Podcast covers Android news such as Android 14 beta updates, Google's display output on Pixel 8, and EU compliance details. Hardware discussions include Pixel 8a price increase, Samsung's desktop mode, and Gemini Nano. Future launches like OnePlus Nord CE4 and Motorola Edge 50 are also explored. The podcast delves into minimalistic smartphones and the inconsistencies of Google Assistant feature. Messaging app woes and technology compatibility issues on Samsung Galaxy devices are discussed.
Google introduces additional choice screens for Android device setup in the EEA to comply with EU regulations.
Motorola teases Edge 50 series with unique camera bump design, 125W wired charging, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
Samsung launches Galaxy A55 and A35 with 1080p 120Hz displays, 5000mAh batteries, and 25W fast charging.
Pixel 8a rumored to lack Gemini Nano support due to hardware limitations, potentially impacting advanced AI features.
Deep dives
Motorola depicted, bump-end the designing for its Edge 50 Pro and Edge 50
Motorola offers a sneak peek at the design of its upcoming flagship, the Edge 50 series, featuring a camera bump with a unique sloping design, vibrant color options, 125W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB of RAM, and a high-refresh curved display.
OnePlus unveils a mid-range Nord CE 4 with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
OnePlus is set to reveal the Nord CE 4, a mid-range offering with expected specifications such as a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, triple rear cameras, and the possibility of 100W wireless charging on April 1st.
Samsung introduces A55 and A35 mid-range devices with 120Hz displays
Samsung announces the Galaxy A55 and A35 mid-range smartphones featuring 1080p 120Hz displays, 5000mAh batteries, 25W fast charging, and 4 years of OS updates with 5 years of security patches.
Google's Pixel 8a may lack Gemini Nano support
Rumors suggest the Pixel 8a might lack Gemini Nano support due to unspecified hardware limitations, potentially leaving users without the advanced AI feature found in the larger Pixel models.
Leaked information about the upcoming Motorola Edge 50 series highlights significant charging specs, including 125W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, fast processor, unique camera bump design, and multiple color options.
Issues with Google My Device Network Launch
Google's Find My Device Network launch has been delayed due to Apple's unwanted tracker detection implementation, potentially creating a delay until the end of 2025 before the network can launch. The delay is related to the finalization of the joint unwanted tracker specification between Google and Apple, impacting the Find My Device Network's release timeline.
Alternative to Circle to Search Feature
An alternative to the Circle to Search feature is found in the Google Assistant, where a 'Search Screen' button allows users to take a screenshot, initiates Google Lens, and automatically searches for the most prominent object on the screen. However, the feature's consistency and activation trigger may vary among users, raising concerns about its widespread availability and functionality.
Issues with Google Messages and Samsung Messages
An issue between Google Messages and Samsung Messages apps on Galaxy S22 Ultra phones arises, where messages sent from Google Messages to Samsung Messages users do not go through when RCS is enabled. A workaround is to send the message via SMS instead of RCS to ensure delivery, highlighting compatibility challenges between different messaging apps and RCS implementations.
Ron, Huyen, Jason, and Mishaal have a hard time sifting through the sheer volume of big Android news this week, but have no fear: There's an exclusive piece of news that Mishaal breaks on the show complete with a shiny new breaking news bumper and the gang celebrates a little too hard.
NEWS
@MishaalRahman: Here is what's new in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2
Android 15 might let you send text messages via satellite
Google finally enables display output on the Pixel 8, here's what it could mean for a DeX-like mode
Patron News Story Pick: SpaceX says its satellite service aced tests on Android and iPhone
Apple is working to make it easier to switch from iPhone to Android because of the EU
@MishaalRahman: Google also announced yesterday that they will begin showing "additional choice screens" for users setting up an Android device in the EEA.
@MishaalRahman: Google has shared details on its new external offers program, the program they created to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act.
To comply with DMA, WhatsApp and Messenger will become interoperable via Signal protocol
HARDWARE
Pixel 8a will be more expensive: colors, prices, memory of the new Google phone
Google confirms Pixel 8a is coming with Android’s new battery stats
@mishaal_rahman: Gemini Nano won't be coming to the Pixel 8 because of ""some hardware limitations"" but will be coming to more high-end devices in the near future according to Terence Zhang, a Developer Relations engineer at Google, during #TheAndroidShow.
Samsung's Galaxy A55 and A35 are official with 6.6" OLED screens, focus on security
No April Fools' joke: OnePlus will launch a new Nord on April 1
Exclusive Leak: Motorola Edge 50 Pro
Jason's Boox Palma hands on
APPS
[Exclusive] Google says the IETF's ongoing work on the unwanted tracker detection spec doesn't impact its launch timeline for the Find My Device network
@MishaalRahman: Google has announced that movie tickets and boarding passes will automatically be added to Google Wallet when you get a confirmation email in Gmail!"
COMMUNITY
Timothy, Hilton, and Robert have PLENTY to say about Assistant routines