With the rollout of One UI 7, Samsung has introduced changes to its Smart View feature that impact how users screen mirror between Galaxy phones and Samsung TVs. Previously, accessing this functionality was straightforward through the Quick Settings menu. Now, while mirroring from a phone to a TV remains possible via Quick Settings, streaming content in the opposite direction requires using the SmartThings app. This shift introduces an enhanced Smart View menu but complicates the process for some users.

Details on the New Screen Mirroring Process

In previous versions of One UI, such as 6.1.1, users could easily navigate to the Smart View panel within Quick Settings to initiate screen mirroring either from their Galaxy phone to their Samsung TV or vice versa. However, with the advent of One UI 7, the option to mirror a Samsung TV's screen onto a Galaxy phone has been removed from the Quick Settings interface. Instead, users must now open the SmartThings app, select their TV, and then choose the Featured tab to access the updated Smart View menu. This new menu offers choices between mirroring the screen and playing sound, presenting an improved user experience albeit through a more convoluted path.

This change affects devices operating on One UI 7, where although the basic functionality persists, the method to achieve it has shifted significantly. Users seeking to stream content from their TV to their phone must adapt to the new procedure involving the SmartThings application.

From a timing perspective, these modifications coincide with the gradual deployment of One UI 7 across eligible Galaxy devices, including several models recently updated in the United States.

While the reasoning behind removing the screen mirroring option from the Quick Settings remains unclear, it appears to be part of a broader strategy by Samsung to streamline features within dedicated applications like SmartThings.

As a result, what was once a convenient single-step process now necessitates multiple steps, potentially frustrating users accustomed to the old system.

For those desiring to continue utilizing this feature, familiarizing themselves with the SmartThings app becomes essential.

Ultimately, this update highlights the ongoing evolution of smartphone and smart TV interactions, prompting users to adjust their habits accordingly.

From a journalist's viewpoint, Samsung’s decision to relocate the screen mirroring function underscores the company's push towards integrating more functionalities into its SmartThings ecosystem. While the updated Smart View menu offers enhanced options, the removal of direct access may initially perplex users who valued simplicity. This situation serves as a reminder of the trade-offs inherent in technological advancements—gaining new features often involves sacrificing ease of use in certain areas. As technology evolves, consumers must continually adapt to changing interfaces and workflows, balancing convenience with innovation. In this instance, embracing the new SmartThings-centric approach might lead to a richer overall experience, despite the initial inconvenience.