This week in the world of Android, there were several noteworthy developments that caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. One of the highlights was the leak of Google’s upcoming flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 series. According to tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer, the lineup will include three models – the vanilla Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the new Pixel 9 XL. This marks the return of the XL version to the Pixel lineup for the first time since the Pixel 5 series. The news has generated significant interest among consumers eagerly awaiting the latest offerings from Google.
Samsung also made headlines this week with its special trade-in offers for the Galaxy S24 series. Both Samsung UK and Samsung US announced promotions that allow customers to trade in their older smartphones for discounts on the new flagship devices. This initiative aims to make the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra more accessible to a wider audience by providing incentives for upgrading to the latest models.
In other news, Samsung’s decision to use its Exynos 2400 chipset in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 instead of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon in certain regions has raised eyebrows. While the Snapdragon chipset is known for its superior performance, Samsung’s Exynos offering is valued for its power efficiency and battery life. This move reflects Samsung’s efforts to compete with the foldable phones of other manufacturers by offering a compelling hardware package to consumers.
On the chipset front, Chinese manufacturer Vivo made waves by introducing the first foldable smartphone equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The vivo X Fold 3 Pro boasts impressive specs, including 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and a 5,700mAh battery. The device is currently exclusive to the Chinese market but is expected to launch globally later in 2024, showcasing Vivo’s commitment to delivering high-performance devices to a wider audience.
Honor also made headlines with the release of its latest tablet, the Honor Pad 9. The device features a large 12.1-inch screen with minimal bezels and a lightweight construction, catering to consumers’ preferences for a portable yet immersive tablet experience. The Honor Pad 9’s sleek design and affordable price point have garnered positive reviews, highlighting the company’s focus on delivering value to its customers in the competitive tablet market.
In a surprising move, Google announced that it would provide seven years of software updates and security support for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro handsets, setting a new standard in the industry. The decision to offer extended support for older devices stems from Google’s observation that many users continue to use their devices for up to seven years. This move underscores Google’s commitment to supporting its customers and ensuring that they receive timely updates and security patches for an extended period.
Lastly, Google bid farewell to its dedicated podcasting app, Google Podcasts, as the company shifts its focus to YouTube Music for podcast content. While Google Podcasts was known for its simplicity and ease of use, the platform faced stiff competition from YouTube, which emerged as a dominant player in the video podcasting space. Google’s decision to consolidate its efforts and streamline its services reflects the evolving landscape of digital media consumption and the company’s strategic realignment to meet changing consumer preferences.
