Galaxy Tab S7 update: the new features you need to turn on

Samsung has released a new update for the Galaxy Tab S7 series, meaning the Galaxy Tab S7, Tab S7+, and Tab S7 FE. The description of the new features in the update is not self-explanatory, and you have to turn them on deliberately, otherwise you won’t notice any of it. I think they are really cool. I bought the device myself and I am not being paid for this video.

Pinning the side panel

This is my absolute highlight. In the past you could only reach the side panel with a touch on the edge, and as soon as you opened an app it disappeared. Now you can pin it:

1. Open Settings and go to Advanced features.
2. Open the new item Labs.
3. Turn on Pin favorite apps. While you are at it, also tick the box for multi-window for all apps (more on that below).
4. Open the side panel and pin it using the small menu.

The panel stays visible on the side. That way you switch between your favorite apps in a flash, without having to leave the app first. In full-screen mode, for example during videos, it hides automatically and comes back when you leave full-screen mode.

Multi-window for all apps and pop-ups

Up to three apps at the same time in multi-window was already possible before. What is new is that the individual apps can be freely resized. Multi-window was previously not optimized for all apps. With the setting in Labs, the apps are practically forced to show up in multi-window.

In addition, any window can be shown as a pop-up on top of the others. You set the size and transparency of the pop-up and can return from there to multi-window. Especially in combination, I find these three new features enormously practical: you switch between apps much faster and more ergonomically, or use them at the size you need right now.

Showing apps in landscape

Some apps are not optimized for tablets, for example Instagram. They stay in portrait. Here is how to change that:

1. Settings, Advanced features, Labs, Show apps in landscape.
2. Choose the app, here Instagram.
3. There are three options: App default (stays in portrait), Full screen, or App aspect ratio.

Full screen in landscape is still nothing to write home about for individual posts. With the app aspect ratio, Instagram is displayed at its normal aspect ratio, and I can scroll through the feed conveniently in landscape too. That looks much better.

Gallery: Improve image

In the Gallery, in the small menu at the top right, there is the new item Improve image. The image is analyzed, and you get a suggestion for optimizing it. With the slider you see before and after and decide which version to take.

Verdict

With the update, the Galaxy Tab S7 becomes even more productive and cooler. The three features around the side panel, multi-window, and pop-ups are the most important ones for me.