Confirmed specs for the Pixel Watch 2 were added on September 9th; This article was originally published on September 8th
This week's Android Arena covers seven days of Android news and news, offering Google's official preview, Pixel 8 Pro details, Galaxy Z Fold 5 tutorial, Galaxy S4 Ultra camera leak, Honor Magic V2 triumph at IFA and Microsoft. Surface Duo is reminiscent of Xiaomi's expanded Android support and new Android design.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of the many things that have happened around Android over the past week (and you can find our weekly Apple news roundup here).
Teaser video from Google
It may take a month, but Google is building some PR moments around its Made Google event on October 4th. Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 were introduced in a video released by Google earlier this week. We didn't see the software, but the design was in full view;
“As expected, one of the two leaked color schemes stood out in the video. The leaked “Porcelain” colorway, which first appeared on an internal Google Store page last week, reveals a lot. What we don't see is a plan. Works on Pixel 8 screen.”
(Forbes).
Pixel 8 Pro features
That's not to say the official videos didn't reveal more details. In addition to the new colors, the temperature sensor and the improved Tensor Mobile chipset, there are small details that add value:
The Pixel 8 Pro is also said to have a telephoto lens with 5x zoom, although the specs section doesn't say whether the "5x" is a lossless zoom or an optical and digital zoom. Further additions such as NFC, mmWave antennas, housings and additional microphones will find their way into the flagship.”
(WCCF Tech).
Update: September 9:Pixel Watch 2 specifications confirmed
Part of the teaser video from Google's launch event included a quick look at the Pixel Watch 2, Google's second wearable under the Pixel brand. The company has now released Watch Pride in its teaser video. Not only does the display feature a new digital crown, a look at the back also shows a number of etched sensors as well as IP68 protection;
“...the sensor arrangement appears to have been redesigned. While there could be several reasons for this, it lends credence to the idea that the Pixel Watch 2 will take over the Fitbit Sense 2's continuous electrical activity sensor for measuring stress."
(Tom's Guide).
Fold, Z Fold and Android apps
Google's Pixel Fold may be getting the attention, but Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series is already in its fifth year. What programming lessons could Samsung teach Google and then apply to Android devices with larger screens? Mishal Rahman suggests starting with a few tasks.
“In contrast, the Pixel Fold doesn't have a search bar in the taskbar (yet), so it's difficult to select a second split-screen app when you enable split-screen mode in the bottom menu. At least Google's software has that, so you can disconnect from the home screen. With -screen you can launch apps. Unlike a single interface, Google's software may be missing the best feature of split-screen multitasking: saving app pairs.
(Android Central).
Ultra camera for ultra phones
While the focus is on Google, details about Samsung's upcoming flagship phone Galaxy have been leaked. The Galaxy S24 Ultra relies heavily on the camera, with some new technology expected;
“Most notable are the camera specifications required. A 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor (probably) and a 10MP telephoto camera fit in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but this listing seems to confirm the former. Cameras The S24 Ultra is said to have a new 50 MP 3x telephoto camera.
(Yogesh Brar via Trusted Review).
Honor Magic V2 wins IFA
Numerous new consumer electronics devices were presented and presented at the IFA trade fair in Berlin last week. Of course, there were some notable features that earned Honor's second foldable smartphone some best-in-show awards.
“The Magic V2 offers larger screens inside and out than similar high-resolution models from Samsung and Google, but is thinner and lighter than both. It has a larger battery that uses modern carbon-silicon technology and updated camera sensors to match flagship phones." " "When the current Honor Magic Vs becomes available, it will be slightly cheaper than those available on the market foldable phones from Samsung or Google.”
A surprising announcement came from Microsoft this week. Despite the lack of action on the Android Surface Duo, the dual-screen foldable laptop has added a new search feature. Is it too little or too late given the emergence of foldable devices that have kept and even exceeded the duo's promise?
“A great new feature for Surface Duo users. Start a Bing Chat conversation where you can find what you search on Surface Duo or Microsoft Launcher.”
(Twitter)
Xiaomi adds Android support
Another manufacturer announced the addition of a software support window. This week it is Xiaomi's turn to extend the five-year warranty that extends the safe life of its latest smartphones;
“We are proud to announce a significant increase in our commitment to exceptional software. The Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro will include 4th generation Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates.”
(Xiaomi on Twitter).
And finally...
Google has updated the look and feel of its Android brand. Our latest blog post covers the design details for those wondering why small changes can have a big impact
“With this update, you'll notice some subtle changes that help connect Android to Google. In addition to moving away from our old style of using a lowercase letter for “Android,” we are adding a capital “A” to the Android logo. , adding that "the presence of the Google logo weighs when placed next to it." "While we've given Android more unique curves and personality, the new Android design reflects the balance between the Google logo and the two better reflected.”
(Google blog).
Every weekend, Android Circuit collects news from the world of Android here on Forbes. Be sure to follow me so you don't miss any more coverage, and be sure to read my sister's column about Apellas. You can find last week's Android Circuit here. If you have Android Circuit news and links you would like to see, please contact us.
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