Android Circuit: Google Confirms Pixel 8, Microsoft Remembers Surface Duo, Honor Magic V2 Wins IFA
Pixel Watch 2 confirmed details were added on September 9. This article was first published on September 8.
Looking at seven days of Android world news and headlines, this week's Android circuit features Google's official preview, Pixel 8 Pro specs, Galaxy Z Fold 5 specs, Galaxy S4 Ultra camera leaks, Honor Magic V2 IFA, Microsoft wins. It reminds us of the Surface Duo, Xiaomi's improved Android support and the new Android design.
Android Circuit is here to recap some of what happened on Android last week (and you'll find a roundup of Apple's weekly news here ).
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It may still be a month away, but Google is gaining PR momentum around its October 4th event at Google. The Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 were spotted in a teaser video released by Google earlier this week. We don't see the program, but the pattern is clear;
“As expected, one of the two runaway color schemes stands out in the video. "Porcelain," the sought-after color that debuted on the Google Store page last week, is widely available. What we don't see is software running on the Pixel 8 screen."
(Forbes)
About Pixel 8 capabilities
But that doesn't mean more details won't be revealed from the official video. Besides new colors, temperature sensors and an improved Tensor Mobile chipset, you have smaller details that add value.
The Pixel 8 Pro will reportedly come with a 5x telephoto zoom lens, though the specification section doesn't specify whether the "5x" is lossless zoom or optical and digital zoom. Other additions like NFC, mmWave antenna. Cover, and some microphones will be the main ones.
(VKKFTeh)
Update: September 9: Pixel Watch 2 specs confirmed.
The Pixel Watch 2, Google's second Pixel-branded wearable, was briefly shown at Google's video presentation. Now the company has given pride to the viewer in its own teaser video. The display not only features the new digital crown, but also a rear panel display, IP68 rated with multiple sensors;
“…the sensor array appears to have been redesigned. While there could be several reasons for this, it supports the assumption that the Pixel Watch 2 will inherit the Fitbit Sense 2's continuous electrodermal activity sensor to measure stress."
( Tom's guide ).
Fold, Fold Z and Android software
Google's Pixel Fold may be moving forward, but Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup is now in fifth place. What software lessons will Samsung learn from Google and transfer to big-screen Android devices? Mishal Rahman suggests starting with multitasking.
"On the other hand, the Pixel Fold doesn't even have a search bar in the taskbar (yet), so selecting a second screen app when you open split-screen mode from the second menu is difficult. It has Google's software: at least you can open a screen from the home screen, unlike One UI. On the other hand Google Software's split-screen multitasking: saving app pairings doesn't have a great feature.
(Android Central).
Ultra camera for ultra phones
While the focus is on Google, details about Samsung's next flagship Galaxy phone have leaked online. Galaxy S24 Ultra leans towards the camera and new technology is expected.
“What stands out the most is the on-demand camera feature. The 200MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens (as claimed) and 10MP telephoto lens are in line with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but this listing already seems to confirm that the S24 Ultra will feature a new 50MP sensor. ".
(Yogesh Brar in Trusted Reviews).
Glory Magic V2 won at IFA
Many new consumer electronics products were unveiled and announced at IFA in Berlin last week. Of course, there were some notable successes as well, with Honor's second foldable smartphone winning several Best of Show awards.
Magic V2 offers a larger internal and external screen than similar models from Samsung and Google, but it is thinner and lighter than both. It also features advanced silicon-carbon technology and an improved camera sensor with a larger battery to match flagship phones. And judging by the current Honor Magic Vs, in the markets where it is available, it will be slightly cheaper than the Samsung or Google complexes.
(Tom's Handbook).
Surface Duo is not forgotten.
Microsoft made an unexpected announcement this week. In the absence of action around the Android-based Surface Duo, a new search feature has been added to the dual-screen foldable mobile device. Given the emergence of more advanced devices that live up to Duo's promise, is it too late?
There's a great new feature for Surface Duo users. Start a Bing Chat conversation from anywhere on Surface Duo or Microsoft Launcher. "
(Twitter)
Xiaomi expands Android support
Other manufacturers have announced the addition of software support windows. This week it was Xiaomi's turn to extend the life of its new flagship smartphone to five years.
We are proud to announce a significant increase in our commitment to providing exceptional software support. Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro include 4th generation Android OS updates as well as 5 years of security updates.
(Xiaomi on Twitter)
And finally...
Google has updated the look and feel of Android branding. The final blog post will focus on the design details of why small changes can have a big impact.
"With this update, you'll see some small changes that help connect Android with Google. In addition to getting rid of the old lowercase Android style, we've revamped the Android logo by using a capital A and adding more. The Google logo on the side adds visual weight. We've added more unique curves and personality to Android, this new The Android style better reflects the Google logo and balances the two.
(Google Blog).
Every weekend Android Circle studies the latest news from the Android world by Forbes. Don't miss future coverage, and don't forget to subscribe to my Apple Loop sister column. You'll find last week's Android Circuit here, and if there's any news or links you'd like to see on Android Circuit, please get in touch.
