and bug fixes. This app is essential for gamers looking to optimize gaming performance on their Samsung devices. Users can expect a smoother gaming experience with enhanced reliability and efficiency.
Furthermore, the Samsung Members app has received an update (version 5.3.00.9) that includes a redesign of the app icon to align with the modern aesthetic of Samsung’s latest software. This update not only refreshes the app’s look but also improves its performance for a better user experience.
For those using the Always On Display (AOD) app, an update (version 8.8.27.96) has also been introduced, focusing on memory optimization for the Now Bar feature. Users can enjoy a more efficient and interactive Always On Display experience with this latest enhancement.
In conclusion, Samsung continues to innovate with its latest updates, enhancing user customization and connectivity across devices. Stay tuned for more exciting features and improvements as the company rolls out its stable One UI 7 and beyond.
