The “everything but the kitchen sink” approach that Samsung employs is not for everyone. Some things are useful, other things are not. The good news is Samsung doesn’t force features on you. Many things can be turned off or customized.
Music and podcast apps are often some of the most-used apps on our Android phones. So why not put them in a prominent place? Samsung Galaxy phones have a special shortcut area just for these types of apps.
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When using a Pixel device with Android 11, users can access Google’s device controls, such as controls for Nest thermostat or Nest video doorbells, directly from the power menu. What Samsung Galaxy owners are realizing, now that their devices are being updated with Android 11 (One UI 3.0), that functionality isn’t there. However, for Galaxy devices like the Galaxy S21, which run
One UI 3.1 and is slightly different, those device controls are available but are somewhat hidden.
You see, like I mentioned, these device controls are typically accessible via the power menu on Android 11 devices. However, in One UI 3.1, the controls are placed in the Devices and Media menu that is incorporated into the notification pulldown. Furthermore, your Home devices are also placed in a drop down menu below Samsung’s own SmartThings controls, so it’d take a bit of accidental stumbling for an