The high-end Tab S8 Ultra will join the Tab S8 and Tab S8+.
gizmodo.com
Software: DeX and the Galaxy Ecosystem
There is no doubting Samsung’s ability to produce first-rate hardware. My concern is Android, and whether an operating built for smartphones and long criticized as, well, “not great for tablets” is the right platform for premium devices. Potential saving graces come in the form of
DeX and
Android 12L as well as Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem.
Android 12L is coming soon to the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup.Photo: Florence Ion/Gizmodo
Starting with Samsung’s effort: DeX, when enabled, transforms Android into a more traditional desktop interface akin to Chrome OS or Windows. Multi-tasking has been enhanced to allow for three windows in four layout options and DeX mode now functions when the tablet is positioned vertically. I’m generally a fan of DeX but we’ll see how it holds up when I attempt to use the Galaxy Tab Ultra as my work laptop, erm, tablet. One feature I’m particularly excited about is the ability to turn these tablets into external touchscreen monitors, though the functionality is limited to Samsung’s
hit-or-
miss Galaxy Book PCs.
The Galaxy Tab S8 series will ship with Android 12 with Samsung’s One UI Tab 4 skin but Android 12L is on the horizon to fix some lingering issues with Android tablets. Optimized for large displays, the update promises to revamp user interfaces and debut new features to enhance multitasking and fix app compatibility issues. Google is currently mid-way through its test and development cycle and Android 12L is expected to arrive by the end of Q1 this year. Samsung promises four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, a commitment that goes further than even Google does with its
Pixel 6 phones.
www.inputmag.com
