Samsung adds foldable features to its older phones

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 add a host of smart new features designed for foldable phones as part of the One UI 3.1.1 update. But if you own a Fold 2, Z Flip, or even the original Galaxy Fold, you'll still be able to get some new additions without having to buy a new phone.

The new One UI 3.1.1 user interface is designed to take advantage of the devices' large screen and unique shape. They help make the devices easier to use.

And from August 31st. One UI 3.1.1 is also available for Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Z Flip. Samsung Galaxy Fold, which was launched in 2019, also receives the update after about a week.

Drag and Split: The feature allows you to drag the link you want to check to the edge of the screen and open it in a new window to be displayed simultaneously.

The feature works with many applications. Including Samsung Internet, Samsung Notes, My Files and Messages, MS Office, OneNote, OneDrive, and more.

Multi-Active Window & Natural Window Switching: This feature allows you to use up to three apps simultaneously across your screen, all arranged in your preferred layout. Moreover, you can also adjust the height and width of the application windows to suit your needs.

And when it comes to changing the layout of your apps to your preferred style, the feature makes transitions more responsive and intuitive.

With One UI 3.1.1, the window you want to move appears when you press down on the top handle. Which makes it easy for you to drag and drop the application to the desired location.

Rotate all apps: One of the best benefits of the unique shape of a foldable smartphone is the detailed experiences it provides to users whether they are viewing an app in portrait or landscape orientation.

Using the all new apps rotate feature. Your apps seamlessly transition to the right user experience to match the vertical or horizontal aspect ratio. When the feature is turned on in Labs, even stationary apps can be rotated vertically by 90 degrees.

Also read: The most common Samsung Z Fold 3 problems and how to solve them

Samsung adds foldable features to older phones

Set aspect ratio for apps: With customizable aspect ratios, you can maximize the benefits of your foldable smartphone's Infinity Flex Display.

One UI 3.1.1 allows you to resize the app so that you can fully immerse yourself in your photos and videos. To get the most out of Samsung's foldable screens, just enable this feature in Experimental Features.

App split view: When used with Messages, the feature displays the message list across the left of the screen and the selected conversation on the right, allowing you to get more information at a glance. Click the button at the top of the conversation to expand it to full screen.

Moreover, for apps that don't come with built-in support for the feature. You can enable the functionality by turning it on in Labs.

Turning the feature on for a shopping app, for example, allows you to display the product list on the left, and product details on the right.

Flex mode panel: With the One UI 3.1.1 update, Flex mode, one of Samsung's signature foldable features, has become even more powerful.

For applications that normally do not support Flex mode. You can now enable the feature by turning on the Flex Mode panel in Labs.

Moreover, with the new Flex Mode panel, you can enjoy easier media control while watching your favorite TV shows.

Pin favorite apps to the taskbar When you use your device to get work done on the go, Samsung knows that the fewer taps and taps it takes to complete a task, the better.

As a result, the taskbar, designed to help you work more efficiently, allows you to switch between applications. And that's without going back to the home screen or scrolling through the Recent tab.

The taskbar pins apps to the side of the home screen, where you use the Edge Panel. Giving you instant access to your favorite apps. Just enable the feature in Labs to make your workflow smoother.

Cover Screen Mirroring: One UI 3.1.1 makes the transition between the Cover and Home screen smoother and easier. As a result, the cover screen mirroring feature allows you to have the exact same setup and layout as the main screen. And that's across both your home screen and the cover.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a battery protection feature