Android Police

This week on the Android Police podcast, Android 16 gets all 'Expressive' on us with a new step in its Material Design language and we wonder what all the rest of Google's announcements during The Android Show will come to eat us alive. That plus another Uber usurpation, we talk about phones that sound like knives, and a Very Important Announcement from your friends on this show.01:56 | The Android Show4 takeaways from Google's pre-I/O Android ShowGoogle's flashy Material 3 Expressive is official, but it's not coming right awayAndroid 16 goes official next month, but a new beta will bring Expressive design even soonerMaterial 3 Expressive will finally bring dynamic themes to Wear OS later this yearGemini is coming to Android Auto later this year, with shorter responses in towMaterial 3 Expressive is getting me excited about Android updates again26:46 | Knife-fonesSamsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is here, but is it the pocket-friendly phone you've been waiting for?Jules you should cut this audio in (no)Of all the phones I've handled in 2025, the Galaxy S25 Edge is ... certainly one of them.(1) Samsung Mobile on X: "Beyond slim may surprise, but power comes in all shapes 💪 #GalaxyS25 Edge" / XThe Motorola Razr 2025 proves folding phones are no longer a gimmick48:50 | UberUber’s new bus-like feature for commuters is nearly 50 percent cheaper than UberX | The VergeAlso:Apple CarPlay Ultra Is A Whole New Way To Use Your Car | EdmundsRampant AI Cheating Is Ruining Education Alarmingly Fast | New York MagazineCollege Professors Are Using ChatGPT. Some Students Aren’t Happy. - The New York TimesGandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend (Hardcover) | Skylight BooksAudio excerpt from Fremantle/CBS via justinryan.io on Threads.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

This week's Android Police podcast raps Google's wrists for pulling the pall over Android app downloaders and their desires to grab an APK from a third-party source. We preview the look of Android 16 and also how it might NOT look like what's been discovered. All that, plus your usual dose of AI skepticism, quasi-Luddite propagandizing, and a return to Hayao Miyazaki.04:36 | TrapsDownload apps. Not traps | Google PlayExclusive: We interview Google's new Play Store boss about improving Android15:54 | Leak: How and why Google made Material 3 Expressive | 9to5Google 28:27 | AIEddy Cue is fighting to save Apple’s $20 billion paycheck from Google | The VergeApple Explores Move to AI Search in Browser Amid Google Fallout - BloombergGoogle's statement on May 7 press reports about Search trafficFilterworld — Kyle Chayka39:56 | You should skip out on Android flagships in 2025 and buy this insteadExcerpt from Google.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

The podcast dives into the legal chaos surrounding Apple's App Store, revealing how a judge's new ruling affects in-app payment systems. Samsung's Galaxy S25 is surprisingly outperforming expectations, while Google gears up with exciting AI features in its Gemini tool. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of AI chatbots and their controversial features. Additionally, there's a fun comparison of smartphone keyboards, with personal anecdotes that add a relatable twist to tech discussions.

Verizon might've made beaucoup bucks this winter, but it also lost nearly 300,000 subscribers to its wireless business. On the Android Police podcast, we follow the swarm of our curious readers and dig into where people might be going — the answer might not be as far away as you'd think. Also on the show, a little bit of I/O teaser chat, some Switch 2 pre-order anxiety, and a thorough slugging of Motorola's three new Razr flip phones where only the most basic one seems like a worthy upgrade at all? We report, you decide.04:13 | Familiar, fashion, but....I went hands-on with Motorola’s three new Razrs, and they’re familiar, fashionable, and deeply frustratingMotorola’s latest Razr lineup has something for everyone, including a new Ultra flagshipGoogle's so thirsty for Gemini users it's paying Samsung substantial sums to pre-install the AIYour Samsung phone might soon get yet another new AI assistant39:10 | I/O 2025Google I/O 2025 lineup hints at bold new moves with Android, AI, and more43:45 | Where are the carriers?Verizon reaches a breaking point as nearly 300,000 customers cut ties with the carrierT-Mobile and Metro pinky swear not to jack up prices for 5 years with new plansComcast's customers are dropping like flies, just like Verizon'sUS Mobile’s newest plan reminds us of old-school Google FiVisible's newest plan pushes its old premium offering down by $10Our 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 future ahead of the Android buyer (and the Android Police podcast) is bleak. Lacking any certainty about how much a new phone will cost when it comes time to upgrade, we're asking you what you're doing in the face of tariffs on Chinese goods and whether your eyes have fallen away from the Galaxy S25 Edge, the upcoming Moto Razr refresh, or any of the releases plotted for the back half of the year. Also on the show, a full and fast review of the Pixel 9a and a new legal stumbling block for Google.03:23 | Wrapping upGoogle Pixel 9a review: A smartphone for the rest of usThe Pixel 9a is missing Google's latest Android 15 Feature DropGoogle will gradually reduce Pixel 9a battery capacity on purpose as it agesI love the Google Pixel 9a much more than I expected21:33 | MoneyUS announces tariff exemptions for phones, computers, and more goods from ChinaThe Galaxy S25 couldn't stop Apple from taking the top sales spotOnePlus believes foldables need more time to shineThe upcoming OnePlus 'mini' might look more Pixel Fold than OnePlus 13Possible Pixel 10 pricing has leaked, but take it with a grain of salt47:26 | Ad BattlesGoogle has an illegal grip on online advertising tech, court findsJapan slaps Google with a cease-and-desist order for violating anti-monopoly lawThere's now one URL to access Google no matter where you are in the worldOur 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

Tariffs, tariffs everywhere. On the Android Police podcast, 9to5Google's Ben Schoon joins Will to discuss who's paying how much for what: which Android manufacturers might be the most exposed in North America, how much more the OnePlus Watch 3 is costing new buyers today, and did Apple actually need to pack cargo planes full of Indian-made iPhones to beat the deadline that got delayed? Also on the show, we focus on the state of tech ecosystem lock-ins and pick our favorite flicks to play on the Vegas Sphere.03:18 | Money, money, moneyThe delayed OnePlus Watch 3 just launched in the US at the wrong priceMotorola teases new Razr foldables coming later this month, of course with AI | 9to5GoogleUS Tariffs on China Rise to at Least 145% | BloombergChina unlikely to blink first as Trump’s trade war enters uncharted new territory | China | The GuardianApple airlifts 600 tons of iPhones from India 'to beat' Trump tariffs, sources say | ReutersBeijing bites back at US tariffs by curbing Hollywood imports | ReutersWith the TikTok ban looming, here are all the companies interested in acquiring it20:04 | EcosystemsGoogle is making it harder to leave its ecosystem: Here's how you can regain controlApple lock-in is feeling stronger than ever5 things I learned from using this 'deGoogled' Pixel TabletLenovo Legion Tab Review: This is Android's iPad Mini37:26 | The MoviesGoogle's AI is bringing a classic film to life on the Vegas Sphere's massive screenOur 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

It's about to get gladiatorial on the global trade front and while Android phones are going to be impacted bigly for sure, the star darling of the week in terms of consumer technology is, of course, Nintendo's Switch 2. This week on the Android Police podcast, we gush over the evolved handheld console with our video producer, Ryan-Thomas Shaw. Also on the docket: some Samsung rumors taking us to the Edge and a literal 'touch grass' moment courtesy of April Fools Day.02:09 | SamsungSamsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch could be closer than you thinkYour wait for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge just got longerHere's when Samsung's delayed Galaxy S25 Edge launch event could happen17:35 | Switch 2The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Finally Here, And It's $449.99It's official: Nvidia is making the Nintendo Switch 2's processor48:18 | DbrandDbrand's April Fools' gag is actually buyable and lets you touch grass anytimeOur 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

Rumors of the OnePlus 13T once again revive the on-again-off-again thread of so-called "compact" phones in our industry. Our favorite clamshell foldable phone might be due for a price hike this year. And was 5G a lie all this time? Definitely not, but it certainly hasn't made miracles like it was supposed to. This week on the Android Police podcast, we're bringing everything from the corners of Android, cellular networks, and a whole lot of Nintendo into the fold.04:47 | GadgetryPoco’s F7 Ultra is a midrange phone with a flagship chip | The VergeThe OnePlus 13T 'mini' could show up next month with a screen size you'll actually likeOnePlus launches a slim MagSafe battery bank that you're going to be amped aboutAndroid’s MagSafe moment has finally arrivedLatest Moto Razr+ (2025) leak has some bad news for your walletLATE BREAKING: Google's Pixel 9a has a new launch date, and it's right around the corner25:47 | 5GYou're Being Lied To About 5G | Truth Complex | Business InsiderOokla studies now claim that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all have the best 5G networkDon't chirp now, but Boost Mobile's NYC network just beat the Big 3 carriersThis network is much faster than 5G, but you might need a new phone to take advantageT-Mobile’s biggest competition is the MVNOs that use its 5G networkThe newest MVNO on the scene deals in trendy area codes and vanity phone numbers40:03 | NintendoNintendo's new Android app is here to keep you up to speed on Switch 2 newsNintendo Just Changed How to Share Switch Games With Your Family - CrossplayExcerpt from Channel 4/ITV Studios via lukderyck (YouTube).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

It's an exciting week to listen into the Android Police podcast as Android Faithful host and longtime tech media personality Jason Howell joins us to discuss the Pixel 9a's theoretical positioning and the absolute stumble it took out of the starting gate this week. But will a diminished design be the factor to turn Google's hardware tailwind into a headwind? Also on the show, after working on his triceps with Beeper, Eric Migicovsky returns to his Core with new (old) PebbleOS watches and we track the rising price of Plex, though we oddly have some nicer feelings about it than with other streaming services right now.0:56 | A little AI InsideGoogle Assistant is losing more features ahead of retirementLike it or not, Gemini is officially replacing Google Assistant this yearThe gap between Google's Gemini and Assistant teams just got a whole lot widerApple Vision Pro Chief Mike Rockwell Named Siri Head; Giannandrea Keeps AI Role - Bloomberg9:13 | Pixel 9aGoogle's Pixel 9a is here to show Apple how value smartphones are doneThe Google Pixel 9a's Tensor chip may be new, but its modem isn'tA First Look at How Apple’s C1 Modem Performs With Early Adopters | Ookla®Google Pixel 9a's Gemini experience isn't as powerful as its siblingsThe Google Pixel 9a is already more affordable at Best BuyThe Pixel 9a is Google's largest launch yet, but some regions are left outGoogle just blamed the Pixel 9a's delayed street date on a 'quality issue'30:48 | Pebble/CoreTwo new PebbleOS watches are coming this year, but you'll have to act fastHTC Came Down from Android Heaven to Sell Boring Phones | How-to Geek49:38 | PlexPlex is cracking down on its version of password sharing, and it's coming with a price hikeI'm tired of paying $18 a month for Netflix57:49 | HappinessRetroid Pocket Classic HandheldWho at Google heard us yelling about Gmail's Gemini icon?Watch Mythic Quest - Apple TV+Lego Orchid6 Xiaomi 15 Ultra features I wish were on my Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraOur 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're on a rager of a tear this week on the Android Police podcast. Android 16 Beta 3 has cleared the post, but one of its headline features has drawn the ire of those who have had the displeasure to attempt to parse iOS's Notification Summaries. We get upset with Apple-centric media and its failure to properly cover the company's failures (that means you, too, Gruber). And if that hasn't caused an uproar with you, you'll want to brace for an AI takeover in Google Search — not that it hasn't already begun. All that plus a touch of Sonos trashing and some positive notes about the Pixel 10 series on the show!03:21 | MoshpitAndroid 16 hits a major milestone with the release of Beta 3Android 16 could get one of Apple Intelligence's worst featuresGoogle could give Android 16's Settings sub-menus a card-style redesignGoogle's new split Quick Settings menu shown off in Android 16 hands-on videoGoogle's dormant desktop mode gets a big boost on Android 16 Beta 3Daring Fireball: Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino46:27 | Some Good NewsYour first look at Google's Pixel 10 trio reveals some pretty familiar smartphonesThe Pixel 10's rumored telephoto sensor has left me stumpedGoogle is getting serious about gaming on PC and Android1:07:27 | Sonos hits eject on its video player plansExcerpt from Sony Pictures Releasing.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