Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Pixel 11 Pro specs, Galaxy Z Fold8 records broken, Samsung’s approach to health and fitness, Gemini for WearOS, Qualcomm’s latest 8 Elite, Asus Googlebook spotted, and more Developer Verification issues.
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 11 Family Specs Revealed
Android Headlines has published the specs of the Pixel 11 family, set for launch later this month. In terms of positioning, the Pixel 11 Pro will be an uprated Pixel 11 in the same size, while the Pixel 11 Pro will offer a larger display with specs similar to the Pixel 11 Pro:
“We’ve just revealed full specifications and pricing for the Google Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The specs are very similar to what the Pixel 10 series offered, while the prices start at $899/€999 for the Pixel 11 and reach $1,899/€1,999 for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.”
Samsung’s Foldable Sales Setting Records
Samsung is highlighting the success of the new Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, and Z Flip8. Pre-order levels in India have reached last year’s fifteen-day level in three days, according to the company. It’s a similar story in other territories, including South Korea and the US.
“The new devices recorded over 271000 pre-orders within just 72 hours of their launch on July 22 in India. Last year, Samsung India had taken 15 days to receive a similar number of pre-orders for its Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7.”
Talking About Health And Fitness With Samsung
How does Samsung see the future of its new hardware to support consumers’ health? Forbes senior contributor David Phelan spoke with Samsung UK’s Annika Bizon on the new products launched at Galaxy Unpacked and how they have helath and fitness as core principles:
““Everything from your vitals, being able to understand how your health is working and what the trigger signs around that might show up, whether you might need to go and see a doctor or if there’s potentially a cold on its way you could adapt your lifestyle to that. I love the fact that we’re now in the preventative health space.”
Here Comes Gemini For WearOS
Google is ringing the changes in WearOS with the depreciation of Google Assistant. There’s no option to retain the old assistant with the next update; Gemini will be taking over on your wrist. Abner Li has more:
“Google sent an email to existing users today about how “Google Assistant is going away on mobile devices.” Officially, Assistant is “being discontinued” and that “Gemini — our next-generation AI-powered assistant — is now the assistant experience on Android.” The company will start removing Google Assistant access on September 4, but “this process may take a few weeks to reach everyone.”
Qualcomm’s Latest 8 Elite
Qualcomm’s latest silicon release may help ‘flagship killer’ manufacturers to keep the bill of materials down for the next wave of smartphones. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5V series will debut in Xiaomi’s Redmi K100 Pro next week. NotebookCheck have the full specs and expected performance:
“Qualcomm’s official spec sheet for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series (SM8850-1-AB) confirms the chip is a binned variant of the standard 8 Elite Gen 5, cutting one Adreno GPU slice while leaving the CPU, NPU, and modem untouched.”
Asus’ Googlebook Spotted online
Google signalled the introduction of Google Books at this summer’s I/O Developer event, with a nod towards a later launch in the year. These would include Googlebook laptops from third-party manufacturers. Asus’ first Googlebook has now broken cover, via the iF Design website. 9to5Google reports:
“There’s more that identifies the laptop as a Googlebook in the latest leaked images. A “Glowbar” can be seen over the Asus logo. The LED strip is expected to work in a similar way to the Pixel 11’s HiLight indicator by lighting up for certain notifications. The Google “G” can also be seen where the start menu button would sit on a Windows machine.”
And Finally…
Google continues to push forward with its Android Developer Verification program, requiring developers to register and identify themselves, even if they do not use the Google Play Store. But what of developers who cannot verify themselves, such as those in countries sanctioned by the US Government? Ars Technica investigates:
“A Google spokesperson has expanded on the FAQ and confirmed to Ars that people living in sanctioned nations will not be allowed to go through the verification process. That means they will not be able to effectively distribute software through any channel internationally.
“Today, someone making an app in, say, Cuba can distribute it freely around the world, as well as at home. Anyone can install it and see their work in action after tapping through a few sideloading alerts. In the coming months, that will no longer be the case. These unverified apps will only be easily installable in the sanctioned countries where verification doesn’t exist.”
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!