The S24 Ultra Now Bar, much like the Quick Button on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, could be so much more useful had Samsung opened it up to customization by users instead of simply allowing us to select from a very limited number of options.
Maybe I'm not interested in seeing Google Sports scores; and I don't need to see my Samsung Notes in the Now Bar (as if that's going to change much throughout the day). Maybe I want to see the latest value of my crypto assets; or even check for shipping notifications. Nope, we can't do that!
The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a great button that users could set for any function they deem useful: like opening a browser to a specific page; or starting my music. Instead, users are giving a massive FOUR options for it: options that Samsung thinks we'll find useful (although most of us don't).
Samsung, it's easy for TM Roh to stand up and tout "user customization" at Unpacked... perhaps someday users will actually be able to customize our phones, instead of being forced to choose among a handful of options we're given.
I am increasingly convinced that Samsung does not actually want users to customize their devices. I don't fully understand why Samsung boasts about "user customization" and then proceeds to set up arbitrary limitations.
For example, certain types of live wallpapers, such as photo ambient, are limited to the lock screen and can not be applied to the home screen. Why? Because Samsung said you aren't allowed to.
Another example is that Theme Park has been unable to apply icon packs without breaking things for YEARS at this point. Why? I can only assume that Samsung only wants their devices to use the default icon pack.
If Samsung wants a walled garden approach akin to iOS, that's fine... but using customization as a selling point and then providing inadequate tools to do so is a real problem.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback on Now Bar, customization limitations, and user control over personalization in One UI. We understand that having more flexibility to choose what appears in Now Bar and how the Galaxy Watch Ultra Quick Button functions would provide a more personalized and dynamic user experience.
Samsung remains committed to enhancing customization options while ensuring a smooth, stable experience. Your points about live wallpaper restrictions, Theme Park limitations, and predefined options for key UI features highlight areas where more customization could be beneficial. We will ensure that this feedback is shared with the relevant teams for review in future updates.
We truly appreciate your passion for personalization and your insights on how these features could be more user-centric. Thank you for being an active participant in the One UI Beta community, and we look forward to hearing more of your ideas.
