Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR Samsung’s Smart Manager app has received a hefty update for One UI 8.5.
The update brings features such as native app lock, the ability to restore apps to their previous state after a crash, and more.
Unfortunately, the Smart Manager app is restricted to China, while global users get the Device Care menu.
Samsung phones in global markets have the Device Care menu, which is a one-stop hub for maintaining your phone. However, Chinese users have the Smart Manager app, and it will receive some new features as part of the upcoming One UI 8.5 update.
GalaxyTechie on Twitter (h/t: SammyGuru) spotted these Smart Manager additions and highlighted them. Some of the most notable new features include native app lock functionality, app state restoration, and sleep standby optimization.
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Native app lock functionality (seen in the first two screenshots below) is a great alternative to the current app lock solution on Galaxy phones. Samsung owners in global markets have to add their apps to Secure Folder if they want to lock them. However, Secure Folder effectively creates a cloned version of the app, while another instance of the app remains visible and accessible in the main app drawer unless you hide it. By contrast, the Smart Manager app lets you lock and unlock apps directly on the home screen using a pattern/PIN/password or biometrics. One of the screenshots also suggests that you can lock entire folders on the home screen.
Meanwhile, app state restoration (see the third screenshot above) lets you restore your app to its previous state before a crash or freeze. It’s unclear how this will work, while Samsung’s fine print cautions that it might not work for all apps. Nevertheless, I hope this means the app will save your work-in-progress message or keep your place in your social media home feed.
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