Samsung's TouchWiz UI was a defining feature of its Android devices for many years, heavily customizing the core Android experience. While it's no longer in use (replaced by One UI), understanding its iteration on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) provides valuable context to the evolution of Samsung's software approach. This post will delve into the features, criticisms, and legacy of TouchWiz on Android 6.0.
What was TouchWiz on Android 6.0 like?
TouchWiz on Android 6.0 represented a significant evolution from previous versions. While still heavily customized, it showed signs of moving towards a more refined and less cluttered interface. Some key features included:
- Improved Performance: Samsung made strides in improving the performance of TouchWiz on Android 6.0, addressing some of the lag and resource consumption issues that plagued earlier versions. While still not as lean as stock Android, it was a noticeable improvement.
- Visual Refinements: The visual design saw subtle updates, featuring slightly redesigned icons and a more consistent color palette. While still distinct from stock Android, the overall look felt more polished.
- Magazine UX: Samsung's Magazine UX, featuring a customizable homescreen with card-like widgets and app shortcuts, was a prominent feature, offering personalized information at a glance.
- Enhanced S Pen Functionality (for supported devices): For devices with S Pen styluses, TouchWiz on Android 6.0 offered improved note-taking and drawing capabilities. This included enhanced pressure sensitivity and more advanced features within the S Note app.
- Samsung Apps: The suite of pre-installed Samsung apps remained a core part of the experience, offering features like S Health, Samsung Gallery, and the Samsung internet browser, often integrated with TouchWiz features.
What were the common criticisms of TouchWiz on Android 6.0?
Despite improvements, TouchWiz on Android 6.0 still faced criticism:
- Bloatware: The abundance of pre-installed Samsung apps and third-party applications remained a major point of contention for many users, consuming storage space and potentially slowing down devices.
- Resource Intensive: Even with performance improvements, TouchWiz remained more resource-intensive than stock Android, impacting battery life on some devices.
- Deviation from Stock Android: The heavy customization often clashed with the standard Android experience, confusing users accustomed to stock Android's simplicity.
Was TouchWiz on Android 6.0 better than previous versions?
Yes, TouchWiz on Android 6.0 was generally considered an improvement over its predecessors. The performance boosts and visual refinements addressed some long-standing complaints. However, it still wasn't without its flaws, and many users preferred the cleaner and more efficient experience offered by stock Android.
How did TouchWiz on Android 6.0 compare to other custom Android UIs?
Compared to other custom Android skins of the time, like HTC Sense or LG's UX, TouchWiz on Android 6.0 held its own in terms of features and customization. However, its resource consumption and bloatware were often cited as drawbacks compared to lighter custom UIs.
Why did Samsung discontinue TouchWiz?
Samsung eventually discontinued TouchWiz in favor of One UI, which represents a significant departure from the heavily customized approach of TouchWiz. One UI prioritizes a cleaner interface, improved one-handed usability, and better integration with Samsung's hardware features. The move towards One UI reflects a shift in Samsung's strategy to balance customization with a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
What replaced TouchWiz?
One UI replaced TouchWiz. It's a much more refined and user-friendly interface focusing on simplicity and ease of use, addressing many of the criticisms leveled against TouchWiz.
This overview provides a comprehensive look at TouchWiz on Android 6.0, considering its features, criticisms, and its place within the evolution of Samsung's software strategy. While it might be a nostalgic memory for some, its legacy paved the way for the cleaner, more efficient One UI we see on Samsung devices today.
