Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy Z Fold 6 details leak, a new Pixel 8 Pro display, Pixel Watch 3 specs, Honor 200 release, and Android’s long-serving Engineer moves on.
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.
Pixel 8’s New Display
It’s not the Desktop Mode that many are hoping for, but the June feature drop for the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a has arrived and brings with it the option to directly connect the Pixel to a display port and throw the screen on a TV or monitor:
“…the Pixel 8a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro are all getting DisplayPort Alt Mode capabilities via their USB-C ports. This means you can go from USB-C to DisplayPort and plug right into a TV or monitor. This has been rumored forever and landed in some of the Android Betas earlier, but now it’s finally shipping out to production.”
(Ars Technica).
Disappointing Galaxy Z Fold 6 Leak
While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 will push the limits of foldable technology, what it may not push is camera technology. The Samsung community will be disappointed that the next-generation Fold will ship with a camera system three generations old:
“However, holding back the camera specifications will diminish the new foldable in the eyes of many. The camera is an intrinsic part of the smartphone offering; many see it as the primary part of a smartphone. Sticking to the same specifications for a third generation of devices in the premium space is a courageous decision.”
(Forbes).
The Fold 6 Price Increase
Another disappointment may come in the price. While some specs are increasing (such as the processor and the ability to support AI), so is the cost of the handsets. The entry-level model will start at $1900 in the US:
“The prices for all variants have gone up by $100 in one of the key smartphone markets. Needless to say, the hike will also reflect in the foldable’s global pricing, such as in countries like India, where foldables are among the most expensive smartphones.”
(Smartprix).
Pixel Watch 3 Specs
Details on the next Pixel Watch have leaked, and it looks to be an iterative design on the current model. the presumptively named Pixel Watch 3 will grow very slightly, with a slightly larger case accommodating the new battery:
“According to OnLeaks, the Pixel Watch 3 will be slightly thicker than the Pixel Watch 2. This is possibly due to a larger battery inside the new Pixel Watch. An alleged Pixel Watch 3 was spotted on Dekra and Safety Korea websites revealing its battery capacity to be 307mAh. This is slightly bigger than the 304mAh battery on the Pixel Watch 2. “
(91Mobiles).
Honor 200 vs Honor 200 Pro
Honor has launched the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro on the global market this week. both focus on providing the best portrait photography possible, but what splits the two models beyond pricing? Jessica Gorringe plays spot the difference, starting with the chipset:
“In comparison, the Honor 200 runs on the slightly older Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. Although we haven’t reviewed the Honor 200 yet, we have tested its processor in the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and concluded that it provided “solid everyday experience”, but you’ll notice a lack of power when gaming.”
(Trusted Reviews).
And Finally…
Dave Burke, Android’s VP of Engineering, is moving on 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 there’s a little bit of Dave in every handset. As he moves on, he departs with some fine words:
“Keep pushing boundaries, embrace the challenges and don’t lose sight of the incredible impact you have on the world. Take the work seriously, but yourself not so much”
(LinkedIn).
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!