Podcaster and tech enthusiast Florence Ion joins the chat to breakdown the latest from Google at the Pixel 8 event. They discuss updates like Pixel Secure Face Unlock and Ultra HDR in Android 14, Google's pledge for 7 years of updates, and Assistant with Bard. Other topics covered include hardware leaks, Android QPR1 Beta 2, and the Sonos vs Google legal dispute.
Google introduces Assistant with Bard, combining Google Assistant and Google Bard for interactive text responses.
Google emerges victorious in a patent lawsuit filed by Sonos, allowing the reinstatement of features previously removed.
Samsung announces One UI 6, a software update with new features and improvements for their devices.
Deep dives
Google introduces Assistant with Bard for interactive text responses
Google has unveiled Assistant with Bard, a new feature that combines Google Assistant and Google Bard to provide interactive text responses. Users will be able to call up Assistant with Bard on eligible devices and ask it to respond to text or images by generating AI-driven explanations or descriptions. The feature aims to make it easier for users to interact with and describe images, making content creation and communication more accessible.
Google wins legal battle against Sonos over patents
Google has emerged victorious in a patent lawsuit filed by Sonos last year. Sonos had accused Google of infringing on audio-related patents for managing groups of speakers. However, a US district court judge recently dismissed the case, ruling that two of Sonos' patents were invalid. This decision overturns the previous $32.5 million verdict in favor of Sonos. As a result, Google will be able to reinstate features that were removed, such as multiple speaker groups for Nest Hub devices and Chromecast.
Judge dismisses Sonos patent verdict against Google
A US district court judge has thrown out a $32.5 million verdict against Google in a patent lawsuit filed by Sonos. The judge ruled that two of Sonos' patents were invalid and unenforceable, thereby overturning the previous verdict. Google will now be able to reinstate certain features that were affected by the lawsuit, such as multiple speaker groups for its devices. Sonos had accused Google of infringing on audio-related patents for managing groups of speakers.
Sonos loses patent case against Google as verdict is thrown out
A US district court judge has overturned a previous verdict that awarded Sonos $32.5 million in a patent lawsuit against Google. The judge ruled that two of Sonos' patents were unenforceable and invalid, effectively dismissing the lawsuit. Google will now be able to reintroduce features that were previously impacted by the lawsuit, such as multiple speaker groups on its devices.
Android Auto and Car Connectivity
A listener shares their experience using Android Auto while driving in their car. They found it to be a nice experience overall, but had trouble with the phone not syncing properly and found the notifications to be distracting while driving.
One UI 6 and Samsung's Software Updates
Samsung officially announces One UI 6, the latest version of their software. The update brings new features like a freely positionable lock screen clock, improved multitasking, camera enhancements, and accessibility features. While it hasn't been released yet, a video walkthrough and exhaustive list of features is available on Sammobile.com.
We cannot think of a better episode for Florence Ion to come on to Android Faithful for the first time than the post-Pixel Event episode! Flo joins the chat with Ron Richards, Mishaal Rahman, and Huyen Tue Dao to breakdown the latest from Google coming out of the Pixel 8 event and all the surprises, drama, Artificial Intelligence drinking game and underrated announcements that goes along with it. So much so that Huyen gets a little salty...watch out!
Featured in this episode:
NEWS: SO MUCH NEWS! And SO MUCH AI! Made by Google/Pixel 8 Event recap, A little about Android vs Pixel branding, Pixel Secure Face Unlock is a gamechanger, as is the Ultra HDR in Android 14, Google's pledge for 7 years of updates, Samsung trying to get involved in the action, Assistant with Bard is a for real life thing, Google wins over Sonos and the Patron Pick is the Pixel 8 teardown video.
HARDWARE: No low-end phone from Google confirmed, but the Pixel 8A has leaked, and OnePlus releases a new tablet and it looks like the OnePlus Open foldable is real and coming soon.
APPS: Going deep on Android QPR1 Beta 2 and Samsung OneUI 6.0 officially launches
COMMUNITY: Ryuu Minastas via Patreon shares an Android Auto experience.
Thanks to Florence Ion for coming onto the show, check her writing out at Gizmodo.com
