Android Faithful

Celebrating a major milestone, the hosts reflect on their journey through 100 episodes, sharing memorable moments and gratitude for listener support. They delve into the revival of BlackBerry technology and its emotional connections, alongside insights on AI voice assistants and new smartphone models. The exciting features of the Motorola Razr and upcoming Samsung Galaxy devices take center stage. Additionally, they explore innovative apps enhancing user experiences, including music identification and mobile photography enhancements, all while keeping the mood light and fun.

Join tech enthusiast Juan Bagnell, a content creator at Some Gadget Guy, as he chats with Huyen Tue Dao, Mishaal Rahman, and Ron Richards about the latest in Android 16 and WearOS. They dive into how Google is shifting its strategy, including the phasing out of legacy watch faces. Exciting rumors circulate about Qi 2 support for the Pixel 10, while the innovative color ePaper tablet from Boox takes center stage. Plus, they tackle the advent of ads on WhatsApp and fresh updates from Samsung and OnePlus, making tech news more thrilling than ever!

The latest Android 16 release brings exciting features for Pixel users and introduces adaptive layouts and security enhancements. There's discussion about the OnePlus Pad 3's impressive specs and the buzz around new foldable designs from Samsung. Malware threats are on the rise, particularly in South America, prompting caution among users. A look back at nostalgic tech like the Space Cadet pinball game adds a fun twist, while privacy concerns with companies like Meta and Yandex stir up serious conversations about user data.

Jeff Howard, VP of Consumer Devices at AT&T, shares insights on how mobile carriers are adapting to the fast-evolving Android landscape. He discusses the shifting consumer expectations and the role of AI in enhancing connectivity solutions. The conversation dives into upcoming smartphone innovations and trends, specifically highlighting the influence of e-commerce on device offerings. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how AT&T is navigating changes and the future of smartphone technology in a competitive market.

The hosts dive into the latest Android 16 features, including live updates for Wear OS and exciting enhancements in desktop mode. They discuss intriguing leaks regarding the Google Pixel 10 and the potential impact of poor battery life on the Tensor chip. A humorous critique of the Pixel 10's marketing emerges, alongside revelations about the RealMe GT7's impressive design and performance. The return of Facer to Wear OS and the bittersweet farewell to the Pocket app highlight shifts in the app landscape, while engaging listener feedback adds to the lively discussion.

Sam Bright, VP and GM of Google Play and Developer Ecosystem, and Matthew McCullough, VP of Product Management for Android Developer, share insights on developer ROI and the transformative role of AI in software development. They discuss strategies for enhancing application quality through diverse testing and the exciting features introduced at Google I/O 2025, including advancements in AI like Project Astra and Gemini Live. They also delve into the future of Android XR and the importance of developer feedback in shaping new tools and experiences.

Join Patrick Brady, VP of Android for Cars at Google, as he unveils the exciting integration of Gemini into Android Auto. Brady highlights how this innovative tech enhances the in-car experience with advanced voice interactions and multimodal capabilities designed for safety. The discussion also touches on the evolution of AI in Android Auto, the balance between tech and user-friendliness, and how the integration of Gemini redefines driving convenience. A must-listen for tech enthusiasts eager to explore the future of smart driving!

Week two of big news from Android Faithful as we welcome a new member to the team (you know who it is, right?) Also, Material 3 is EXPRESSIVE, Android Desktop Mode is TOTALLY right around the corner, and the Chromecast is BACK! (sort of)In case you missed it, Android Faithful has new perks and rewards for supporting the show on Patreon including a NEW SHOW called Android Faithful After Hours!Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:09:24 - NEWSGoogle is working on a big UI overhaul for Android: Here's an early lookLeak: How and why Google made Material 3 ExpressiveA Simple Google Search Is Now a Thing of the PastGoogle is finally building its own DeX: First look at Android's Desktop ModePATRON PICK: iOS and Android juice jacking defenses have been trivial to bypass for years00:43:26 - HARDWAREExclusive: The Pixel 10 could be in for an unexpected display upgradeSamsung Galaxy S25 Edge: This is the ultra-thin new top smartphoneThe Chromecast is back, but not as we know it00:57:50 - APPSGoogle Wallet launches new age and identity verification featuresAndroid Auto's in-progress light theme is actually starting to look pretty goodOpera for Android launches new tab management features01:08:34 - COMMUNITYTharanga wants a light Android tablet for reading musicCraig has a DND solution for JasonAnonymous has a solution for Gemini news sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is sponsored by Square's Mobile Payments SDK - Developers, now it’s easier than ever to integrate the market leader for payments into your mobile apps. Get more info here!BIG News from Android Faithful as we've got new perks and rewards for supporting the show on Patreon!Meanwhile, in the world of Android, Google I/O is getting closer and it already controversial and new phones hit the market and they're quite cool to look at!Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:10:31 - NEWSThe Google I/O schedule of events is out! But looks like Android is getting some advanced attention.It's been a while, but we've got updated Android distribution numbers!We're excited about Android's bubble bar and more Android 16 goodiesGoogle does a little humblebrag that Find My Device network is 4x faster now.PATRON PICK: If you're a passenger, Android Auto isn't really all that great00:47:36 - HARDWAREHands On with the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro and BudsA happy update from OnePlus on pricing for the OnePlus Watch 3An unhappy update from OnePlus on the availability of the OnePlus 13TLook at the awesome colors of the new lineup of Motorola Razrs! We approve!01:12:24 - APPSGoodbye Assistant Driving ModeYou can finally view PDFs in Chrome for Android. Finally!Google Photos will nudge you to make a Highlights video for Mother's Day and then let you share it with a QR Code01:19:40 - COMMUNITYBrad has a POV on HealthConnectMark Zip has had it with GeminiFredrik Seglem shares his Samsung Dex setup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is sponsored by The Great Code Chase from Square Developers! Compete now on the Square Developer YouTube Channel, and you can win a limited-edition Square Developer LEGO Minifigure!Another week in the tapestry of Android news rolls on as Jason Howell, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards deliver the highs and lows and the wonder of bizarre camera add-ons for phones and more.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:06:20 - NEWSAndroid 16 rolled out the 4th beta and Mishaal breaks it downSamsung and Motorola may go the AI Assistant route of Perplexity There's early leaks of Samsung One UI 8 and they're nothing to get excited aboutCould we see a new version of Material Design at Google I/O?PATRON PICK: Apparently Android's Health Connect is a bit of a mess00:42:42 - HARDWAREA new rugged phone and tablet on the way from Samsung!The Vivo X200 Ultra and it's camera kit is shocking to seeCould this be the patent for the Samsung rollable phone?01:02:18 - APPSSome major updates from Gemini with Live Camera and free access for College studentsGoogle Discover continues to make weird design choicesNow you can upgrade old photos to Ultra HDR in Google Photos 01:16:38 - COMMUNITYJim discovered voice reporting does work in Waze!Michel Dumont is curious about anti-virus software in Android, is it needed?Sam from Cleveland has some ideas about car based smart glasses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.