Samsung Has Transformed AOD with Some Limitations on One UI 6.1
Samsung has long been a pioneer in introducing innovative features for its smartphones, and the Always-On Display (AOD) is no exception. First introduced in 2016, the AOD feature allowed users to see key information like time, notifications, and calendar events without waking up their phone.
With the One UI 6.1 update, Samsung has made significant improvements to the AOD functionality, turning it into a more interactive and customizable experience. However, while the update brings exciting changes, some limitations still persist, leaving room for future enhancements.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the transformation of AOD in One UI 6.1, examining its new features, use cases, and shortcomings.
1. What’s New in AOD on One UI 6.1?
The Always-On Display has received a host of updates in One UI 6.1, making it smarter and more dynamic than ever before.
Interactive Widgets
One of the standout features in One UI 6.1 is the addition of interactive widgets on the AOD. Now, instead of simply displaying static information, AOD widgets allow users to perform actions directly from the screen.
- Music Controls: Play, pause, skip tracks, or adjust volume without unlocking your device.
- Calendar Events: View and interact with your daily schedule, including dismissing reminders or adding quick notes.
- Weather Updates: Check dynamic weather updates, including temperature changes and forecasts.
Dual Layout Options
With One UI 6.1, you can now create dual AOD layouts for different scenarios:
- Day Mode: A professional look with minimal information.
- Night Mode: A casual setup with more relaxed animations and darker themes.
More Customization Options
Samsung has also expanded the level of personalization:
- Choose from dynamic wallpapers, animated backgrounds, or even upload custom videos to display.
- Customize clock styles, including new options like digital flip clocks and neon-inspired designs.
- Adjust the brightness level of the AOD to suit your preferences or save battery.
Smart Notification Display
The AOD now supports priority notifications. For example:
- Missed calls and messages from starred contacts will be highlighted.
- Notifications can be categorized by app, making them easier to manage.
2. Key Benefits of the Updated AOD
Samsung’s revamped AOD in One UI 6.1 brings significant benefits for everyday use.
1. Saves Time with Interactivity
The ability to interact with widgets on the AOD screen reduces the need to unlock your device frequently. For instance:
- Adjusting your music while working or cooking is now quicker and more convenient.
- Managing calendar events without going through multiple apps saves time.
2. Battery Efficiency
Despite being feature-rich, the updated AOD is designed to be battery-efficient:
- The feature uses Samsung’s AMOLED technology, which lights up only the necessary pixels.
- Adaptive brightness ensures the display isn’t unnecessarily bright in low-light conditions.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Customizable designs allow users to match their phone's AOD with their personal style or mood.
3. The Limitations of AOD in One UI 6.1
While the enhancements are impressive, there are some limitations that users have noted.
Limited App Support for Widgets
One of the biggest drawbacks is the limited number of apps that support interactive widgets on AOD. Currently, it’s mostly Samsung’s native apps and a handful of third-party apps. Apps like Spotify or Google Calendar are yet to integrate fully.
Battery Drain for Heavy Customization
Although AOD is optimized for efficiency, using heavy animations or dynamic wallpapers can slightly impact battery life, especially for users who keep AOD active for long durations.
No Full-Screen Notifications
While notifications are smarter and categorized, they remain small banners on the AOD screen. Users expecting full-screen notifications or previews may find this disappointing.
Customization Options Still Limited
Compared to third-party AOD apps, Samsung’s customization options are still somewhat restricted. For example:
- You cannot use third-party icon packs on the AOD.
- The layout of widgets is fixed and cannot be freely rearranged.
Inconsistent Brightness Adjustments
Although adaptive brightness works most of the time, users have reported instances where the AOD remains too bright or too dim, depending on ambient light conditions.
4. How to Make the Most of the Updated AOD
To fully utilize the new features in One UI 6.1’s Always-On Display, here are some tips:
1. Customize Clock Styles and Widgets
- Navigate to Settings > Lock Screen > Always-On Display to access customization options.
- Experiment with different clock styles, fonts, and colors to suit your preference.
- Add widgets that you frequently use, such as music controls or reminders.
2. Use Dynamic Wallpapers Judiciously
While dynamic wallpapers look great, they can drain your battery if used extensively. Stick to static or low-motion designs for a balance between aesthetics and efficiency.
3. Optimize Battery Usage
- Enable adaptive brightness for the AOD to automatically adjust to lighting conditions.
- Use the schedule feature to turn off the AOD during sleeping hours or when the phone is not in use.
4. Try Good Lock for Additional Features
Samsung’s Good Lock app offers advanced AOD customizations:
- Use the ClockFace module to design unique clock styles.
- Experiment with custom AOD layouts not available in the default settings.
5. What Users Are Saying
User feedback for AOD on One UI 6.1 has been largely positive, with many appreciating the added functionality and design improvements. However, there are common suggestions for further enhancements:
- Request for more third-party app support: Users want apps like WhatsApp and Instagram to provide interactive widgets.
- Better brightness controls: There is demand for more precise manual adjustment options.
6. The Future of AOD on Samsung Devices
Samsung has laid the groundwork for a smarter, more interactive Always-On Display, but there’s potential for further growth.
- Full Third-Party Integration: Partnering with app developers could expand widget functionality.
- Advanced AI Features: Imagine an AOD that predicts the information you need based on your daily habits.
- Custom Animation Tools: Samsung could allow users to design their own AOD animations.
Conclusion
Samsung’s One UI 6.1 has truly transformed the Always-On Display from a simple feature into a dynamic and interactive tool. With its new widgets, dual layouts, and expanded customization options, the AOD now plays a more integral role in the user experience.
That said, limitations like limited app support and occasional brightness inconsistencies show there’s still room for improvement. As Samsung continues to refine One UI, it’s exciting to imagine what the future holds for AOD functionality.
If you haven’t explored the updated AOD yet, now is the perfect time to unlock its potential and give your Samsung Galaxy device a whole new dimension of usability!