Samsung Experience: the interface formerly known as TouchWiz

Ah TouchWiz, where will we be without you? In a much better-looking place, that’s where. Samsung seems to have officially hung TouchWiz out to dry in the latest Nougat beta for the Galaxy S7. The software info page on that update now lists a Samsung Experience version number, reflecting the new refined UI that borrows heavily from the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7.

We’ve reached out to Samsung to see if Samsung Experience is a Nougat-only interface update or if it might also be making its way to other Galaxy devices not expected to make the jump to Android 7.0. Don’t count on it, but we’ll update this post with any further details.

Admittedly, TouchWiz has not been something Samsung has talked much about in years, with the last official mention of it being back on the Galaxy S2. But the name has stuck around around as the appellation of choice for Samsung’s UI, all throughout its refinement phase starting with the Galaxy S6 up to the launch interface for the Galaxy S7 family.

In many ways TouchWiz hasn’t been TouchWiz for years, so changing the name officially makes a lot of sense. The Grace UX found on the Galaxy Note 7 was too good to up in flames with that device, so it’s great to see Samsung pushing it out for next-in-line devices. The new Grace UX/Samsung Experience is a lot more streamlined and clean, with loads of white and light blue accents.

The new refined interface sits a lot better with Samsung’s recent move to highly polished and brazenly design-oriented devices. Samsung’s design language has matured in recent years and its software tastes have matured with it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better looking Samsung and interface combo than the S7 Edge with Samsung Experience. Except perhaps, for the Galaxy Note 7, may she rest in peace.

What are your thoughts on the new Samsung UI? Do you hope to get it on your Galaxy, even if you won’t get Nougat?