Samsung's One UI 6.1.1 Enhances App Streaming Experience with Windows PCs
Samsung's latest One UI 6.1.1 update brings a significant improvement to the app streaming feature between Galaxy devices and Windows PCs. This update addresses a frustrating issue that arose with Android 14, making the process more seamless for users.
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| A visual representation of the Samsung Galaxy smartphone which features the new One UI 611 update enhancing app streaming |
Key Improvements:
- Eliminates Repetitive Permissions: Users no longer need to tap start now for each app streaming session.
- Maintains Security: The phone still requires unlocking for app streaming, preserving essential security measures.
- Adopts Purpose-Built APIs: Samsung has migrated to Android's Companion App Streaming APIs, originally introduced in Android 13.
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| The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE showcasing its advanced features, relevant to the key improvements introduced in One UI 611 |
Background:
The Android 14 update had inadvertently made app streaming more cumbersome due to security enhancements. It closed a loophole that apps like Link to Windows were using to bypass repeated user consent for screen recording. While this improved overall security, it resulted in a less smooth user experience for app streaming.
Technical Details:
- The update leverages Android's virtual display technology for app streaming.
- Samsung's implementation now mirrors Google's approach used in Chrome OS Phone Hub.
- The Link to Windows Service app has been granted the App Streaming role, similar to Google's Cross-Device Services on Pixel phones.
Availability:
Currently, One UI 6.1.1 is only available on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Samsung is expected to roll out this update to more Galaxy devices in the near future.
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| The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a device that showcases the new One UI 611 update, now available for select Galaxy models |
Implications:
This update not only improves the user experience but also aligns with Google's intended security measures. By adopting the purpose-built APIs, Samsung ensures compatibility with future Android app streaming enhancements.
For users who frequently stream apps from their Galaxy devices to Windows PCs, this update marks a significant quality-of-life improvement, streamlining the process without compromising on security.
