This Week in Tech: Samsung Delays, TikTok's Reprieve, and Innovations Ahead

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Welcome to Android Central's News Weekly, your premier destination for a comprehensive recap of the most notable technology news from the past week. This segment is dedicated to exploring the significant headlines that reflect the latest advances and shifts in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With the technology industry constantly on the move, we ensure you stay informed about the developments that matter.

This week has seen a series of noteworthy events, including the postponement of the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch, leaks surrounding the Galaxy Watch 8 series, a second extension for TikTok's operations in the U.S. as granted by President Trump, insights regarding an update for older Samsung devices, and promising advancements in battery technology that could redefine the capabilities of Samsung wearables. Let’s delve into each story.

U.S. TikTok Users Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief

In a significant move, TikTok appears to have narrowly escaped a ban in the United States, thanks to intervention from President Donald Trump. In a post shared on his platform, Truth Social, Trump announced, “My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress.” He detailed that the agreement requires further approvals, leading him to sign an Executive Order that extends TikTok's operational deadline for an additional 75 days.

Originally, the Chinese-owned social media giant was expected to divest its U.S. operations by April 5. However, with the new extension, TikTok can continue its services while negotiations proceed. Previously, the app faced a brief shutdown starting January 19, 2025, though it was back online quickly. A spokesperson for ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, hinted at ongoing discussions with the government to ensure the platform remains accessible.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Launch Delayed

In another development, Samsung has reportedly postponed the launch of its much-anticipated Galaxy S25 Edge smartphone by one month. Initially slated for an April 15 release, the new launch date is now set for May 13.

According to WinFuture, sources close to Samsung indicated that the delay was due to “technical issues” with the device that necessitated further testing before it could be released to consumers. Additionally, some industry insiders speculate that the postponement may be linked to internal corporate matters, particularly in light of the unexpected passing of Han Jong-hee, who served as the company’s co-CEO.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to be one of Samsung's sleekest smartphones yet, making the anticipation for its eventual release even more pronounced.

Galaxy Watch 8 Series Set to Launch as a Pair

Meanwhile, early indications suggest that the Galaxy Watch 8 series is on the horizon, potentially debuting as a duo of models. Recent reports indicated that batteries intended for the next generation of Galaxy Watches have received certification from SafetyKorea, hinting at the imminent launch of both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

Two battery models, identified by their codenames EB-BL330ABY and EB-BL505ABY, have been linked to these upcoming watches. Additionally, data leaks have revealed potential firmware details, with model numbers such as SM-L320 and SM-L325U surfacing, possibly indicating various size configurations for the new Galaxy Watch line. Industry insiders anticipate that these new devices will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 during Samsung's summer Unpacked event later this year.

Galaxy S24 Rumored to Get 'Now Brief' Feature

Another rumor making headlines this week pertains to the Galaxy S24 series, which may soon receive a version of One UI 7's Now Brief feature. Tipster Mehmet Kaya shared the discovery on X, indicating that while the feature wasn’t visible in the current beta version, traces of its existence were found within the OS’s code.

Though users currently cannot access the feature, Kaya noted it might be activated in future updates. Supporting this information, another user, Josh Guy, found hints of the feature while examining the code, suggesting that the Galaxy S24 could indeed support Now Brief when it is fully enabled. Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7 is set to officially roll out in the U.S. on April 10, providing a clearer timeline for updates.

Future Samsung Wearables Could Harness 'Dream Batteries'

In an exciting development for tech enthusiasts, reports indicate that Samsung is exploring the use of “all-solid-state” batteries for its upcoming wearables, which includes innovations for the anticipated Galaxy Ring. A report from Money Today (Korean) describes these “Dream Batteries” as utilizing solid electrolytes, which promise to enhance battery safety by reducing fire risks while significantly extending device battery life.

While the advantages of these batteries are substantial, they come with the caveat of potentially higher production costs compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. It is rumored that prototypes of this advanced battery technology may be integrated into the Galaxy Ring model expected to launch later this year, with plans to expand its use to earbuds in 2026 and future Galaxy Watch models by late 2027.

Conclusion

These are just a few highlights from an eventful week in the tech world. As we continue to monitor these unfolding stories, we look forward to bringing you more updates and insights into the technologies that are shaping our lives.