Looking back at this week’s news and headlines in the world of Android, including leaked Galaxy Z Fold 6 details, a new Pixel 8 Pro display, Pixel Watch 3 specs, an Honor 200 release, and a longtime Android engineer moving on.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of some of the many discussions surrounding Android over the past seven days. You can also read my weekly roundup of Apple news here on Forbes.
Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
The new Pixel 8 display
It’s not the desktop mode many were hoping for, but the June feature drop for the Pixel 8, 8 Pro and 8a has arrived, and it brings with it the option to connect the Pixel directly to Display Port and cast the screen to a TV or monitor:
“…Pixel 8a, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro get DisplayPort Alt Mode capabilities via their USB-C ports. This means you can go from USB-C to DisplayPort and plug straight into a TV or monitor. It’s been rumored forever and made its way into some of the Android betas earlier, but now it’s finally shipping to production.”
(Ars Technica).
Disappointing Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak
While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 will push the boundaries of foldable technology, what it may not push is the camera technology. The Samsung community will be disappointed that the next-gen Fold will ship with a three-generation camera system:
“Holding the camera specs, however, will diminish the new foldable in the eyes of many. The camera is an integral part of the smartphone offering; many see it as an essential part of a smartphone. Sticking with the same specs for a third generation of devices in the premium space is a bold decision.”
(Forbes).
The Fold 6 Price increase
Another disappointment may come in the price. While some specifications are increasing (like the processor and the ability to support AI), the price of the phones is also increasing. The base model will start at $1,900 in the US:
“Prices for all variants have gone up by $100 in one of the key smartphone markets. Needless to say, the hike will also affect the global prices of foldable devices, such as in countries like India, where foldable smartphones are among the most expensive smartphones. “
(Smartprix).
Pixel Watch 3 specs
Details of the next Pixel Watch have leaked, and it appears to be an iterative design of the current model. the supposedly named Pixel Watch 3 will grow very slightly, with a slightly larger body to accommodate the new battery:
“According to OnLeaks, the Pixel Watch 3 will be slightly thicker than the Pixel Watch 2. This is likely due to the larger battery in the new Pixel Watch. An alleged Pixel Watch 3 has been spotted on the Dekra and Safety Korea websites, revealing its battery capacity to be 307mAh, which is slightly larger than the Pixel Watch 2’s 304mAh battery.”
(91Mobiles).
Honor 200 vs Honor 200 Pro
This week, Honor launched the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro in the global market. both focus on delivering the best portrait photography possible, but what separates the two models beyond price? Jessica Goeringe breaks down the difference, starting with the chipset:
“By comparison, the Honor 200 is powered by the slightly older Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. While we haven’t reviewed the Honor 200 yet, we tested its processor in the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and concluded that it provides a ‘solid everyday experience,’ but you’ll notice lack of power when playing.”
(Trusted Reviews).
And finally…
Dave Burke, VP of Android Engineering, is transitioning from the platform to focus on the AI/Bio space. Having spent 14 years working on the mobile operating system, it’s fair to say that there’s a bit of Dave in every phone. As he moves on, he leaves with a few nice words:
“Keep pushing the boundaries, embrace the challenges, and don’t lose sight of the incredible impact you’re making on the world.” Take work seriously, but not yourself too much”
(LinkedIn).
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here at Forbes. Be sure to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in the Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured on Android Circuit, get in touch!
