Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Samsung’s Galaxy S25 design, Pixel 9a launch details, reviewing the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google Photo’s AI detector, HMD Skyline’s digital detox arrives, Nubia’s updated Z60 Ultra, and the final moments of the Surface Duo 2.
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.
Building A Nicer Galaxy
The updated design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is becoming clear through various leaks of specs, cases, and images. And one thing that i very clear is Samsung’s focus on making the next flagship a comfortable flagship:
“The external design was also revealed through a production blank. It is also a touch smaller than its S24 Ultra counterpart. Coupled with the choice to sculpt the sides of the Galaxy handsets with more curves and rounder corners, Samsung looks to be leaning into ergonomics and comfort for the next flagships.”
(Forbes).
Pixel 9a vs iPhone SE
Google’s “Pixel A” models tend to launch sx months after the main line of Pixels. With the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold all arriving in late August, when can we expect the Pixel 9a? Leaks this week suggest an earlier launch of March 2025, an almost head-to-head spotting against the iPhone SE:
“As we’ve confirmed with multiple sources, the Google Pixel 9a will be available for pre-order in mid-March 2025. Shipping and in-store availability will be available before the end of March 2025… We’re also learning from multiple sources that this is going to be the new permanent release schedule for the Pixel a-series. This means that the Pixel 10a will also be launched in March of 2026.
(Android Headlines).
Come For The Music, Skip The AI Chat
Alongside the new Pixel smartphones, Google also launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2. These build on the success of the PIxel Buds Pro. Given the improved active noise cancellation, smaller size, and longer battery life these are a good upgrade. Just don’t go buying them for the AI chat:
“When I’ve engaged it in subjects I have good knowledge of, subjects with extensive information online, it’s been confidently wrong more often than not… and Gogole’s other query-based searches can deliver more accurate answers.
“Given that, it’s hard for me to rely on Gemini AI for subjects that are less familiar to me. I‘d argue that the generative AI needs more time to mature, and I’m unlikely to use Gemini on the Buds Pro 2 more than I used Google Assistant.”
(Forbes).
How To Spot An AI
On the other side of the many-faceted AI coin, a new feature could be arriving in Google Photos to help spot an AI-created image. Details in the metadata can be mined to find their origin, and a proposed update to the Photos app offers that:
“Google Photos could soon display IPTC credit metadata/other identifying information on images, which will be helpful in figuring out if an image is AI-generated or not… Many generative AI programs use these tags to identify themselves when creating pictures. For example, images created with Google’s Gemini chatbot contain the text “Made with Google AI” in the credit tag. Similarly, images generated by ChatGPT use a tag called “DigitalSourceType” to indicate that they were created using generative AI.”
(Forbes).
Skyline’s Detox Arrives
When the HMD SKyline launched, it promoted its digital detox feature as ‘coming soon’. Well, soon is now. With the latest Android 14 update. the Skyline (reviewed here on Forbes) picks up its lockdown mode for your always-notifying-you phone:
“When activated, Detox Mode helps users disconnect by restricting access to apps and notifications, encouraging a much-needed break from constant phone use. This feature aligns with the growing demand for digital well-being tools, aimed at promoting healthier usage habits.”
(HMD via NokiaMob).
A Leading Update
Nubia’s update to 2023’s Z60 Ultra has arrived. The Z60 Ultra Leading version sports the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, back ed up by a maximum of 16 GB RAM and 1 B of storage. It’s a flagship, albeit a budget flagship from a younger brand, but its at a price point that makes it worth consideration:
“The most notable innovation in the Leading Version of the Z60 Ultra is the new sensor for the main camera, which elevates it to a whole new level and is also featured in the Z60S Pro. During testing, the battery life is remarkable and the display remained stable… Nubia still hasn’t managed to fully address the additional heat, and software throttling will likely need to kick in sooner in some scenarios. The update support is also notably limited.”
(Notebook Check).
And Finally…
If you wonder why so much emphasis is placed on “how many Android updates will this device get” when a smartphone is launched, consider the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. Three years after its launch, one of the first foldables to find critical acclaim is all coded out. October 21st will be the last security update, and in total it has seen just one Android upgrade. Worth it for a $1,500 phone? No, says Zac Bowden:
“If Microsoft ever attempts to launch a new phone in the future, I will be the first to tell you to steer well clear. Microsoft had a chance to redeem itself with the Surface Duo, and it failed miserably. Charging $1,500 for a phone that was only ever updated with a new version of Android once is inexcusable. Microsoft doesn’t deserve a third chance. “
(Windows Central).
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!
