Thursday, November 7, 2024

 

DIGITAL LIFE


Why Android is increasingly limited in terms of customization...

This paradigm shift appears to be aimed at making devices more appealing to the general public, moving closer to the more controlled iOS experience. But are we missing the essence of what made Android unique?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9 are clear examples of this new approach. Although these high-end phones offer impressive specifications, the user experience is increasingly limited in terms of customization.

One of the most affected aspects is the screen. In the past, users had much greater control over color saturation, temperature, and even refresh rates for specific apps. Now, these options are being simplified or removed completely.

In the case of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example, many users noticed that the screen looked less vibrant compared to previous models. Samsung opted for a more natural calibration, but did not offer advanced options for those who prefer more saturated colors.

It's understandable that companies want to make their products more accessible to less experienced users. However, this should not involve removing advanced options for those who want to use them.

The balance between simplicity and power of choice...The issue is not just aesthetics. The ability to adjust the screen refresh rate for specific apps, for example, can have a significant impact on battery life and overall device performance.

This feature, which was present in some older models like the Razer Phone, allowed users to optimize the user experience according to their needs. Unfortunately, even in the developer options, which are aimed at advanced users, we are seeing a reduction in these customization possibilities.

It is important to recognize that there is a delicate balance to be achieved. On the one hand, manufacturers want to create an intuitive and accessible user experience for as many people as possible. On the other, they can't ignore the more experienced user base who have always valued Android's flexibility.

A possible solution would be to keep a simplified interface by default, but offer advanced options in separate menus or in developer settings. This way, less experienced users wouldn't be overwhelmed with complex options, while enthusiasts would still have access to the customization tools they want.

The impact on the Android ecosystem...This trend of oversimplification could have long-term consequences for the Android ecosystem. One of the main advantages of the operating system has always been its openness and ability to adapt to different needs and preferences.

If major manufacturers continue to limit customization options, there is a risk that Android will lose some of its unique identity. This could lead to a homogenization of the smartphone market, where the difference between Android and iOS becomes less and less pronounced.

Furthermore, this approach can discourage innovation and experimentation on the part of users and developers. Many of the features that we consider essential on smartphones today initially emerged as customizations or mods created by the community.

It's understandable that companies want to increase their sales and attract a wider audience. However, they shouldn't forget the loyal users who have helped build Android's success over the years.

The ideal solution would be to find a balance between simplicity and power of choice. Manufacturers can continue to offer a more accessible experience by default, but without completely removing advanced options for those who want to use them.

In the end, what makes Android special is precisely its ability to adapt to the needs and preferences of each user. Losing this flexibility would be losing a fundamental part of the operating system's identity.



SAMSUNG


Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S25 Slim camera specs hinted at by new leak

A new leak attempts to reveal the camera specs of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim. The Galaxy S25 entrant will apparently come with an "Ultra" camera.

Rumour has it Samsung plans to add a fifth member to the Galaxy S25 lineup (or fourth if the Galaxy S25 FE is scrapped). The phone, called Galaxy S25 Slim, will not launch alongside the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra in January and instead debut sometime in April. X leaker Ice Universe has now revealed some tidbits about the device.

Apparently, the Galaxy S25 Slim will come with an "Ultra" camera, tacitly implying it could borrow elements from the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera layout, likely its 200 MP camera sensor. Smartprix spotted the phone online codenamed 'SM-S937'. It sits snugly between the Galaxy S25 Plus (SM-S936) and Galaxy S25 Ultra (SM-S938), indicating it could be better than the Plus, but not the Ultra.

Exclusive: The Galaxy S25 Slim is equipped with an “Ultra” camera.

Another X leaker @Jukanlosreve opines the Galaxy S25 Slim could be equipped with an Exynos 2500 SoC. Of course, that'll only happen if Samsung fixes the yield issues with its 3GAP node, which currently sit at an abysmal 20%. Even if it does, preliminary Exynos 2500 benchmarks suggest the chip cannot hold a candle to the Snapdragon 8 Elite or MediaTek Dimensity 9400.

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