Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes Google’s official preview, Pixel 8 Pro details, Galaxy Z Fold 5 lessons, Galaxy S4 Ultra camera leaks, Honor Magic V2 Wins IFA, Microsoft Remembers Surface Duo, Xiaomi’s increased Android support, and Android’s new design.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many things that have happened around Android in the last week (and you can find the weekly Apple news digest here).
Made By Google Teaser Video
It may be a month away, but Google is building up some PR momentum around the “Made By Google” event on October 4th. The Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 all appeared in Google’s teaser video released earlier this week. We didn’t get a look at the software, but the design was on full show:
“As expected, one of the two leaked color schemes is prominent in the video. The leaked “ Porcelain” color that first appeared on one of the Google Store’s internal pages last week is very much on show. What we don’t see is any software running on the Pixel 8’s screen.”
(Forbes).
Pixel 8 Pro Features
That’s not to say that extra details haven’t leaked out away from the official videos. As well as the new colors, the temperature sensor, and the improved Tensor Mobile chipset, you have smaller details that will add to the value:
“The Pixel 8 Pro is also said to ship with a telephoto lens with a 5x zoom, though the features section does not specify if ‘5x’ is lossless zoom or a combination of optical and digital zoom. Other additions such as NFC, mmWave antenna cover, and several microphones will find their way to the flagship.”
(WCCFTech).
Folds, Z Folds, And Android Software
Google’s Pixel Fold may grab the attention, but Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold range is now in its fifth iteration. What software lessons can Samsung teach Google and, in turn, have them roll out across Android’s large-screened devices? Mishaal Rahman suggests starting with multitasking:
“The Pixel Fold, in contrast, doesn’t even have a search bar in its taskbar (yet), so it’s awkward to select a second split-screen app when you initiate split-screen mode from the recents menu. Google’s software does, at least, let you launch apps in split-screen mode from the home screen, unlike One UI. On the other hand, Google’s software lacks arguably the best feature for split-screen multitasking: saving app pairs.”
(Android Central).
An Ultra Camera For An Ultra Phone
While the attention is on Google, details on Samsung’s next flagship Galaxy handset have leaked. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is leaning heavily into the camera with some new technology expected:
“More notable is the claimed camera spec. The provision of a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide (presumably), and a 10MP telephoto is in keeping with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but this list appears to confirm previous claims that the S24 Ultra is set for a new 50MP 3x telephoto camera.”
(Yogesh Brar via Trusted Reviews).
Honor Magic V2 Wins IFA
Last week’s IFA trade show in Berlin saw countless new consumer electronics previewed and launched. Naturally, there were some standouts, with Honor’s second foldable smartphone picking up many “best in show” awards.
“The Magic V2 offers larger displays inside and out than the obvious comparable models from Samsung and Google, but remains slimmer and lighter than both. It’s also got a larger battery using cutting-edge silicon-carbon technology and upgraded camera sensors befitting a flagship phone. And if the current Honor Magic Vs is anything to go by, it’ll be quite a bit cheaper than a Samsung or Google foldable in the markets where it’s available.”
(Tom’s Guide).
Surface Duo Not Forgotten
This week saw a surprising announcement from Microsoft. For all of the lack of action around the Android-powered Surface Duo, a new search function has been added to the folding dual-screened mobile device. Is it too little, too late, given the rise of foldable devices that have met and exceeded the promise of the Duo?
“Awesome new feature available for Surface Duo users – start a Bing Chat conversation from anywhere you find search on your Surface Duo or in Microsoft Launcher. “
(Twitter)
Xiaomi Increases Android Support
Another manufacturer has announced an increased support window for software. This week it is the turn of Xiaomi to push out to five years, extending the secure life of their latest smartphone:
“We are proud to announce a significant enhancement to our commitment to providing exceptional software support. Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro will include 4 generations of Android OS upgrades, as well as 5 years of security patches.”
And Finally…
Google has refreshed the look and feel of the Android branding. The latest blog post goes into the design details for those wondering why small changes can have so much impact.
“With this update, you’ll notice some subtle changes that help connect Android to Google. In addition to moving away from our longstanding lowercase stylization of “android,” we’re elevating the Android logo by capitalizing the “A,” adding more weight to its appearance when placed next to Google’s logo. While we’ve added more curves and personality unique to Android, the new Android stylization more closely mirrors Google’s logo and creates balance between the two.”
(Google Blog).
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
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