NEWS  Smartphones  January 26, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Samsung's latest flagship release, the Galaxy S24 series, has brought a wave of excitement with its cutting-edge hardware and the debut of One UI 6.1. However, amidst the plethora of new AI-based features, Samsung has made a surprising decision that may leave some users puzzled – the removal of its own navigation gestures from One UI 6.1.

As reported by Sammobile, users can no longer opt for the familiar Samsung navigation gestures that were introduced with the Samsung Experience skin on Android 8.0 Oreo and later expanded with Android 9.0 Pie. This change forces users to choose between the traditional navigation bar with virtual buttons or adopting the default Android navigation gestures.

The default Android gestures include swiping up from the bottom for Home, swiping up and holding for Recent apps, and swiping in from the sides to go back. While these gestures align with the industry standard and are reminiscent of iOS navigation, Samsung's decision to abandon its own system seems unusual, especially considering the brand's history of including overlapping features.

The removal becomes even more perplexing when considering the potential interference with Samsung's new Circle to Search functionality. Circle to Search relies on a long press of the navigation pill when using gestures. However, with default Android gestures, accidental swipes can occur easily, leading the phone to misinterpret the input as a swipe for Home or Recent apps. Samsung's legacy navigation, though not perfect, would have caused interference for only one action (swipe up for Home), leaving the Recents and Back options theoretically unaffected.

This move by Samsung aligns with the broader industry trend, as many other OEMs have also abandoned their custom navigation systems in favor of the two default Android options. Despite user nostalgia for Samsung's unique gestures, it seems unlikely that the legacy navigation system will make a return.

As users adapt to the new interface, it remains to be seen how the community will respond to this shift in Samsung's design philosophy. With One UI 6.1, the Galaxy S24 series pushes the boundaries of innovation, but the absence of Samsung's signature navigation gestures may leave some users longing for the familiarity they once enjoyed.

 IMAGES CREDITS: SAMSUNG