The One UI 7 Update: A Double-Edged Sword for Samsung
The launch of One UI 7 has been a rollercoaster ride for Samsung, with the update arriving late to the party and then facing additional delays. But, as it rolls out to the masses, it’s clear that Samsung made a bigger mistake than just the timing. In this article, we’ll dive into the key points and trends of One UI 7, and explore what went wrong.
A Visual Update with Functional Flaws
One UI 7 is primarily a visual update, with a focus on design and overall feel. And, let’s be honest, the visuals are where Samsung’s update really shines. However, it’s where the update changes functionality that mistakes were made.
The Quick Settings Conundrum
One of the changes that has caused frustration among users is the new Quick Settings experience. Gone are the days of swiping down to access notifications and Quick Settings in the same panel. Now, notifications are on the left side, while Quick Settings appear when you swipe down from the other side. While this change may be an improvement for some, it’s applied by default, with no mention that there’s an option to change this behavior. Samsung shows a prompt soon after the update is installed to show how it now works, but there’s no mention that it’s technically optional.
Lockscreen Notifications: A Major Change
Another change that has caused controversy is the way notifications work on the lockscreen. Samsung has moved notifications from the center of the display to the top corner, making them basically invisible. This drastic change is just the new design choice Samsung made, but it’s one that really impacts end users. For one, it’s something they’re not used to and might not even know they can change, but more importantly, it’s a major change to habit for a crucial part of the operating system.
What Could Have Been Done Differently
I’d argue that Samsung should have taken a different approach to these changes. For one, they could have simply told users about the change and how to revert it after the update is installed. Samsung mostly did this with the Quick Settings change, but the buried option to switch back undercuts the effectiveness. The lockscreen notification change is harder to communicate, certainly, but I think that could have been solved by simply not making this drastic change in the first place.
Conclusion
One UI 7 has been a double-edged sword for Samsung, with the update’s visual improvements overshadowed by its functional flaws. While the changes may be acceptable for enthusiasts, they’re causing frustration among the average user. Samsung should have taken a more user-centric approach to these changes, providing clear communication and options for users to revert back to the old behavior. As we move forward, it’s essential for Samsung to prioritize user experience and feedback to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
What do you think of One UI 7? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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