This week's Android circuit features seven days of news and headlines from the world of Android, including leaked Galaxy S24 Ultra specs, Galaxy Unpacked release date, Google's updated Pixel plans, TikTok's Nothnig tablet triumph, new Nubia accessories, Nubia's global triumph and the latest version of Gboard impressive. style...
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a lot of what happened around Android over the past week (and you can find Apple's weekly news roundup here).
S24 launch details have emerged
This has been rumored for a long time and while waiting for the official announcement at the upcoming Glaaxy Unpacked event and the launch of the Galaxy S24 family of phones, the latest leaked promotional images confirm the above date and time. We still have to wait more than three weeks to receive the new ship from South Korea.
“[Leaked] Galaxy Unpacked event trailer suggests that it will be released on January 18, 2024 at 3:00 am KST and will be released on January 17 in the United States at 10:00 am PT and at 1:00 am. PT.00 pm ET This is in line with previous leaks which claimed the launch would occur around January 17.
(Forbes).
Latest Galaxy S24 specifications leak
Ahead of the launch of the Galaxy S24 family in January, key specifications and color options were revealed along with model numbers and specific product SKUs. Unfortunately, Samsung appears to have opted for a smaller storage option with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
“12 GB RAM on the Galaxy S24 Ultra will disappoint people. Over the summer, several online comparison sites revealed a 16GB smartphone with the model number S24 Ultra. Considering the higher storage requirements of AI-based apps, this might be a weak point in Samsung's flagship package.
Google announced further steps to make repairs to its Pixel phones more affordable (read their blog here), including new repair methods, access to manuals, and access to spare parts. Yanhoe McGregor takes a step back and examines what Google has to offer and why other manufacturers should try to adopt the principles presented:
“From promising seven years of software support, which is the longest of any smartphone currently on the market, to partnering with iFixit to provide genuine spare parts for the same period. There are also new diagnostic tools that help owners identify potential problems with the device at a glance. “The message is clear: buy Google and we will take care of you for years to come.”
(Forbes).
TikTok's tablet success
Google will be happy with the latest TikTok update this week. Improves support for large-screen devices, meaning Android users, tablets and foldable devices will have a smoother interface and better video quality when browsing the popular social network. The more developers and big services optimize tablets, the more valuable tablets become and the more attractive it becomes for developers to target larger screens.
“TikTok announced that a new update to its app will allow people to watch videos on larger screens, including foldable devices and tablets. The company says the new display will provide a simple and efficient video experience on these larger devices. We're not sure." This means these videos will be optimized for larger screens or when TikTok zooms in on the background. Either way, you should be able to watch HD videos on your iPad or foldable device.
(9to5Google).
There are no new accessories for Europe.
Budget CFM brand Nothing Tech launched its new Buds Pro and Watch Pro across Europe this week. The Nothing Store in Soho, London, has it in stock. For everyone else, the hardware version is available exclusively on Amazon;
“[The Watch Pro] battery life is 13 days, which is a huge number for a smartwatch. That's a lot more than any other expensive device you can find. Speaking of price, you can get them for just £69... Then there are wireless headphones. Moreover, they offer phenomenal specifications that far exceed expectations in this price segment. Inside you'll find 45 dB ANC, IP54 water and dust resistance, and up to 39 hours of battery life.
Nubia presented the Z60 Ultra smartphone this week. This is a global launch, making it the first global smartphone to ship with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. But there's more to this phone than just being the first, although the level of supply chain management has been clear since its launch;
“While Qualcomm's latest flagship has been available in China since last month, devices like the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 Pro are yet to launch globally. Instead, the Nubia Z60 Ultra has taken over, although the Nubia won't go on sale until December. » 29:00 The company's FAQ also suggests that pre-order shipping will begin on January 16, 2024, likely after Samsung unveils the Galaxy S24 series. ASUS will also review the ROG Phone 8.”
(Consult a notebook).
And finally…
GBoard, Google's advanced Android keyboard, got a new feature this week with handwriting support. This will be especially useful on Android tablets, as handwriting recognition now supports the USI 2.0 pen standard;
“With handwriting support, Gboard now automatically turns chicken strokes into neatly written text. The Google Keyboard app automatically converts what you type into typed text when you move on to the next word. And the best thing is that you can do it, whether you want to or not. You move the stylus around on your Pixel tablet or Samsung tablet."
(Android Central).
Android Circuit rounds up the latest news from the Android world every weekend on Forbes. Don't forget to follow me so you don't miss any other reports, and of course check out my sister column Apple Loop. You can find last week's Android circuit here. If you have news and links you'd like to see on Android Circuit, please contact us.
