The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones on T-Mobile are getting a new treat, with the latest update already rolling out to users.
The new update activates the dormant FM radio feature, while also applying the May Android security patch.
If you're wondering about the FM radio feature, here's the deal. With an increasing number of users now going for digital streaming rather than traditional radio stations, OEMs started to view FM radio as a non-essential feature. Consequently, most manufacturers choose to launch smartphones with the FM radio feature disabled.
Samsung's latest Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, just like all other smartphones packing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, ship with a dormant FM radio, meaning that the feature is supported but not enabled from the get go.
Sprint launched its versions of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge with the FM radio enabled from day one, but the Uncarrier is only offering the option now. Better late than never, right?
The latest update hitting the T-Mobile Galaxy S7 and S7 edge now enables the FM radio feature, allowing users to tune in to local radio stations from their mobile devices.
The update started rolling out on May 4 and lists the FM radio feature as "various system improvements." The T-Mobile Galaxy S7 (GT-930T) gets the baseband version G930TUVU2APD7, while the Galaxy S7 edge (GT-935T) gets baseband version G935TUVU2APD7.
Moreover, the update also fixes one of the most frequent Galaxy S7 and S7 edge problems users have faced, namely the issue affecting volume controls.
As for the FM radio function, two things are worth pointing out. First off, the feature requires wired headphones to function as an antenna. Secondly, you'll need to download a third-party FM radio streaming app, since a dedicated one is not in the mix.
The May security patch, meanwhile, is the one Google released earlier this week. Some users report improved performance, but complain about how long the update takes to install.
If you already downloaded and installed the latest update on your T-Mobile Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, drop by our comment section below and tell us how it fares. Will you be using the FM radio?
