Android Faithful

Podcast covers Android news such as Android 14 beta updates, Google's display output on Pixel 8, and EU compliance details. Hardware discussions include Pixel 8a price increase, Samsung's desktop mode, and Gemini Nano. Future launches like OnePlus Nord CE4 and Motorola Edge 50 are also explored. The podcast delves into minimalistic smartphones and the inconsistencies of Google Assistant feature. Messaging app woes and technology compatibility issues on Samsung Galaxy devices are discussed.

Topics include Will's experience at Mobile World Congress, Google blocking RCS on rooted devices, Pixel feature drop, Satellite SOS feature, killing apps with AI, Microsoft ending Android app support on Windows 11, sound reactions on Google Phone, bendable phones at MWC, fit tracking on O Health app, unboxing the Nothing Phone, and Google TV updates.

Podcast discusses Wear OS 4's Hybrid Architecture with OnePlus Watch 2. Features new Android productivity tools, Xiaomi's 14 Series with Leica Optics, Qualcomm's FastConnect 7900 & advanced 5G Modem-RF System, ZTE Devices, and Honor Magic 6 Pro. Highlights patron's pick, Android 'Bots', Samsung S24 Series, and Google Wallet transition.

Exciting topics include Android 15 updates, Gemini 1.5 features, Pixel Fold and Pixel Watch leaks, OnePlus Watch 2 teaser, new Emojis, Google Messages editing, AI in Android Auto, and community highlights like Nearby Share on MacOS and changing notification sounds on Samsung Galaxy S24.

Ron, Jason, Huyen, and Mishaal are unimpressed by the rollout of Google Gemini as an Assistant replacement. Mishaal shows a reputable leak of the Pixel Fold 2. Android 15 is days away from release. WhatsApp plans interoperability with other messaging apps. Google Maps is redesigning directions search. YouTube Music is testing a Cast redesign on Android. The hosts discuss unboxing the OnePlus 12R and speculate on the design and launch of the rumored Pixel Fold 2.

Chih-Hao Kung from ASUS discusses the ROG Phone 8 and Android gaming phones in 2024. They also talk about the cheaper models of Samsung foldables, the rebranding of Nearby Share to QuickShare, and the introduction of generative AI to Maps. The hosts share their experience with the thermometer sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro and recommend using Firefox Focus as a privacy-focused browser.

Topics discussed in this episode include Google's Assistant microphone shortcut, Samsung and Google's plans for Wear OS 5, Fossil exiting the smartwatch business, Honor's Magic V2 foldable smartphone, and the versatility of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning tech devices.

Mishaal, returning from Galaxy Unpacked 2024 with the S24 in hand, talks about Samsung's AI partnership with Google. Other interesting topics include Samsung's non-invasive glucose monitoring, OnePlus announcements, Gboard voice typing, and using AR glasses for computer control.

Samsung loses top spot to Apple in smartphone market, Google layoffs impact Assistant features, ASUS ROG Phone 8 and OnePlus 12A discussed, Bluetooth beacons in Google Maps, eSIM success in the UK, new smartwatch gesture-nav device, Samsung's advancements in visual display technology, discussion about giant TV and social media presence

Sandeep Chivukula from Google discusses announcements made at CES 2024, including QuickShare and Fast Pair on big screens. They delve into the concept of building seamless experiences with proximity and context signals. The integration of home assistants into TVs is explored, along with Android Auto updates and partnerships. Other topics include the ASUS ROG Phone 8, advancements in tablets and TVs, Lenovo Thinkbook, new Google TVs by HighSense, and the Oppo Find X7 Ultra.