Android Faithful

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.

We're trying to enjoy a quieter week in the world of Android but man, the drama doesn't stop and neither does the rollout of new devices. Luckily Huyen Tue Dao, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards are here to parse it all for you in one enjoyable package.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:05:24 - NEWSLookout! Google and Pixel is moving up the charts! Plus the latest from Apple's iPhone announcement?Material 3 Expressive properly rolls out with Android 16 QPR1 and an update on the sideloading dramaSomeone thought phones were too boring so they created the phone they wanted and it's pretty awesome!Patron Pick: GoogleTV slow and sluggish? Maybe it's your button re-mapping app?00:41:35 - HARDWARESamsung unveils even more new devices with the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra TabletsOnePlus and Hasselblad are breaking up and we can't even take a photo to remember them byTCL unveiled new phones and watches at IFA along with that awesomely designed theater projector with GoogleTV01:06:36 - APPSDaily Hub no more! Google pulls it from Pixel 10s to be re-workedAndroidify is back from Google and now powered by AI!Nova Launcher may be leaving us soon, as it's founder departs the project, work stops and open source canceled. There's a petition lobbying for it to be Open Sourced.01:21:06 - FEEDBACKMike Sanders writes in to express is sadness over the Nova Launcher news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a day of surprising news from and about Google as we get the latest legal update and Gemini looks too make a homecoming and whole lot more this week as Huyen Tue Dao, Jason Howell and Ron Richards deliver the Android gospel.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:05:00 - NEWSGoogle dodges a bullet and won't need to spin off Android or Chome in it the big Antitrust CaseLooks like Gemini is finally coming to Google Home on October 1The Android 16 Droid statue has arrived in Mountain View!Nothing got busted using stock photos on the a Phone (3) adPatron Pick: Acer unveils a Google TV box with a ton of ports!00:29:58 - HARDWAREWe get a glimpse of how the Samsung tri-fold device will foldChanges to Google Pixel Care and lots of problems with Pixel 10sSome rumors floated about the release date and price of the Android XR Headset from Samsung00:50:53 - APPSThe new and improved QuickShare is rolling out and Google is still tinkering with itYouTube rolls out a new UI on TVs and starts cracking down on shared accounts01:06:52 - FEEDBACKMike proudly shares his widget count on his phone: 31!Mike from Virginia ruminates on life after eSim. It's not too bad!Tom in Sacramento joins the Patreon and weighs in on GoogleTV and WearOS/Facer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forgive us for another time-delayed episode but we promise its for good reason. Florence and Jason have been using the new Pixel 10 Pro for almost a full week and in good parental fashion are prepared with their Yucks and Yums of their time with Google's latest and greatest! Also, Huyen shares the developer perspective on the news that Google wants developers to de-anonymize themselves when bringing apps to Android.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor0:04:16 - NEWSGoogle wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identitiesAndroid 16 QPR2 Beta 1 is hereGoogle's not done yet, with a new Android Canary release arriving for testersPATRON PICK: Android 16's power button wallet shortcut is strangely exclusive0:29:55 - HARDWAREFlorence and Jason share their favorites (yums) and not so favorites (yucks) about the Pixel 10Check out Jason's video on Material 3 Expressive0:59:28 - APPSGoogle Translate is ready to replace Duolingo in your lifeSpotify still doesn't offer Hi-Fi audio, but now you can harass your friends about their music tastes in a messageGemini app getting major image editing upgrade with ‘nano banana’1:07:24 - FEEDBACKKyle ordered the Pixel 10 Fold, but might not keep itKev things the temperature sensor is a feature worth havingBrian does not like the changes to the Google Contacts app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mindy Brooks, VP of Product Management and UX for the Android Platform, joins us on Android Faithful to dig into the story behind Material 3 Expressive. We dive into the four-year journey from Material You to today’s big redesign, including how Google balanced personalization with accessibility and why user feedback shaped key decisions like the upcoming blur toggle. We also explore how Material 3 Expressive touches all kinds of surfaces, plus the small details that might make you smile.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:00⁠ - Podcast begins04:54⁠ - Introducing Mindy Brooks from Google05:24⁠ - From Material You to Material 3 Expressive: Why now?07:48 - Balancing design flexibility with user preferences10:15 ⁠ - Addressing accessibility and readability in Material 312:54 - The upcoming blur toggle customization14:05 - What’s new in dynamic color theming15:31 - Subtle tweaks, haptics, and animations that delight17:30⁠ - How Google decides where to add polish and detail19:24 - Availability of Material 3 Expressive on Pixel 1020:14⁠ - Closing thoughts and thanks to Mindy Brooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mishaal Rahman, an Android expert, joins the discussion to unpack the exciting launch of the Pixel 10 lineup. They dive into the impressive features of the Pixel 10 and Pro models, especially advancements in camera technology and AI capabilities. The conversation also highlights the new Pixel Watch 4 and its innovative functionalities. Plus, they explore tech innovations in the competitive landscape, including Samsung's latest offerings and Google's gamified language learning enhancements in Google Translate.

This week we have lots to speculate about (Google TV, Pixel 10s) and lots to celebrate (Android 17's Dessert Name) and lots to mourn (Goodbye Amazon App Store) and that's enough to keep Huyen Tue Dao, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards busy for another week that was in Android...Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:09:13 - NEWSLots of questions about the future of Google TVWe hope you like Cinnamon, because we have the Dessert Name for Android 17!Patron Pick: People are not happy with the Android Auto Material Makeover00:34:14 - HARDWARESo many Made By Google Pixel 10 lineup leaks, are there ANY surprises left?Yes, the Pixel Tablet stylus is real and you could order it from Amazon?Yet another attempt to make a phone in the US that's privacy based. Should you buy it? Well....Don't miss Florence Ion's full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 700:55:07 - APPSMicrosoft and Motorola team up on a camera based AI interaction that seems awfully familiar...And Microsoft is killing a very popular app for who knows whyInstagram added a Map based view and here's how you can disable your location from the appGoodbye Amazon Android App Store, it was fun while it lasted01:08:16 - FEEDBACKCraig writes in with the PRO Lanyard POV Daniel from Colorado has a tale of using a phone for more than 4 yearsAdam in San Diego weighs in on where the back button should be placed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dog days of summer are upon us, but that doesn't stop Jason Howell, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards from talking about the latest legal drama and phone release rumors, plus a good dose of AI ethical conundrums.Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor00:04:12 - NEWSA major advancement in Epic Games legal victory over GoogleMachine Learning used to estimate user's ages? Of course Google is doing that....Samsung's use of the three button navigation in Android is under the microscopePatron Pick: Speaking of Age Verification, the EU is going the down the app route00:25:20 - HARDWAREBig reveals from Samsung as to what's coming from the tri-fold phone to the Android XR headsetCould much of Google's Pixel 10 launch devices not be shipping until October?Bringing back repairability, the Fairphone 6 raises the bar00:46:11 - APPSSome impressive changes are coming to Chrome on AndroidNeed a 2FA Authenticator app? Proton has you covered with this new FREE appGemini can now generate 10 page storybooks for you01:00:21 - FEEDBACKJames, Oxfordshire, UK chimes in on the PIxel A series battery discussionKiril remembers the Game FramePeter loves his TCL NXTPAPER 14 tablet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.