Android Faithful

Get the scoop on Google's Play Store changes that welcome alternative app stores! Discover the innovative Louie Robot that turns your phone into an AI-driven desktop helper. The Unihertz Titan 2 makes waves with its retro physical keyboard design. Meanwhile, there are intriguing developments around Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 and rumors of a new gaming phone from Aya Neo. Plus, LineageOS expands its reach, and hints of home screen widgets for Android Auto spark excitement!

Get ready for some spooky tech talk! Florence shares her hair-raising experience with Google Home, revealing its uncanny ability to hallucinate people. The crew dives into the Fitbit AI personal health coach and how it plans to integrate health data. They also unveil first looks at the blue Google Pixel 10a and the intriguingly designed Redmi phone with a denim back. Plus, Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup faces a shakeup, raising eyebrows over what’s next in smartphone evolution.

Samsung has revealed the Galaxy XR headset, exciting hosts with hands-on experiences and features like stellar passthrough and Gemini AI integration. The discussion shifts to OnePlus's groundbreaking OxygenOS 16 and the imminent launch of the OnePlus 15 with impressive battery specs. Meanwhile, Xiaomi celebrates success with its innovative rear display. Listener feedback highlights the value of LineageOS in prolonging device life, while a devoted Pebble Watch user shares their enduring loyalty to this classic tech.

Huyen Tue Dao makes her triumphant return to the show just in time to join Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards to talk more AI in Android, the latest leaks with Android XR and weigh in on watches!Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:02:00 - NEWSIn the court room, Google thinks they should be allowed to bundle Gemini with their appsWear OS 6 comes to older versions of the Pixel WatchAhead of it's return, Pebble relaunches it's appstore! Patron Pick: Not to be pushed around, LineageOS releases Android 16 despite lack of support from Google00:32:00 - HARDWAREFlorence Ion weighs in with her review of the Pixel Watch 4 and the Pixel Buds 2A Google reveals how they built the hinge on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold without gearsWe get the most comprehensive collection of leaks ahead of Project Moohan's release from Samsung, maybe happening soon?Motorola gets in on the thin phone game with the latest version of their Edge 70 device00:58:45 - APPSWhew! Google Messages will now protect you from NSFW videos containing nudityDetails on the potential Theme Manager coming to Android Nano Banana continues it's meteoric rise within Google as it expands to more apps01:09:42 - FEEDBACKLarry from Kennewick, Washington wants to know if he should get the Pixel 10 Pro?Andrew is considering jumping from the Pixel to Samsung, what should he lookout for?Craig shares his own personal unlimited storage workaround scheme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, Google Home welcomed Gemini into it's doors and many of you had lots of passionate reactions. Mishaal Rahman, Jason Howell and Ron Richards are here to process those emotions plus all the other Android related news and happenings from the week that was.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:03:40 - NEWSFinally, Gemini gets added to Google Home along with new hardware and lots of changes.Listen to our exclusive interview with Anish Katukaran, Chief Product Officer of Google HomeNothing takes a step forward with AI and vibe coding, kind of, with Nothing OS 4.0 BetaThe Supreme Court won't save Google (yet) from their battle with Epic GamesPatron Pick: Details on how Google's App Verification system will work00:39:38 - HARDWARERumors and renders aplenty about the Samsung Galaxy S26 PlusMore rumors that the Samsung Android XR headset will be shipping to Korea on October 22!No rumors here, just facts that the Samsung Galaxy Z series is a hit!Who needs a USB Cable with their phone? Manufacturers might be thinking you don't!00:55:26 - APPSComputer Control may be coming from Google to let LLMs automate and use your appsGoogle removes the ICE Reporting app Red Dot from the Play StorePour one out for the last subscription option for unlimited photos storage in Google Photos01:08:46 - FEEDBACKDavid reacts to our Google Home interview with his displeasure and lack of trust in GoogleAdam writes in with his frustration over disabling the Google Home BriefMatt wants to know where Spoken Notifications are on his Pixel Buds!??! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anish Katukaran, Chief Product Officer of Google Home and Nest, shares insights on the launch of Gemini for Home, which replaces Google Assistant. He discusses the multi-year effort to enhance smart home intelligence and rebuild trust with users. Anish highlights new features like Gemini Live for more conversational interactions and improved automation creation. He also delves into the challenges of updating legacy devices and the design's focus on multi-user experiences. Plus, he explains the new Home Premium subscription tiers and ongoing plans for future improvements.

Dive into the latest in the Android universe as Google announces its plans for Android on PCs by 2026. Discover Amazon's shift to its new Vega OS for Fire TV and the quirky saga of a Samsung Galaxy Ring battery mishap. Get the scoop on leaks for OnePlus 15 and Xiaomi's impressive 15T series. Plus, learn about the upcoming graphical support for Linux apps on Android and how F-Droid is reacting to new app store regulations. Don't miss insights on Proton Mail's redesign and Google Photos' AI features!

Huyen Tue Dao and Jason Howell decide that two is the right number for episode 115. Plenty of talk about where Gemini is headed (turns out, everywhere at this point), Jason has a brief review of the TCL Nxtpaper 60 Ultra, and Huyen details the walkie talkie feature of Nothing's new earbuds.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor0:02:37 - NEWSNothing OS 4.0 announced with refined design, updated dark mode and quick settingsMotorola Android 16 Update Begins Rolling Out to Edge 60 Pro and Edge 50 FusionSony Xperia 1 VII gets huge Android 16 software updateExclusive: Your First Look at Samsung One UI 8.5Here's every new feature for Pixels in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2Android 16 QPR2 may let you flip your Pixel's navigation bar like on Samsung phonesPATRON PICK: I regret to inform you Meta’s new smart glasses are the best I’ve ever tried0:31:24 - HARDWARENothing’s Ear 3 buds have a walkie-talkie style ‘super mic’Nxtpaper 60 Ultra brief reviewSamsung’s Android XR headset has a new October 21 launch date, report claimsSamsung’s biggest new phone in years may launch in the US this year0:52:16 - APPSNew ways Google Play is built entirely around youIntroducing the Google Play Games Level Up programGoogle is finally changing its tune about call recording on Pixel phonesGoogle is bringing the fun of custom Androidify bots to your Wear OS watch face1:12:30 - FEEDBACK@dmgerbino on X got an Android Faithful mug!Ron Johnson thinks Google fixed a camera issue with the Pixel 10 Pro XL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into the hilarious history of fences in tech. Android's shift towards a more closed source raises eyebrows, sparking concerns among developers. Exciting leaks about the Galaxy S26 series get everyone chatting, while Jason unboxes the vibrant new Infinix GT30 gaming smartphone. There's buzz about Google's evolving security updates and the innovative features in upcoming smartphones’ cameras. Plus, the ability to erase unwanted objects in photos makes for a playful discussion!

On this episode of Android Faithful with Jason Howell and Ron Richards, Beeper’s new CEO Kishan Bagaria shares the app’s evolution, the potential of AI integration, and a shift to on-device privacy. The conversation covers Beeper’s fight against messaging silos, openness versus Apple’s closed ecosystem, and plans to reach 100 million users.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:00 - Podcast begins04:54 - Introducing Kishan Bagaria, CEO of Beeper05:23 - Background and journey to Beeper CEO role07:11 - Experience since taking the CEO position07:41 - Overview of new Beeper tiers and features10:20 - User feedback on recent Beeper changes11:33 - Privacy and security shift to on-device connections14:44 - Beeper’s approach to messaging interoperability17:20 - Regulatory landscape and Beeper’s role in the US and EU19:46 - Matt Mullenweg’s goal of 100 million users22:25 - Openness and open-source contribution as core values24:06 - Beeper integration with Clay personal CRM27:35 - Defining Beeper’s core user base28:26 - What to expect from Beeper in 2026 including AI integrations30:06 - Closing remarks and future outlook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.