Prominent tech companies, including Samsung, are constantly evolving to lead in the ever-improving tech landscape. Samsung recently introduced their One UI 6.0, a comprehensive update that enhanced numerous aspects of the user interface and pre-installed apps. The Samsung Game Launcher app, as part of this update, underwent expected changes such as renaming to Samsung Gaming Hub as previously announced. For gaming enthusiasts, staying updated on these Game Launcher app improvements is essential, as this marks another improved step on Samsung’s cloud gaming.
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From Samsung Game Launcher to Samsung Gaming Hub
With the introduction of the One UI 6.0, the South Korean tech giant has added a new One UI typeface and renamed several first-party apps. Samsung Game Launcher is one of the apps that now has a new name – Samsung Gaming Hub.
What Has Changed in Samsung Gaming Hub?
The most significant alteration in this updated Gaming Hub is the overhauled game selection section. The previous bottom bar, which housed buttons like “Home”, “Instant Plays”, and “More” has been replaced by a toolbar featuring the user’s mobile games. This toolbar can be expanded to occupy nearly the entire screen.
Besides, you might be curious about the fate of Instant Plays. They haven’t disappeared; instead, Instant Play games are now integrated into the “Start streaming now” and “Recommended for you” sections. The ads that always bother us are again removed, too.
Another notable change is the removal of the shortcut to the egg-hatching mini-game from the app’s home screen. However, the mini-game is still accessible. In the updated Gaming Hub, players can now access the egg-hatching mini-game by going to their gamer profile. They can do this by tapping their profile pictures at the top and navigating to the “Creature collection” section. Moreover, they have revamped the UI cards with many 3rd P-mini games.
When Will This Samsung Gaming Hub Start?
This modification from the Samsung Game Launcher to Samsung Gaming Hub will initially apply to Android 14, with older operating systems to follow. Samsung pointed out that “Gaming Hub” and “Game Launcher” may be used interchangeably, depending on the device’s menu.
Furthermore, the company made it clear that this version of the Samsung Gaming Hub is distinct from the Gaming Hub found on Samsung TVs and The Freestyle 2nd edition portable projector. This TV platform is available in selected regions and supports game syncing. Meanwhile, the Gaming Hub mobile app is currently just a game launcher app and doesn’t have any titles or cloud gaming capabilities.
Although so, Samsung have mentioned that additional features will be introduced gradually. However, it remains uncertain whether cloud gaming will be among the initial additions. Furthermore, it is important to note that Samsung might be planning to turn Gaming Hub into much more than just a simple launcher app. According to a report by SamMobile, the company have said that the mobile app will be getting “Many different features over time”.
“Gaming Hub aims to be a gaming platform that not only automatically groups your installed games and provides various convenient features, but also provides a more diverse gaming experience,” the company added. The report notes that Samsung didn’t go into much detail about what games will be added to the app or if it will have cloud gaming capabilities. It is important to note that the Samsung Gaming Hub app in One UI 6.0 has gone through no other changes and looks similar to the previous one.
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More About Samsung Gaming Hub and Samsung’s Cloud Gaming Development
Samsung has been dedicated to advancing a cloud gaming service, and earlier in 2023, it even announced the availability of such apps for its 2020 TV models. More recent Samsung TVs now feature Samsung Gaming Hub, enabling game streaming without the need for a console or streaming stick. Samsung is one of several technology companies exploring the possibilities of cloud gaming. However, insiders suggest that Samsung’s approach may differ from the norm. It is reported that Samsung does not plan to introduce a subscription-based model. Instead, its cloud gaming service might make its debut as an ad-supported service, with rumours indicating it could be exclusively accessible on mobile devices.
Samsung is not the sole company currently delving into this particular service. For instance, Netflix initiated a trial of its cloud gaming feature in the United States in early October 2023, following initial trials in Canada and the UK. In 2022, there were reports of job postings by Netflix, which appeared to be in search of individuals with gaming expertise for what they described as an “Emerging area of business”. Netflix has taken substantial steps, including the establishment of a game studio in California, indicating a significant commitment to this new business direction.
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Final Thoughts
For gaming enthusiasts, the rise of cloud gaming services opens up fresh avenues for enjoying their beloved pastime. However, it’s important to note that many of these options have certain restrictions as the gaming industry evolves. It might be prudent to delay subscribing for the time being, but one can anticipate a promising future for this sector.
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