Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Pixel 9’s Android delay, Samsung confirms Galaxy charging issue, Z Fold Slim leaks, OnePlus Open going premium, Boox’s new eBook reader, Retroid’s first Snapdragon, and Niagara’s big update.
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.
Retroid’s First Snapdragon
As well as the dedicated Android-powered gaming smartphones (such as Asus’ series of ROG Phones), Android devices are becoming increasingly popular in the handheld console market. One of the major manufacturers in this space is Retorid, and its upcoming Retroid Pocket Mini could be one of the first of these retro-focused handhelds to be powered by a Snapdragon chipset:
"Additionally, it has hinted that the Pocket Mini could be more powerful than many contemporaries, including the Anbernic RG40XX H (curr. $89.99 on Amazon). Specifically, Retroid has based the device around a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, albeit not one that it is willing to name just yet."
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Pixel 9 Android Update Delayed
2024’s annual update to Android is running behind schedule. A new update to the beta discusses the timing for the stable release, which is the first time Google has acknowledged a possible release window. And it’s not planning for this to happen until October.
[Google] changed the release notes for the Android Beta Exit update, which is pushed to devices that opt out of the Android beta program. The updated release notes, which have been verified by Android Authority, says that users who are waiting for the Android 15 stable update should “ignore [the downgrade] OTA until Android 15 is available in October.”
Folding For Thin
How slim will Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6 variant be? According to the latest leaks around the special edition of the latest foldable from the South Korean company, a noticeable amount, especially when closed:
"According to Evan Blass, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition has a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch foldable display. Furthermore, the when measured on its side, the phone's dimensions are 10.6mm when folded and 4.9mm when unfolded, presumably at its thinnest point… For reference, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6, which you can already buy, has a 13.4mm profile when folded shut and measures 6.1mm when unfolded open.
Samsung Confirms Galaxy Charging Issue
Meanwhile, Samsung is dealing with a cosmetic issue on its latest smartphones. Third-party chargers are causing discoloration and peeling paint. Samsung suggests that you restrict yourself to Samsung’s own chargers… although it’s worth pointing out that as these are no longer supplied in the retail package, you’re looking at an additional purchase to do so:
"When you are holding a phone that is being charged with a high-speed third-party charger that is not properly grounded, the leakage current can affect the anodisation (the process that gives a metal surface a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant finish), which may slightly delaminate the paint. Please make sure to use official Samsung chargers to prevent these issues.
Premium Privacy From OnePlus
European pre-orders for the OnePlus Open Apex Edition opened this week. One of last year’s breakout foldable smartphones will be refreshed with a new look—the crimson red the OnePlus community is familiar with—and an upgrade to 1 TB of storage supporting the 16 GB of RAM:
"The OnePlus Open Apex Edition is primarily for "collectors" and includes a VIP mode that enhances privacy for the user. This disables the camera and microphone, plus restricts app tracking. It is also wrapped in Crimson Shadow vegan leather"
(T3).
Boox’s New Android eBook Reader
Following on from its smartphone-sized Palma eBook reader comes Boox’s Go 6. A 6-inch eInk reader that this time follows the more traditional eBook form factor than the taller and narrower smartphone, this Android-powered device comes with its first-party dedicated reading app but also allows you to install your own software:
"Along with Android 12 and the Google Play Store on board, it runs the latest version of Boox’s firmware, which introduces a minimalistic interface, a dark mode option, and a new handwriting tool. The Boox 6 Go ships with a 2.0GHz octa-core processor and 32GB of storage. But it only has 2GB of RAM, which could slow down performance — especially if you want to download and use Android apps."
(The Verge).
As well as the dedicated Android-powered gaming smartphones (such as Asus’ series of ROG Phones), Android devices are becoming increasingly popular in the handheld console market. One of the major manufacturers in this space is Retorid, and its upcoming Retroid Pocket Mini could be one of the first of these retro-focused handhelds to be powered by a Snapdragon chipset:
"Additionally, it has hinted that the Pocket Mini could be more powerful than many contemporaries, including the Anbernic RG40XX H (curr. $89.99 on Amazon). Specifically, Retroid has based the device around a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, albeit not one that it is willing to name just yet."
And Finally
One of the more unique app launchers on Android is Niagara. Designed for quick access and one-handed use, its latest beta supports some of the key homescreen updates in Android 15. It offers as much support as third-party developers can currently offer for Private Spaces, while fully implementing the App Archiving feature:
"This means that it recognizes when apps have been archived and replaces their icons with the archived version of the icon. The archived version of an icon is simply a grayed-out version of the app’s original icon with a “cloud” badge overlaid on top. Tapping an archived app’s icon will trigger a dialog that asks you whether you want to restore the app from whatever app store it was installed from."
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!
