Welcome back to this Android Police podcast already in progress: this episode, Daniel and Will go over all their favorite (or, at least, the most impactful to them) non-tech stuff of 2024 from books to movies to games. It's a subdued outing this time around, but you might take home a couple of decent recommendations for your new year. We're back in two weeks with all the action from CES 2025!Excerpts from Sony Pictures and Mom + Pop Records.‎Challengers (2024) directed by Luca Guadagnino‎Trap (2024) directed by M. Night Shyamalan‎Madame Web (2024) directed by S.J. Clarkson‎Twisters (2024) directed by Lee Isaac Chung‎Interstellar (2014) directed by Christopher Nolan‎The Outrun (2024) directed by Nora Fingscheidt‎Dune: Part Two (2024) directed by Denis Villeneuve‎The Hitman (2023) directed by Xavier GEnglish Teacher (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDbDark Matter (TV Series 2024– ) - IMDbSilo (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDbMartyr! by Kaveh Akbar | GoodreadsThe Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates | GoodreadsPlayground by Richard Powers | GoodreadsVampire Weekend: Only God Was Above Us Album Review | PitchforkCharli XCX: BRAT Album Review | PitchforkMagdalena Bay: Imaginal Disk Album Review | PitchforkNilüfer Yanya: My Method Actor Album Review | PitchforkBalatro - Apps on Google Play3 reasons why the RTX 5090 will steal the spotlight at CESThis might be our first glimpse at the OnePlus Open 2's new designOur regular hosts are Daniel Bader and Will Sattelberg. Our editor is Jules Wang.Android Police lives here. Reach out to us at podcast@androidpolice.comMusic - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0

Welcome to this year-end cope session of an Android Police podcast. So, what did we deal with in 2024? A year of manufacturer mediocrity for the sake of revenue-treading agentic AI, that's what. Amid the storylines of fiery crash-and-burns on the hardware side and the lack of a money tree on the software side, there was little of substance to adore when it came to the average commodity smartphone. But we'll share some thoughts (and a whole lot of feelings) on the big stories in our field and the biggest products of our day on this very episode.0:49 | In Our Worldexposing the hawk tuah scam | Coffeezilla (YouTube)Haliey Welch on X: "I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community [...]"I'm convinced AI won't be replacing our smartphones anytime soonGemini 2.0: Five major changes you need to knowGoogle proposes multiple changes to its strategy following antitrust rulingDoes AR or VR interest you at all?Google's market share stays surprisingly high after hot Pixel 9 sales startArm's licensing battle with Qualcomm just got a lot more serious40:08 | No spoilers, but check out our Android Police Awards for 2024 for a holistic take from the entire AP team!Other media excerpts from Google, Headgum, WBZ-TV (CBS News Boston), and KXTV (ABC10).Our regular hosts are Daniel Bader and Will Sattelberg. Our editor is Jules Wang.Android Police lives here. Reach out to us at podcast@androidpolice.comMusic - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0

We've been asking what good AI is for a while now. In its search for answers, Google has stood up and said "headsets." This week on the Android Police podcast, we're talking about the launch of Gemini 2.0, Android XR, and what both could mean for hardware partners, app developers, and the competition involved from Meta to Apple. We also take a sidelong look into iOS 18.2 and the slow crawl of progress that is Apple Intelligence. AP staff writer and resident New Jerseyan Stephen Radochia joins us for the first time!06:57 | Gemini in Virtual SpaceGoogle unleashes Gemini 2.0 with new image and audio powers for the AI agent eraHey Gemini: Google's hotword gets a refresh in official teaser videoGoogle wants Android XR to power your next VR headset and smart glassesAndroid XR software: Here are the VR games and AR apps coming to the new OSGoogle Gemini steals the show in live demo of Android XR and Project MoohanI'm amazed Samsung's XR glasses shifted to such a different focus than originally impliedThis is our first look at Samsung's VR headset running Android XR52:45 | iOS 18.25 ways Android 15 is better than iOS 18Vision Models: How AI understands and interprets visual mediaOur regular hosts are Daniel Bader and Will Sattelberg. Our editor is Jules Wang.Android Police lives here. Reach out to us at podcast@androidpolice.comMusic - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0

Another Pixel-packed update to Android makes a bigger splash than we would've thought this time of year and the Android Police podcast is all over it. Also on this program, we see Samsung fall firmly into Apple's line when it comes to many of the design choices it made for the big One UI 7 update. And who would've thought that the PlayStation Portal would've been an item to celebrate? Funny how it goes sometimes when the PS5 Pro is, truly, such a punching bag. That and more this week.01:04 | QPR does not stand for Quarter PounderGoogle's December Pixel Feature Drop is all about Pixel 9All the features Google didn't tell you about in Android 15's first quarterly releasePixel Screenshots escapes its app in massive new Pixel Drop updateAndroid's new feature bundle brings captions that actually show emotionsGoogle breathes new life into old Pixels with two more years of OS upgradesThe canceled Pixel Tablet 2 suggests Google learned all the wrong lessons43:52 | Samsung BashingSamsung's long-awaited One UI 7 beta is here to end 2024 on a high noteSamsung's One UI 7 finally embraces the vertical app drawerSamsung's new app drawer has one big, ugly thing wrong with itOur regular hosts are Daniel Bader and Will Sattelberg. Our editor is Jules Wang.Android Police lives here. Reach out to us at podcast@androidpolice.comMusic - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0

The hosts dive deep into the tangled web of Google's tablet strategy, lamenting the potential cancellation of the Pixel Tablet 2 while speculating on the future of its flagship Pixel Tablet 3. They also critique the new iPhone 16 Pro Max, marveling at its camera capabilities but noting it feels more Android than ever. A spotlight shines on the Oppo Find X8 Pro, showcasing its dual periscopes and AI features. Through humor and insight, they navigate the complexities of smartphone choices and the frustration of market fragmentation.

Excitement brews over the upcoming Android 16, with new features promising privacy enhancements and a promising food-ordering AI integration. The conversation delves into Google's ongoing antitrust challenges, particularly surrounding its Chrome browser and the implications of potential government actions. A humorous take on AI's role in daily life questions its current value compared to traditional methods. Cultural discussions also emerge, comparing notification management on Android and Apple, and reflecting on music nostalgia amidst tech talk.

James Peckham, the editor-in-chief of Android Police, delves into Samsung's pivotal role in the Android ecosystem. He discusses the much-anticipated Galaxy S25, which may see a global Snapdragon rollout. Peckham speculates on innovative designs, like a tri-foldable phone, while addressing delays in promised Galaxy AI features. The conversation also touches on frustrations with Google Play Store searches and a comparison between the Pixel 9's impressive display and the iPhone 16. Finally, the gaming landscape is explored, highlighting news of a potential Xbox handheld console.

In what remains of the mobile ecosystem wars, how does the Android Police podcast make of all the good news Android (and, specifically, Google) has been getting in terms of shipments and trends lately? Well, we chalk it up to a surprisingly down year for the iPhone 16 and the Pixel 9 getting all the important just right enough. Also this week on the show, Netflix is showing signs it's keen on jettisoning its games offerings.We've also got a bonus segment of the show exclusive to androidpolice.com from November 12 talking not about the results of U.S. elections, but how we saw our most important platforms cover the event. Join us there for that.03:29 | Googles of Good NewsThe Pixel 9's strong sales numbers could be the key to Android's survivalGoogle's US market share soars as strong Pixel 9 sales help surpass Motorola and OnePlus23:15 | Other NewsAmazon stops Kindle Colorsoft shipments due to major display issuesNetflix is killing some of its most unique streaming contentNintendo says the Switch successor will be compatible with Switch games - The VergeAlbum art is finally coming to your Pixel's 'Now Playing' featureWe're Not WrongOur regular hosts are Daniel Bader and Will Sattelberg. Our editor is Jules Wang.Android Police lives here. Reach out to us at podcast@androidpolice.comMusic - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0

Dive into the future of Android with exciting updates on Android 16, emphasizing a shift towards developer-friendly releases. Laugh along as they discuss the intriguing IP69 rating for shower-proof smartphones. The buzz around the OnePlus 13 and its innovative features sparks conversation about market saturation and the impact of AI on search engines. Plus, a delightful debate on the Pixel 9a's design choices and camera bumps leads to reflections on streaming services, culminating in heartwarming moments surrounding a recent engagement. Tune in for tech and tenderness!

All of a sudden, it's a tightening race in the chip sector to bring efficiency to bear in what may beget the merging of applications in the mobile and desktop worlds... again. You know, like we haven't tried or done that before. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite is our star for today's Android Police podcast, but we will also trifle through the thought of a tri-fold Galaxy Z Fold 7... and given how timid Samsung has been, yes, we're just as surprised as you are.Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite: Everything you need to knowQualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite wants to turn your Android phone into a mobile powerhouseArm's licensing battle with Qualcomm just got a lot more seriousBelieve it or not, the Snapdragon 8 Elite might make smartphones exciting againThe Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition will make you regret buying the Fold 6Samsung's tri-fold Galaxy Z could launch as soon as next yearOur regular hosts are Daniel Bader and Will Sattelberg. Our editor is Jules Wang.Android Police lives here. Reach out to us at podcast@androidpolice.comMusic - "18" and "34" by HOME licensed under CC BY 3.0