Huyen Tue Dao, Mishaal Rahman, and Ron Richards discuss the Pixel 8 launch event, Android branding update, Honor V2 Magic foldable phone, OnePlus Android 14 update, and the threat of fake Signal and Telegram apps on Google Play.
OnePlus is rolling out Android 14 to its phones starting on September 25th, potentially including OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, and OnePlus Nord 3.
Instagram is introducing a tablet layout for larger screens, making better use of screen space and enabling easier navigation.
Deep dives
OnePlus plans to roll out stable release of Android 14
OnePlus has announced plans to roll out the stable release of Android 14, called Oxygen OS, starting on September 25th. The update will potentially include devices such as OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, and OnePlus Nord 3. Additionally, OnePlus unveiled the Trinity Engine, a performance optimization feature aimed at improving CPU, RAM, storage, hyper boost, hyper touch, and hyper rendering.
Instagram rolls out tablet layout for certain devices
Instagram is finally rolling out a tablet layout for larger screens on devices like the Samsung Z Fold5 and Google Pixel tablets. The update introduces a navigation rail on the left side, mirroring Instagram's web version, to help users easily navigate the app. The layout aims to make better use of the screen space and efficiently display content, including reels.
Malicious versions of Signal and Telegram found on Google Play
Malicious versions of the Signal and Telegram apps were discovered on Google Play. Developers had compiled their own versions of the apps, adding spyware, and uploaded them to the platform. Users who downloaded and signed into these fake versions unknowingly gave up their data. It is advised to use the official versions of such apps to ensure data security.
Honor Magic V2 and its competition with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Honor Magic V2, a passport-style foldable, competes against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Although the Magic V2 is thinner and lighter, it offers comparable specs and larger displays. With a lower price point, the Magic V2 is an attractive option for those outside the US, where it will soon be available in Europe. It offers more RAM and higher megapixel cameras, competitively challenging the Z Fold 5. However, its battery life and lack of wireless charging may be a drawback for some users.
On the latest Android Faithful episode, Huyen Tue Dao, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards have got A LOT of Android news to cover as Google is kicking things into gear post Labor Day
Featured in this episode:
NEWS: Google sets the date for the Pixel 8 launch event, in one month. We break down the latest rumors and leaks surrounding the Pixel 8 and dig into the latest Android feature drops and the Android branding update. The Bot is back!
HARDWARE: The Honor V2 Magic was launched and adds another foldable to the mix PLUS a fashion forward concept with the Honor V2 Purse! Yes, a purse. You have to see this to believe it.
APPS: OnePlus is getting a jump on rolling out Android 14 to it's phones, Instagram goes tablet mode, sorta and Google protects us from fake Signal and Telegram apps.