Excitement for Google I/O with Android updates discussed. One UI 6.1 on Samsung devices. MediaTek entering the US market. Improved multitasking on Android 14 tablets. Speculation on HTC's new phone. Google Pixel 8A design changes. Review of Rabbit R1 device. Porsche Design Honor Magic 6 RSR details. Google's new data transfer tool. Google Photos enhancements. Comic book app recommendation.
Google I/O excitement discussed with coverage updates, Samsung One UI 6.1 on S21 series, MediaTek entering US market.
Hardware highlights include Pixel 8A launch with new colors and features, Pixel Tablet availability, and Rabbit R1 industrial design.
App segment covers Google's data transfer speed-up feature, Google Photos enhancements, and introduction of comic app Omnibus.
Deep dives
Overview and Design of the Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8A is a mid-range phone featuring a refreshing design with rounded corners and a matte plastic back. It introduces new colors like Aloe Green and offers two storage options, 120Hz refresh rate, IP67 rating, and a Tensor G3 chip. It also comes with a larger battery at 4492 milliamps.
Features of the Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8A offers seven years of OS and security updates, Pixel AI features like circle to search, AI camera features, live translate, and call assist. It introduces audio emojis for calls and comes in storage options of 120GB and 256GB, priced at $499 and $559 respectively.
Google's Pixel Tablet Reloaded
The Pixel Tablet is now available at $399 for 128GB and $499 for 256GB. It no longer includes the charging speaker dock but comes with a USB-C cable. Google may unveil an official keyboard and stylus accessory for the tablet.
Review and Experience with Rabbit R1
The Rabbit R1 features striking orange industrial design and improved battery life after an OTA update. While it excels in design, it lacks functionality beyond answering basic questions and identifying objects. Interaction limitations such as interrupting the AI's response may hinder user experience.
Rabbit Device Evaluation
The podcast episode discusses the functionality and user experience of the Rabbit device, focusing on its integration with apps like Spotify, Uber, DoorDash, and Midjourney. The speaker shares personal experiences with using the device, highlighting challenges such as incompatibility with Google login for Uber, limited options on DoorDash, and crashes in the DoorDash app. Despite its potential as an AI assistant, the speaker concludes that the device does not offer a significant advantage over using a smartphone.
On The Bus Comic App Introduction and Evaluation
The podcast episode introduces the On The Bus comic app as a new alternative to comicsology for reading comics on mobile devices. The app offers a clean interface, a dark mode theme, a variety of publishers, and features to buy comics directly within the app. While lacking Marvel and DC titles currently, it aims to provide a seamless experience for comic book enthusiasts and allows users to make in-app purchases for their favorite comics.
As if Google I/O excitement wasn't enough, we shared some big news on the podcast this week! Listen as Jason Howell, Huyen Tue Dao, Ron Richards and Mishaal Rahman reveal the brand new Android Faithful website featuring newsletters, articles, reviews and more! Check it out at AndroidFaithful.com and then listen as we discuss all the major Android news of the week!
