Android Faithful

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.

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!