Samsung Galaxy phones possess hidden “Labs” menus that unlock experimental features, enhancing core apps like Gallery, My Files, and Samsung Internet. These features allow users to test new ideas and shape the future of their phones.
The Samsung Gallery app, already considered superior to Google Photos by many, contains a secret Labs menu. It can be accessed by navigating to Gallery Settings > About Gallery and tapping the version number ten times.
The Album entry locks feature enhances privacy by allowing users to hide entire albums directly within the Gallery app, acting as a digital vault. The Save as PDF option eliminates the need for third-party apps for image-to-PDF conversion, streamlining workflows. Additional enhancements include displaying detailed EXIF data, customizing slideshows, and relocating the search bar for easier one-handed access.
The My Files app also has a secret Labs menu, accessible via Settings > About My Files and rapidly tapping the My Files version number. This unlocks a MyFiles Labs section in the settings.
The Permanently Delete Option adds a checkbox that bypasses the Trash folder, permanently deleting files. The Reorganize Folders feature automatically tidies up folders with over 100 files. The File Operation History function tracks every move, copy, and deletion within My Files, complete with timestamps.
Samsung Internet’s Labs menu is found under Internet Settings > Useful Features > Labs. The Use system font for webpages option replaces default web fonts with the phone’s system font, creating a more cohesive and personalized browsing experience.
System-wide Labs features are accessible via Settings > Advanced Features > Labs.
Multi window for all apps forces any app to open in pop-up view or split screen, regardless of native support. The Dark mode apps setting forces individual apps into dark mode, even if the system theme is light. Back swipe preview offers a glimpse of the previous screen before navigating back, similar to a feature on iOS.
Samsung may add or remove features in the Labs menu, and it’s recommended to regularly update Samsung apps from the Galaxy Store to check for new additions.
The Samsung Labs menu demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to innovation, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of smartphone capabilities. By exploring these hidden features, users can customize their devices to suit their needs and preferences, unlocking untapped potential.
These Labs menus represent a facet of Samsung’s broader strategy of continuous improvement and user empowerment, suggesting that the future of mobile technology lies in unlocking the hidden potential within the software itself.
