WORLDTECHSamsung's One UI bundles multi-device and audio tools rivals lack
Engadget's Max Miller points to several One UI features he says are not offered on other Android phones. Because Samsung's Galaxy line is the most popular family of Android smartphones, a large share of Android users encounter the operating system through Samsung's interface.
Multi Control shares input across devices
According to Engadget, Multi Control allows a mouse and keyboard connected to one Galaxy device to be used on others, including a Windows PC. The report says the tool moves input between Galaxy devices and a Windows PC so the native Android interface can be operated, lets users type into text fields on every connected device, and permits files to be dragged between them.
Engadget notes that Lenovo's Motorola Smart Connect and Oppo and OnePlus's O+ Connect suite offer comparable functions. The reporter's point is that those require a PC in the middle of the connection, whereas Multi Control can share a mouse and keyboard between a phone and a tablet without one. Until recently the PC capability was limited to Samsung computers such as Galaxy Books; at the time of writing, Samsung had opened it to any PC.
Separate App Sound routes audio per app
Engadget says Android generally plays audio from a single source to a single output at a time. According to the report, Samsung's Separate App Sound changes this by letting users send individual apps to specific outputs. In the example given, TikTok and Instagram can play through the phone's built-in speaker while the device is connected to a car's Bluetooth system.
Open questions
- Which Samsung phones will receive One UI 9?