Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including all the details from Made By Google, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, a Bigger Pixel Watch, Samsung’s new corner, and Honor’s latest challenge.
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.
Why Android Needs AI
This week’s “Made By Google” event saw several notable hardware announcements by Google, but the key moments for Android were the focus on generative artificial intelligence and Google AI. as Ben Woods explains”
“…AI-powered experiences are critical to the overall competitiveness of Android smartphones, particularly as Apple Intelligence looms. The photography and video capabilities felt like some of the most compelling AI-powered innovations. I expect “Add Me” will capture consumers’ imaginations and will be an anchor feature in the marketing of the new Pixel 9 devices.”
(CCS Insight).
Two New Pixel Pro Phones
The Pixel 9 series of phones will be the big draw for consumers, and Google has split the Pro line in two. Confusingly, the Pixel 9 Pro is not a direct update to the Pixel 8 Pro, but is the uprated specs in a shell that is a similar size to the Pixel 9; while the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL is the physical successor to the Pixel 8 Pro:
“Internally, this duo sports the same core setup, which consists of the brand new Tensor G4 processor, which enables Gemini Nano with Multimodality to run locally – this enables the Pixel 9 Pro to understand text, images, and audio. The SoC is paired with 16GB of RAM, and 128/256/512/1TB of internal storage.”
(9to5Google).
Pixel 9 Fold Pro
The event also saw the Pixel Fold brought in from its appendix-like situation in 2023 to become a fully-fledged part of the Pixel 9 Pro family with its impressive sophomore appearance. More than any of the Pixel 9 phones, the upgraded specs of the foldable are more important than most. It’s a competitive space with limited space to get the essentials into the origami structures:
“The handset is thinner than its predecessor, as well. It’s 0.4 inch folded and 0.2 inch when open. The battery is 4650 mAh, which Google claims will get you more than 24 hours on a charge. That number jumps to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. Like the rest of its Pixel 9 brethren, the foldable is powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chip. That’s coupled with 16GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage.”
(TechCrunch).
A Bigger Clock
Also getting a supersized option is the Pixel Watch. The third iteration of the WearOS smartwatch is the first to come with a watch larger than the existing 41mm timepiece:
“The larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3 looks just as sleek as the smaller variant and has a similar design to previous versions, with a rounded look and 16% smaller bezels to capitalize on the larger display. The larger screen is perfect for showcasing the new Google Home integrations, which let you view your Nest camera or video doorbell feed on the wearable’s screen. The watch can also work as a Google TV remote, just in case you lose yours.
(ZDNet).
AI In Your Ears
Google also updated its professional level of buds. The new Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer more batttery life, faster connection, and improved codex. Yet the big selling point will be, you’ve gussed it, AI. Alongside the Gemini AI assistant, Google’s suite of AI audio tools makes its way to your ears:
“Voice calls should be even clearer than before, as Google has updated its Clear Calling algorithms. And when it’s you doing the talking to someone else in the real world, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 support conversation detection and will automatically pause your music and engage transparency mode when your voice is detected.
” Google envisions people constantly chatting with its Gemini AI using this feature, but personally, I rarely use voice for anything other than adjusting volume, starting up a playlist, or calling someone.”
(The Verge).
Samsung Turns A Corner
Has the Galaxy S25 Ultra been spotted? Noted leaker @IceUniverse has published 3D views on what is supposed to be Samsung’s flagship model in the S25 line and the significant change is obvious and potentially welcomed by many… the corner design has been altered. But is that enough?
“There might be some asymmetry there – the back might remain more rounded than the front, giving the phone a softer shape that would be more pleasant to hold… some hypothetical comparisons with the current Galaxy S24 Ultra and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new S-flagship has rounded corners – both on the frame and on the display – and it is quite noticeable next to its predecessor. Next to the iPhone, however, the new Ultra still looks quite rectangular.”
(GSM Arena).
And Finally…
Chinese manufacturer is highlighting the advantages of its AI Eye Tracking technology and the difference it can make to those with ALS through its #HonrTheChallenge campaign, and worked with the BBC to show the impact:
“To bring attention back to the ALS community while paying tribute to the challengers who livewith the disease, BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions has produced a short filmfeaturing the powerful story of artist and ALS challenger Bernard Muller. The filmdemonstrates how Bernard Muller uses eye-tracking technology to express himself throughartwork, demonstrating the power of AI in making life more enjoyable for people living withdisabilities.”
(#HonorTheCampaign and BBC Storyworks).
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!
