Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE leak, Galaxy S24 Ultra upgrade, Find My Device is ready, OnePlus’ new AI tools, Pixel Tablet 2 thoughts, and Samsung overtakes Apple.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.
Galaxy Z Fold 6’s Budget Alternative
Expectations are high that Samsung will launch a cheaper “Fan Edition” alongside the vanilla Galaxy Z Fold 6 at this summer’s Galaxy Unpacked event. To do so, several specifications will need to be dropped or cut back to cheaper alternatives. Details this week suggest that one of the key decisions has been made:
“The latest details around Samsung’s expansion of the Galaxy Z Fold pick out one area where Samsung could make a saving. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE is listed with an Exynos chipset, Samsung’s homegrown alternative to the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. The Galaxy S24 family use a mix of Exynos and Snapdragon across the three key models, and the expectation of an Exynos chipset in a Fan Edition was recently reinforced with December’s Galaxy S23 FE.
(Forbes).
Galaxy S24 Ultra Upgrade
Samsung has updated the Galaxy S24 family’s software, and some exciting updates have improved the Galaxy S24 Ultra camera, with key changes in low light capability, text clarity enhancements while zooming, and a chance to the color tone for night shots:
“According to Samsung’s South Korean community support forum, the update includes camera optimizations for both image quality and usability, along with improved software stability. The download weighs in at around 800MB to 1GB in size, depending on region, and comes bundled with Google’s April 1 2024 security patch—meaning Samsung’s flagship smartphones are receiving it before Google’s own Pixel devices.”
(Forbes).
Google’s Find My Network Ready For Launch
Following the announcement at I/O last year, Google is finally ready to turn on its geolocation service “Find My Device:”
“In a message hitting select user inboxes, Google specifically notes that the network will be turned on in just three days, technically making its launch April 7 (Sunday). However, we’re all assuming it will take place on Monday, April 8.
(Droid Life).
OnePlus’ “Magic Eraser” Arrives
OnePlus has updated its latest handsets with a new AI-based feature that easily removes unwanted elements in a picture. It’s powered by generative AI, and is available now on the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, with other handsets to follow:
“The AI Eraser feature on Oxygen OS on OnePlus smartphones is powered by OPPO’s AndesGPT generative AI model. It is not run on-device, and thus, you need an active internet connection to make any generative AI edits as your images are uploaded to a server. The edits can be made on any photo, as I did with pictures from my recent trip to Singapore that were shot on a different phone.”
(Android Authority).
Is It Time For Pixel Tablet 2?
Will a Pixel Tablet 2 launch at Google’s I/O Developer Conference? Last year, the first Pixel was introduced in tablet form, and it became part of a new wave of Android tablets from various manufacturers. Carrying on that visible support would be a smart move, just as it was last year:
“…Google’s partners saw an ongoing commitment to tablets and large-screened Android devices. The Pixel Tablet hardware followed more software support in Android for the form factor. 2023 saw several Android manufacturers launch their first tablets while others offered new tablet designs to consumers. No doubt the signals from Google during 2021 and 2022 helped that decision-making process,”
(Forbes).
And Finally…
Samsung has overtaken Apple to reclaim the title of “World’s Largest Smartphone Retailer” from Apple, in part due to the commercial success of the Galaxy S24 family. Details from Counterpoint Research show a 2.5 million lead in handset sales”
“In February, Samsung sold 19.69 million smartphones, capturing a 20 percent market share, beating Apple, which sold 17.41 million phones for an 18 percent share, according to data from market researcher Counterpoint Research.
(Korea Times).
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in 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 in Android Circuit, get in touch!
