Tech reviewer Juan Bagnell guests in a spicy Android talk covering Android 15 Preview 2, Apple DOJ lawsuit implications, Samsung updates, Google Contacts features. Hardware reviews include Nokia T21 Tablet and OnePlus Watch 2 battery life. Epic Games on Android, Google Wallet updates, and Apple's Find My Network drama discussed.
Samsung Galaxy A55 now supports seamless updates for a smoother user experience.
Google Contacts introduces custom ringtones for individual contacts, enhancing personalization.
Nokia T21 tablet offers a budget-friendly option with a premium feel and clean Android interface.
Epic Games Store expands to Android to bypass Play Store fees, potentially improving gaming accessibility.
Deep dives
Nokia T21 Tablet Hands-On Review
The Nokia T21 tablet is a budget option with a touch of premium feel. Priced at $239, it offers a clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware, making it a blank canvas for users. The tablet boasts a metal backing, 8MP front and rear cameras, and a 10.36-inch 5:3 aspect ratio screen. While it may lack high-end specs, Geekbench tests show lower performance compared to more expensive tablets like Pixel, but adequate for media consumption and light tasks.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Receives Seamless Updates
Samsung's Galaxy A55 series tablet now supports seamless updates, offering a smoother update process for users without requiring downtime for installation. This new feature enhances the user experience with a more streamlined update system for Android firmware and security patches, providing a well-rounded software improvement for Samsung tablet users.
Samsung One UI 6.1 Rollout Announced
Samsung has revealed the rollout date for One UI 6.1, the next major OS update for existing Zalkin devices such as the Galaxy S23 series, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, and Tab S9 series. The update brings new features from the Galaxy S24 series, including Circle to Search, image editing enhancements, Live Translate, and more, offering users an improved software experience on their Samsung devices.
Google Contacts Feature: Custom Ringtones for Individual Contacts
Google Contacts is introducing a new feature that allows users to set custom ringtones for individual contacts, making it easier to identify incoming calls at a glance. By enabling personalized ringtones, users can customize their contact list with unique audio alerts, enhancing the overall user experience and personalization of their Android devices.
Pixel Watch 2 Battery and Wear OS Integration
The Pixel Watch 2 was reviewed after extensive use, highlighting its battery performance, lasting up to 130 hours, and the Wear OS 4 integration providing seamless functionality. The watch's large size and battery cater to users with larger wrists prioritizing battery life.
OnePlus Watch 2 Hybrid Architecture
The OnePlus Watch 2 impressed with its hybrid architecture, allowing offloading of core functionality to a lower power processor for extended battery life. By deactivating Wear OS, users could gain extended battery longevity. The shift towards this hybrid model could influence future smartwatch designs.
Epic Games Store Expansion and Google Wallet Update
Epic Games announced the arrival of its store on iOS and Android, aiming to avoid Google's Play Store fees. The expansion could lead to enhanced gaming access on mobile devices. Meanwhile, Google Wallet users are required to unlock for transactions exceeding certain amounts, enhancing security and payment verification.
Juan Bagnell of SomeGadgetGuy returns to the show for a spicy week of Android discussions as Jason, MIshaal and Ron preview Android 15 and get hands-on with some new hardware!
