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Samsung’s One UI 9 Beta 7: Pioneering New Features for Galaxy S26
Samsung is actively developing One UI 9 for its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, and the latest beta version has unveiled two significant features currently undergoing testing. The first, dubbed Motion Assist, aims to help individuals who experience motion sickness while using their phone in a moving vehicle. The second, Satellite Connectivity, could eventually enable emergency communication when a smartphone loses both cellular and Wi-Fi network coverage.
Hidden Innovations Uncovered in One UI 9 Beta 7
The One UI 9 Beta 7, specifically designed for the Galaxy S26 family, has revealed additional quick settings tiles not immediately visible to beta program participants. These features require manual activation within the developer options as “developer tiles.” This clearly indicates that Samsung is still conducting internal tests and does not yet consider these elements ready for public release as part of the core update.
Motion Assist: A Breakthrough for Combating Motion Sickness
Motion Assist is a novel solution tailored for users who frequently feel unwell when looking at their phone screen while traveling in a car, bus, or train. The feature is designed to display dynamic visual cues on the screen, synchronized with data from the smartphone’s sensors. The goal is to reduce the discrepancy between what the eyes perceive and what the inner ear (vestibular system) senses, thereby alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.
In the One UI 9 Beta, Motion Assist appears as a quick settings tile. However, according to reports, it is not yet functional. Furthermore, the option is not universally available across all tested devices, highlighting its early stage of development.
Galaxy Phones Poised for Satellite Connectivity
The second hidden feature discovered in One UI 9 Beta 7 is Satellite Connectivity. This option currently leads to an unfinished screen that includes references to “Satellite SOS” and “satellite messages.” When fully implemented, this feature would allow compatible Galaxy phones to send emergency calls or messages even when outside the range of traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks, offering a crucial lifeline in remote areas or emergency situations.
As of now, the Satellite Connectivity settings do not enable active use of the service. Phones reportedly indicate a lack of satellite availability when connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network. When airplane mode is activated, a message appears stating “not registered for Satellite SOS.”
It has been known for some time that Samsung is developing satellite communication capabilities in select countries and through partnerships with various operators. The company has stated that availability will depend on the device model, market, carrier network, and the specific version of the operating system and One UI. In Europe, collaborations have been announced with partners such as Virgin Media O2, testing with MasOrange in Spain, and ongoing work with Vodafone. Explore Samsung’s advancements in satellite communication.
Future Availability of New Samsung Features
Samsung has not yet announced whether Motion Assist will be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series or if it will be rolled out to older smartphones through a future update. The current state of development clearly indicates that work on this feature is ongoing.
Regarding satellite communication, implementation is likely to occur in stages, aligning with the availability of necessary infrastructure and regulatory requirements in different countries. This means that even after the official debut of Satellite SOS and satellite messaging, Galaxy S26 users might experience limitations depending on their carrier and regional market. Learn more about One UI 9 and Android 17 development for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Motion Assist is a feature in development for One UI 9 designed to alleviate motion sickness for users interacting with their phone in moving vehicles. It aims to synchronize visual cues on the screen with sensor data to reduce sensory discrepancies that cause discomfort.
Satellite Connectivity, once fully implemented, will allow compatible Galaxy phones to send emergency SOS calls and messages using satellite networks when traditional cellular and Wi-Fi signals are unavailable. This ensures critical communication in remote or emergency situations.
Samsung has not yet confirmed whether Motion Assist or Satellite Connectivity will extend to older Galaxy models. While Motion Assist could potentially be a software update for many devices, Satellite Connectivity may require specific hardware, likely limiting it to newer, compatible flagships like the Galaxy S26 series initially.
The full rollout of Satellite Connectivity will be a phased process. It depends heavily on the development of necessary infrastructure, regulatory approvals in different countries, and partnerships with local carriers. This means its availability will vary significantly by region and may not be immediate even after its official launch with the Galaxy S26 series.
Source: SammyGuru, X, Samsung
Opening photo: Andri / Adobe Stock
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