Android Faithful

Another glorious week on the Android Faithful podcast with Jason Howell reviewing a 32" tablet, Mishaal flexing his Google sleuthing muscles all over Android 17, and Huyen bringing the TURBO to 2026!Don't forget the 2025 Annual Podcast Kudos (APKs!!!) You can vote for your favorite phones and news stories at https://bit.ly/2025apks - Voting closes on 12/22 at 11:59pm ET!Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor0:05:18 - NEWSGoogle and Apple partner on better Android-iPhone switchingGalaxy Z TriFold Becomes Instant Hit, Sold Out Within MinutesAndroid 17 may finally add the native App Lock feature Pixel users have been waiting forAndroid 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sicknessPatron pick: Google's Stadia controller just got a big upgrade courtesy of Steam0:32:25 - HARDWAREJason reviews the KTC 32" Android TabletOnePlus says its upcoming ‘Turbo’ gaming phones are ‘frighteningly strong’Return of 4GB RAM in smartphones by 2026 amidst DRAM crisis2026 Smartphone Shipment Forecasts Revised Down as Memory Shortage Drives BoM Costs Up0:52:09 - APPSInstagram hands you the keys to control 'Your Algorithm' in Reels, plans to expandBringing state-of-the-art Gemini translation capabilities to Google Translate0:59:35 - FEEDBACKJeff is having Pixel 10 Qi2 issuesHilton thinks monochrome icons make Android less usableMorgan shares a (long) report on Google's sub-par customer service Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an exciting week at Android Faithful as Jason Howell and Florence Ion share their Android XR experience with Ron Richards and we kickoff the first ever Android Faithful awards...the 2025 Annual Podcast Kudos or the APKs!!! You can vote for your favorite phones and news stories at https://bit.ly/2025apks - Voting closes on 12/22 at Midnight ET!Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:03:38 - HARDWAREAll the details of the new AI Glasses unveiled by Google at the Android XR eventA bunch of Samsung news as it likes like they're adding Qi2 wireless to the Galaxy S26And Samsung rolls out OneUI 8.5And we can't get enough of the Tri Fold. Here's info on the fingerprint scanner and a glimpse of a 4 camera prototypePebble unveils their latest product, a ring! It's a memory ring and it's open for pre-order!Patron Pick: 90:10 Split-Screen multitasking in Android is brilliant… so why do I almost never use it?00:45:15 - NEWSA Judge limits Google's contracts to a single yearThe EU is coming after Google's AI SummariesPatron Pick: Check out this adorable MagSafe E-Reader! 00:59:23 - APPSWe got new gestures with the latest WearOS updateOpera makes it easier to choose your AI within their browserGet a glimpse of Face Editing in the upcoming Google Photos update01:07:02 - The 2025 APKsWe unveil the first ever Android Faithful awards - The 2025 APKs - voting is open now at https://bit.ly/2025apks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're kicking off the last month of 2025 with Florence Ion, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards pondering everything from multi-tasking to foldables to earbuds and whether or not icons should be themed or as the developer intended them to be? So many questions to start the end of 2025...Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:03:20 - NEWSThe last Pixel / Android Drop of 2025 has arrived and we've got all the details of Android 16 QPR2Google is hyping the next wave of news from Android XR coming next weekThe wait is over! The OnePlus 15 is going on-sale for pre-orders in the US on December 4th and you can get a free smartwatch or earbuds in the process!Patron Pick: 90:10 Split-Screen multitasking in Android is brilliant… so why do I almost never use it?00:44:18 - HARDWAREIt's finally happening, Samsung quietly announces the Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold (yes it's just called the Trifold)Flo's End of 2025 hardware picks for Ear Buds are in and they've got blingSony unveiled their 200 Megapixel camera sensor and it's going to be in phones soon01:10:14 - APPSGoogle may be getting ride of the Weather app! Netflix got rid of Casting support!MKBHD's wallpaper app is shutting down! 01:20:52 - FEEDBACKMatt from Louisville provides an amusing solve to the lack of Gemini features for his Pixel BudsMike from Ohio shares how Google Photos and AI helped make some memorable photos for his familyCraig K. ponders how sustainable the Fairphone actually is... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So much to give thanks for this week as Jason Howell, Huyen Tue Dao and Ron Richards process the implications of AirDrop on Android, the affordability crisis in phones and exciting new hardware designs in phones!BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: Support Android Faithful at Patreon and get 25% off using code: BLACKFRIDAYNote: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:05:27 - NEWSThe unthinkable happened: AirDrop works with Android!US customers aren't upgrading their phones as fast as they used toHints of Google's 'Aluminium OS' for Android to PCsGemini arrives on Android Auto!Patron Pick: Samsung's Now Bar and Now Brief are the Google Now experience I've been missing00:44:25 - HARDWAREUpstart manufacturer Nubia has got two Foldables coming soonCheck out this modular feature phone running Android, it's wild!Honor's Robot Phone is real, and it's fantastic - get your first glimpse of it in person00:58:50 - APPSPerplexity has been busy! Comet for Android launched and Perplexity may be powering Bixby for SamsungGoogle ain't messing around as Nano Banana goes Pro01:12:14 - FEEDBACKHilton shares his excitement for Microsoft Co-PilotKiril explains how skiing and cold weather makes Face Unlock a necessity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a big episode full of first looks, glimpses and glances as Jason Howell, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards gear up for everything from AI to OnePlus, Samsung, Motorola and more this week in the world of Android.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:02:13 - NEWSGemini 3 has landed and here's how Mishaal put it to the testMore developments in the Google Sideloading emotional rollercoasterAndroid apps are coming to Steam?Android 17 updates focusing on alternate app stores, gaming controllers and contacts management privacyPatron Pick: Android is about to get better facial recognition00:39:45 - HARDWAREThe official Android Faithful OnePlus 15 ReviewUnboxing the Moto G Play 2026, a nice low end phoneThe Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold gets another pre-release update01:02:38 - APPSGoogle Play announced the best games and apps of 2025!Google's attempt at Apple's NameDrop might be coming to Android soon?Predictive weather gets a boost from Google's WeatherNext 2 model on Pixel Weather01:15:11 - FEEDBACKJoey checks in now that he got his new Pebble WatchJoseph wants to know if the Onn 4k Pro is a good buy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the intriguing design of the OnePlus 15 with its quirky 'screaming' camera bump. Compare the Nubia Z80 Ultra's impressive 35mm lens to the Pixel 10 Pro, revealing striking differences in photo outputs. Discover the surprising twists in the Google vs. Epic legal saga and its implications for sideloading. Plus, the November Pixel Drop introduces exciting new features while launcher updates cater to diverse user needs, including a new option for seniors. And don't miss the latest advancements in Google Maps and Android Auto!

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.