Looking ahead to seven days of news and headlines in the Android world, this week's Android Circuit covers Samsung's Galaxy Flip 5 plans, Pixel 7a design leaks, OnePlus' OxygenOS hints, new apps for WearOS, Microsoft's Surface Insider program. , the case of Huawei and why Elon Musk won't launch a competing phone.
Android Circuit is here to recap most of what's been happening around Android over the past week (and here's Apple's weekly news).
The new style of Galaxy Z Flip 5 has been unveiled
Foldable phones have many problems, one of which is that no matter how you fold the phone, there will always be visual and physical distortion in the curve. Samsung hopes the next version of the Galaxy Z Flip will address this:
“Next year, the Galaxy Z Flip series could see some very significant updates from the original models launched in 2020. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have a larger screen lock and a new hinge. The hinge design should be improved. The folding screen will not be as visible."
(Sam cell phone)
The design of the lPixel 7a is leaking.
The consistent design language of the Google Pixel smartphone range still leaves room for style and identity in each phone. Of course, the Pixel 7 (expected to launch in early June 2023) will follow its larger cousin, but it will also have some unique features.
If we talk about the front panel, the device has thick bezels and a thick chin around it. The device has a hole at the top of the display to house the front camera. The scroll, power and volume buttons are on the right side of the phone, while the SIM card tray is on the left back.
(OnLeaks via SmartPrix).
OnePlus has announced an update for OxygenOS 13.1
OnePlus has been at the forefront of discussions about smartphone security and updates with this week's announcement. Four major releases of Android and five years of security patches launching next year's flagship phones. And that's not the only good news for OxygenOS:
“This week, OnePlus committed to four major Android updates and five years of security patches for select phone models starting next year… But the next version of OxygenOS, OnePlus' overlay for Android, will be released later this year. The first half of 2023 also has many other innovations: OxygenOS 13.1 for users It promises to emphasize high security and accessibility features.
(Forbes)
Google is working on a new WearOS app.
There are some notable omissions in WearOS 3 (as seen on the recently released Pixel Watch) when it comes to apps and tabs. Google knows where they are and is working to fix them in the next release.
“...we know Google is testing Gmail and Calendar for Wear OS. We've been told the experience is 'complete', although we can't be sure if that includes creating events or writing new emails. In the meantime, it's no wonder he's trying out the Pixel Watch."
(9to5Google).
Android Insider Program for Surface Duo
It might not look like your run-of-the-mill phone (and it doesn't really work if you use it at all), but Microsoft has been visually championing Android for years. The next step is to get more people into software development. Think Windows Insiders, but for new platforms:
“So far, the Microsoft Surface Duo with Android doesn't have an insider program, but that could change soon. Software and hardware hacker Gustav Mons recently discovered evidence of the Surface Insider program on Twitter. An Android update is available for the Surface Duo."
(Latest Windows version).
Huawei's European migration
Once upon a time, Huawei challenged Samsung for the leading position in the global smartphone market and entered the United States as the leader in Europe. Until it is included in the list of US companies banning US companies from working with Chinese manufacturers. The dream died;
Huawei's situation was summed up by company founder Ren Zhengfei in a speech to senior executives at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen in July. He described three challenges the company has faced over the past three years: hostility from Washington; distraction from the coronavirus pandemic; And Russia's invasion of Ukraine has turned global supply chains upside down and Europeans fear they are too dependent on countries like China.
(Politics via WinFuture)
And finally...
No, Elon Musk isn't going to build his own phone to compete with Apple and Google...because this story started out as a typical "off-the-hip" reply on Twitter, but it's hard to find space for it. from that. Sales, not to mention the number of developers and users to make it profitable:
"There are a lot of people who associate it with the cult surrounding Elon Musk's personality, and of course some Twitter users have responded to Musk's tweets to support the idea. Will these fans leave Apple's blue speech bubble to work with Musk? That is hard to say ? .
“On the business side, competitors like Apple and Samsung dominate the US smartphone market. Then there are competitors like Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, which have a large share of the budget smartphone market. Musk and company can take a bite out of the global smartphone market, but it will be tough competition."
(on the other hand).
Android Circle reports the latest news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don't forget to follow me so you don't miss any future coverage, and of course, be sure to check out my sister column, the Apple Loop! Here are last week's Android Circuits. Contact us if you have any Android Circuits news or links you'd like to see.
