How to force dark mode in all apps on Android 10 on a Galaxy S10/Note 10

Samsung brought a system-wide dark mode interface to Galaxy devices with Android Pie and One UI, but it’s only now that a dark mode has officially been introduced in Android 10 that developers are beginning to update their apps with a black/dark interface. On Android 10, if an app supports dark mode and the feature is enabled in the system setting, the app will switch to a dark UI by default (unless you select otherwise in the app’s settings).

However, Android 10 was released by Google just two months ago, and most manufacturers haven’t yet released the update for their devices. That includes Samsung, which has been running an Android 10 beta program for the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 but will probably not release the stable update for a few weeks. And since Android 10 has only recently been introduced, it will be a while before all your favorite apps are updated with dark mode support.

But did you know that you can force dark mode in all apps to Android 10, including on your Galaxy S10 or Galaxy Note 10 that’s running the One UI 2.0 beta? Yes, a hidden setting in the OS makes that possible, and it works a treat. Be it an app like Facebook or something like Samsung’s Galaxy Store or Samsung Pay, you can use them with a dark interface by forcing dark mode whether they officially support the feature or not, and we’re going to tell you how you can do that.

Before we go ahead, however, it’s worth pointing out that since this is a hack that forces dark mode support in apps, you may run into some UI issues in some apps, with the most common issue perhaps being unreadable text (see the screenshot above). Only official dark mode support in an app will give you the proper experience, and some apps, like WhatsApp, will continue to show you their default UI even after you have enabled the hack.

Now tell me how I can force dark mode in all apps!

Follow the steps below to find out how you can force dark mode in all apps on Android 10/One UI 2.0 on your Galaxy S10 or Note 10.

Step 1: First, you need to unlock Android’s hidden developer options menu. To do so, open the Settings app, navigate to About phone, then select Software information. Then, tap Build number seven times. After the first few taps, you will see steps counting down, and once the developer options menu has been unlocked, you will see a popup message that says that developer mode has been turned on.

Step 2: Go back to the main screen of the Settings app and scroll all the way to the bottom to find a new entry called Developer options.

Step 3: Tap Developer options, then scroll down until you find the option call Force Dark mode. 

Step 4: Enable the Force Dark mode option, and that’s it!

Most apps should now have a dark interface as long as you have dark mode enabled on your device (dark mode can be enabled or disabled using the toggle in the expanded notification shade). As we said above, things may not be perfect in all apps, and you will just have to be patient and wait for the developers of those apps to add official dark mode support for the best experience.

Having trouble following the steps above? Leave a comment down below and we’ll do our best to help.

The post How to force dark mode in all apps on Android 10 on a Galaxy S10/Note 10 appeared first on SamMobile.

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Galaxy S9 gets new November update with improved camera

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ were updated with the November 2019 security patch in the first week of this month, and Samsung has now issued a second update with the latest security patch for the Galaxy S9/S9+. It’s unclear why the second update has been released. The November security patch was already available for the S9 and S9+, and while the changelog also mentions improved camera performance, there doesn’t seem to be any actual improvement or new features included in the camera app.

Samsung does tend to repeat older changelogs for software updates, and it’s possible that is what the company has done this time around as well. However, the update should include some under the hood changes, as the build numbers — G960FXXU7CSK1 and G965FXXU7CSK1 for the S9 and S9+ respectively — tell us that this is not merely a security update (indicated by the letter ‘U’ after ‘XX’ in the build number; there would be an ‘S’ in place of ‘U’ if this had just been a security update). Just what those changes are is anyone’s guess.

The new Galaxy S9 update is rolling out in the Netherlands at this time and should soon make its way to other countries as well. You can download it over the air on your phone – open the Settings app, select Software update, then tap Download and install. You can also find the latest firmware for the S9 and S9+ in our firmware archive for manually updating your device using a Windows PC.

Have you received the update on your Galaxy S9 or S9+? See any improvements or new features? Let us know down in the comments!

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Why Samsung should pursue a clamshell foldable phone in 2020

The clamshell form factor is going to make a comeback in the wake of flexible display technology, and at SDC 2019, Samsung hinted that it is at least considering this design language for a future foldable device, possibly even for next year. Motorola already unveiled its first device based on flexible display technology, and it’s a clamshell phone proudly boasting the revived Razr brand.

Whether the Motorola Razr will or won’t be a good device remains to be seen, but I think the clamshell design is the perfect fit for this emerging display technology, and I think that Samsung should adopt it next year, even though I don’t believe that the ongoing Galaxy Fold formula should be abandoned.

The main advantages of the clamshell form factor

Improved screen protection was one of the best things going for the original clamshell design prevalent in the feature phone landscape of the 2000s. Gorilla Glass didn’t exist back then and it wasn’t unheard of for a plastic screen to turn from glossy to matte just by being exposed to the fabric of your pocket. In a way, flexible display technology has pushed us back to having phones with vulnerable screens, and the clamshell form factor suddenly makes sense again.

Then there’s the cool factor which is admittedly fueled in part by nostalgia, but there is something about the clamshell form factor that makes it subjectively cooler than many other designs. Maybe it’s because some of us grew up wishing we’d have a Star Trek communicator. Maybe it’s the one-handed flip action of opening and shutting the device, though given the fragility of foldable phones, you won’t really be snapping it shut as hard as you did a clamshell phone back in the day. Today, I think that cool factor would be even higher thanks to the simple fact that the clamshell design allows OEMs to fit a large flexible screen on a device that’s virtually half its size.

Now, you might ask, hasn’t the Galaxy Fold already achieved a large screen in half the footprint? It sure did, but in my eyes, there’s a fundamental difference between the Galaxy Fold’s book-like design and a clamshell. And I think the latter design represents a true opportunity for Samsung to deliver a diverse foldable experience in 2020.

A clamshell Galaxy Fold can make this elusive technology more attainable

Even though the Galaxy Fold sold like hotcakes in all of the markets in which it landed, the reality of the situation is that it would’ve been virtually impossible for the company not to sell every unit in stock given the Galaxy Fold’s limited and controlled production run. Either way, most people watching from the sidelines seemed to have mixed feelings about the device, and I think that one of the bigger issues with the Galaxy Fold is that it not only had to convince people that flexible display technology is a viable option, it also had to sell Samsung fans on a completely new form factor. Much has been said and written about the $2000 price tag but it doesn’t bother enthusiasts who are tired of the monotony in smartphone design.

Is the Galaxy Fold a phone, a tablet, or both? It’s safe to say it’s a hybrid that tries to do something that has never been done before. It’s not impossible to use it as just a regular phone but then again, if that was the objective, then perhaps there was no reason to pick up a foldable phone in the first place. Why buy it if you’re not planning to use all of it, all of the time?

It could be argued that we don’t quite have a true foldable smartphone out on the market yet and that the Galaxy Fold is too much of a hybrid or tablet to count as one. In contrast, I think a clamshell design would not only seem less confusing (or confused), but it could also be cheaper to manufacture, thus becoming easier to obtain and more popular with Samsung fans. The Galaxy Fold is quite an excessive piece of tech, having been equipped with no less than six cameras and two batteries with flagship-level specs. It is impressive, but the formula definitely leaves room for a lower entry fee, even for brave early adopters.

That’s not to say the new Motorola Razr is going to be cheap when it will launch in December for around $1,500, especially given some of its not-so-premium hardware specifications. In fact, the Galaxy Fold probably offers more value for money, spec-by-spec, given just how better equipped it is compared to Motorola’s latest creation. But however you look at it, there’s still room for improving the entry price for foldable devices, and the clamshell form factor might be the best next step in that direction for Samsung.

Should Samsung stop experimenting with the existing Galaxy Fold form factor?

Definitely not. I think Samsung should offer a diverse foldable experience. Why not offer multiple models with different form factors and leave the ultimate choice up to the customers. I think Samsung would benefit from continuing to think outside of the box when it comes to the existing Galaxy Fold formula, but only as long as it can also release at least one other foldable device that’s attainable for more customers. Something that would guarantee a relatively high level of interest from customers who’d have a clearer idea of what form factor they’d buy into, like a clamshell.

I guess another way of putting it would be that the birth of flexible display tech should perhaps be about providing choices to customers that were previously not possible within the confines of smartphone design. Having said that, the clamshell form factor is, in my opinion, the perfect choice for expanding Samsung’s foldable lineup, at least until a better solution comes along.

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What are your thoughts on Samsung’s journey into this new market segment so far? Do you think the clamshell form factor should make a comeback alongside flexible displays next year, or do you have something else in mind? Join us in the comment section below and share your thoughts.

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How to block a number on Samsung Galaxy smartphones

As Samsung is the world’s top smartphone vendor, hundreds of millions of people across the globe use its devices. Many of them will have wanted to find out how to block a number on Samsung smartphones at some point in their lives. Let’s be honest, nobody really calls anybody these days unless it’s an absolute necessity.

Spam and robocalls have become a much bigger problem than ever before. An estimated 47.8 billion robocalls were made just in the United States last year. So it has become absolutely necessary for smartphone manufacturers to provide a native blocking solution on their devices. This just makes it much easier for users as they don’t have to rely on third-party apps or have to subscribe to paid number blocking services from mobile carriers.

Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to block a number on Samsung Galaxy phones. It doesn’t matter which carrier you’re on and what variant you have. The number blocking feature is built into the software and it’s very effective at blocking unwanted calls and text messages. So whether you just want to avoid robocalls or would rather not deal with an ex, here’s how to block a number on Samsung devices.

How to block a number on Samsung smartphones

Do note that the blocking features have evolved over the course of several OS updates. While they all work in the same way, some terms have been changed and so have the positions of some options. This guide will primarily focus on the steps for blocking numbers on a Samsung smartphone that’s running One UI. Samsung has actually made it much easier on recent models by making the features accessible through the Phone app.

In order to block a number on a Samsung device, open the Phone app and access the overflow menu by tapping on the three vertical dots. Tap on Settings followed by Blocked numbers.

You will be presented with two options here. If you enable Block unknown callers, your Galaxy phone will automatically block unknown callers going forward. If you’d like to block a particular number, you can either enter it into the field or use the Recents or Contacts tabs to select the one you want.

If you’re sorting through people in your Contacts app, you can also block them from right there. Tap on the contact and open the overflow menu. Tap on Block contact and hit confirm. It really is just that simple.

There’s also a faster way to block a number directly from the Recents tab. Tap on the relevant log followed by the “i” icon to pull up the call history. You’ll find a Block button in the bottom right corner. Just tap on it to instantly block all calls and messages from that number going forward.

Note: Do keep in mind that even though calls and messages from blocked numbers won’t go through, the feature doesn’t do anything to block a number from leaving voicemail. You’ll have to get the number blocked at the carrier level if you don’t want a blocked person to even leave a voicemail.

Checking calls and messages from a blocked number

So you now know how to block a contact on Samsung smartphones. What if you want to see how many times they’ve called you or what message they sent you without unblocking them? Samsung makes it fairly easy to do that as well.

Incoming calls from a blocked number are logged in the Phone app with an icon that clearly denotes that the call was blocked. You can pull up the call history to verify that it was indeed auto rejected.

To access texts from a blocked number, open Messages and go to Settings through the overflow menu. Tap on Blocked numbers and messages followed by Blocked messages. All incoming texts that have been blocked automatically are listed here.

So that’s how to block a number on Samsung smartphones, the recent ones that is. You can find the same feature on older models like the Galaxy S5 as well. Head to Menu >> Settings >> Call >> Call rejection >> Auto reject list, tap on + and punch in the number in order to block it.

The option to unblock someone will always be there in the very same place from where you can block them, should you ever decide to give them a second chance.

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T-Mobile holiday season deals include BOGO offers on Galaxy flagships

Gearing up for the holiday season, T-Mobile has announced attractive deals on Galaxy flagships, wearables, and more. The deals, which will go live tomorrow, include BOGO (Buy One Get One) on the Galaxy S10 series, Note 10/10+, Galaxy Watch, etc. The US carrier will also be offering similar deals on select LG and Motorola devices as well.

Under the BOGO offer, customers who buy a Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+, S105G, Note10 or Note10+ will get another one free via monthly bill credits when they activate both of them on T-Mobile or add a new line on a qualifying plan. The same deal applies for the Galaxy Watch as well. On top of this, T-Mobile also offers other perks such as free Netflix subscription, travel benefits, Tuesday giveaways, etc. with some of its monthly plans.

If you are interested in tablets, T-Mobile is offering a free Galaxy Tab A with the activation of a new 6GB or higher data plan. For the flagship Galaxy Tab S6, the US carrier is offering 50% discount via monthly bill credits. If you are planning to buy any of these devices, do check out our review of the same to make an informed purchase  decisiion.

“At T-Mobile, we want you to enjoy your holidays, not spend them stressing and waiting in long lines, so we’re starting our deals early this year, and we went big … like FREE Samsung smartphones big,” said John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile.

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Do AirPods work with Samsung Galaxy phones? Yes, and here’s how

We often get queries from readers who would like to know if AirPods work with Samsung Galaxy phones. It’s not hard to imagine why they’re curious. Apple is known for keeping its ecosystem tightly locked down. So many have the impression that perhaps those fashionable ear canal fillers are really only for people with an Apple smartphone.

In essence, this is the actual query here: Do AirPods work with Android smartphones? The simple answer for people who are wondering can AirPods connect to Android phones is that yes, they absolutely can. This means that you can use them with a Samsung device as well.

Do AirPods work with Samsung phones?

Yes, AirPods can absolutely work with Samsung phones. Apple hasn’t prevented them from being used with Android devices. Since Samsung’s smartphones run Android, you won’t have any problem using them with your device. Despite the custom chip that makes pairing AirPods with Apple devices a breeze, they’re essentially the same as any other Bluetooth-enabled earpods.

The procedure to pair AirPods on Android is fairly simple. First, ensure that you have Bluetooth enabled on your device. Then open the AirPods case before pressing down and holding the setup button located at the back of the case. Keep holding the button until the status light begins to flash white. This is when you’ll see AirPods appear in the nearby Bluetooth devices list on your smartphone. Tap on them to complete the pairing process and voila! You now know how to connect AirPods to a Samsung Galaxy phone.

You will have to repeat this process on every non-Apple device that you wish to use the AirPods with. If you encounter issues during the pairing process, try opening the case and holding the button on the back until the light starts blinking amber. Release the button and close the lip before trying the procedure mentioned above once again.

Do keep in mind that you won’t be able to use all of the features that the AirPods offer because they only work when paired with an Apple device. Siri will obviously not be available and the battery indicator for the AirPods won’t show up on your phone’s display. Features like automatic pausing when an AirPod is removed from the ear won’t work as well. Double-tapping an earbud will only play/pause media.

Products like smartwatches and smart earbuds are only at their best when used within the relevant ecosystem. Given how AirPods have achieved cult status in popular culture, it’s understandable that quite a few people would want to use them without giving up their Samsung Galaxy phone.

Those who don’t feel the need to flex with their AirPods can opt for Samsung’s Galaxy Buds instead. As we mentioned in our Galaxy Buds review, Samsung’s wireless earbuds are worthy of your hard-earned money.

The post Do AirPods work with Samsung Galaxy phones? Yes, and here’s how appeared first on SamMobile.

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[Poll] Would you prefer to buy the new Moto Razr over the Galaxy Fold?

You’ve probably heard by now: A new foldable smartphone has joined the race, and it’s none other than the Motorola Razr. Yes, the Razr is back, and frankly, it looks awesome. After all, it’s based on the original Moto Razr, an iconic phone that holds a special place in the hearts of many and is one of the best-selling feature phones of all time. And it’s also rather impressive that a relatively small manufacturer like Motorola (with Lenovo’s backing, of course) has managed to make a foldable phone so quickly.

Motorola has also beaten Samsung to the punch with the clamshell foldable form factor, and its design for the hinge that makes the folding display possible is seemingly better as well, with no visible gaps that would make durability as much of a concern as the hinge on the Galaxy Fold turned out to be. Of course, whether the Razr will be more — or similarly — durable in the real world is a question that will only be answered after it has gone on sale in January next year, but at first glance, it appears to be an extremely well thought out device.

The Razr doesn’t have a visible crease on the foldable display, either, but it does lack the specs to take on the Galaxy Fold, especially for its $1500 price tag. Specs like a Snapdragon 710 SoC, a single 16MP rear camera, and a single 5MP shooter on the front make the Razr a decidedly mid-range phone that will be further outdated by the time it goes on sale. It has a pretty small battery as well, although that may be a unavoidable limitation because of the clamshell foldable form factor, one that could also affect the Galaxy Fold 2.

Motorola is no doubt hoping the Razr will attract customers on the nostalgia factor alone, and we can see that strategy working well despite the underwhelming specs. And here’s what we want to ask you, our readers: Would you buy the Motorola Razr over the Galaxy Fold? Vote in the poll below, and also tell us in more detail why you would choose — or not choose — either device down in the comments!

Would you prefer to buy the new Moto Razr over the Galaxy Fold?

• Yes, I love the Razr's design/form factor!
• Nope, the specs are too weak
• Nope, I prefer the Fold's form factor
• I'm not interested in first-gen products

Results

• Yes, I love the Razr's design/form factor! 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes
• Nope, the specs are too weak 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes
• Nope, I prefer the Fold's form factor 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes
• I'm not interested in first-gen products 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes

Total Votes: 0

14 November 2019

×

You or your IP had already vote.

• Yes, I love the Razr's design/form factor!
• Nope, the specs are too weak
• Nope, I prefer the Fold's form factor
• I'm not interested in first-gen products

×

You or your IP had already vote.

Results

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Daily Deal: 60% off Samsung EO-EG920LLEGUS Active InEar Headphones

Everyone needs headphones, whether they’re lounging on the sofa at home, commuting to work, or working out in the gym. Everyone also wants good headphones that don’t cost too much, and if you’re looking to pick up a new pair of headphones, there’s an excellent deal that you can take advantage of. The Samsung EO-EG920LLEGUS Active InEar headphones offer pretty solid sound quality for their regular price, along with a microphone for calls and volume control buttons, and you can currently get them at 60% off.

Hit the Buy Now button below to grab a pair while the discount is still available!

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Samsung PlayGalaxy Link app updated with Android 10 support

Each day brings us closer to the release of the stable Android 10 update for the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10. Samsung is currently running One UI 2.0 beta programs for the two flagships in some countries, and the company is also updating some of its apps with Android 10 support in the meantime. Today, Samsung has updated the PlayGalaxy Link app, its game streaming app that gained support for the Galaxy S10 lineup with another update earlier this month, with Android 10 support.

For those who haven’t heard, the PlayGalaxy Link app allows Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 owners to stream games from their Windows 10 PC to their phone. It’s similar to apps like Steam Link, which let you play games from your Steam library on your Android smartphone, only PlayGalaxy Link can also stream games over mobile data and doesn’t require the phone and the PC to be on the same Wi-Fi network. PlayGalaxy Link has not been officially launched in all countries, but those interested in trying out its game streaming capabilities can use the Parsec app instead, which provides the backbone for PlayGalaxy Link.

You will have to download the latest PlayGalaxy Link app from the Galaxy Store on your phone to run it on Android 10 and also possibly update the PlayGalaxy Link app on Windows. You should get a notification asking you to update the next time you open the app on both your phone and PC.

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T-Mobile rolling out Galaxy S9 and S9+ November security update

The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ received the November 2019 security update on the unlocked Exynos-powered models earlier this month, and North American carrier T-Mobile is now pushing out the update to the two phones as well. The update comes with software version G960USQS7CSJ6 and G965USQS7CSJ6 for the S9 and S9+ respectively, and its changelog only includes the new security patch.

No new features included in the update

The November 2019 security patch for Galaxy devices includes a fix for a critical bug in the Android OS that was discovered in September. The Galaxy S9 was one of three Galaxy devices mentioned by name in the list of affected devices, so it’s only natural that Samsung would want to release the November update for 2018 Galaxy S flagship in every country as soon as possible. Hopefully, carriers in the US will show similar urgency and soon follow T-Mobile and release the update for their Galaxy S9 and S9+ variants.

To grab the latest update over the air, you have to follow the same drill: Open the Settings app, tap Software update, then select the Download and install option. As always, an alternative method for updating to the latest software is to download the relevant firmware from our firmware database and use a Windows PC to install it on your S9 or S9+.

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