Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Pixel 8a price leaks, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Honor’s Magic6 Porsche, Google’s big AI move, goodbye to Google Podcasts, WhatsApp video issues, and the Rabbit R1’s dash of Android.
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 8a Price Leaks
Google’s third Pixel in the “8” series, the Pixel 8a, is expected to launch at the I/O Developer’s conference in two weeks time. This is the mid-range version of the Pixel, balancing the feature set against a more competitive price. And now we know that all-important price.
“Google’s Pixel 8a will likely make its debut in two weeks at the company’s I/O developer event. But that hasn’t stopped the leaks, which have so far mostly focussed on specifications and design. Now, though, we have some insight into the handset’s price. The information comes from reliable tipster OnLeaks, via SmartPrix, and shows that Google isn’t planning to hike the Pixel 8a’s price in the U.S. The 128GB Pixel 8a will sell for $499, while there’s now a second 256GB storage option, which will retail for $559.
(Forbes).
The Color Of The Fold
Samsung always makes a big play about the various colors it offers handsets in, and in some cases uses those to drive sales on its website rather than with retail partners thanks to some exclusive colorways online. This year is no different, as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 colors have leaked:
“…colors will include Light Pink, Navy, and Silver Shadow. [Ross Young of DSCC] also notes that there will be two colors available in limited numbers; Crafted Black and Crafted White, which implies these will be exclusive colors. Given Samsung’s love of exclusive colors that are only available through its website, the new black and white options could follow this trend with two web-only options.
(Forbes).
Honor’s Luxury Option Arrives In The UK
Honor’s partnership with the Porsche Design studio has seen a luxury version of the foldable Magic V2 released globally earlier this year. Now it’s the turn of the Magic6 to get the same treatment with a new sharp design, an updated camera, bright screen, and two exclusive colours. It’s also got a price to match the Porsche name:
“The Honor Magic6 RSR Porsche Design is available in two colors, both of which are inspired by actual Porsche sports cars: Frozen Berry, which is also the hero color of the 2020 Taycan, and Agate Gray, a classic paint job of Porsche 911 race cars..The Magic6 RSR Porsche Design costs £1,599 in the United Kingdom. It is available starting today on the Honor website, Porsche-Design.com, and will soon reach EU markets as well.”
(GSM Arena).
More Accessible AI For Android
While every new phone will promote its aI-infused features, chip manufacturers highlighting AI-dedicated hardware, and everyone photo edits out imperfections, what happens with older handsets? When Google launched the Gemini AI app it said it was Android 12 and higher. Now older devices running Android 10 and 11 have access to the latest toys:
“This is a big move by Google, not least because both operating systems are still wildly popular. Android 10 and 11 currently make up 8.82% and 16.57% of the global Android install base respectively. That’s millions of devices that now have access to Google’s latest AI technology.”
(Forbes).
Google Retires Podcasting Apps
One more Google product can go on the pile of “useful but no longer offered.” By the end of June, Google will be out of the podcast app game, leaving no official client for Android.
“We have a date: Google Podcasts is to close, globally, on June 23 (according to an email sent to a UK user). July 29 is the end date for users to export subscriptions. The closure leaves the Android platform without a natural default podcast app (we recommend either Antennapod or Pocket Casts). Apple Podcasts isn’t available on Android.”
(Podnews).
WhatApp’s New Video Issue
WhatsApp is currently dealing with an issue with uploading videos on its Android client. There appears to be a problem with video downloaded to the device, which is then sent via WhatsApp… in short, it doesn’t send:
“Wilde looked into the issue and found the same thing happening when testing the feature. Instead of all happening smoothly, a message popped up, reading, “Can’t send this video. Choose a different video and try again.” Now, leaving aside the slightly peremptory tone in the message, this is annoying and can leave the user convinced that there’s something wrong with their video file when it turns out to be a system bug.”
(Forbes).
And Finally…
The ai-focused Rabbit R1 device is being shipped this week, and some enterprising developers have taken a closer look at the device, and there’s something of interest for those tracking Android deployments. While the majority of the service lies in LLMs in the cloud, the device is using parts of the Android Open Source Project in the hardware. CEO Jesse Lyu:
““rabbit r1 is not an Android app. We are aware there are some unofficial rabbit OS app/website emulators out there. We understand the passion that people have to get a taste of our AI and LAM instead of waiting for their r1 to arrive. That being said, to clear any misunderstanding and set the record straight, rabbit OS and LAM run on the cloud with very bespoke AOSP and lower level firmware modifications, therefore a local bootleg APK without the proper OS and Cloud endpoints won’t be able to access our service.”
(via Android Authority).
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!
