This week in the Android world, including Samsung’s Galaxy S25 design, Pixel 9a launch details, Pixel Buds Pro 2 review, Google Photo’s AI detector, the arrival of HMD Skyline’s digital detox, Nubia’s updated Z60 Ultra, and more. A look back at the news and headlines. The final moments of Surface Duo 2.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of some of the many discussions surrounding Android over the past seven days. You can also read my weekly Apple news digest here on Forbes.
HMD Skyline
build a better galaxy
The updated design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra has been revealed through various leaks of specs, cases, and images. And one thing I’m very clear about is that Samsung is focused on making its next flagship a comfortable flagship.
“The external design has also been revealed through the production blank, and is slightly smaller than its S24 Ultra counterpart. Coupled with the choice to sculpt the sides of the Galaxy device with more curves and rounded corners, Samsung has It seems to be leaning towards engineering’ comfort for the next flagship. ”
(Forbes).
Pixel 9a and iPhone SE
Google’s “Pixel A” models tend to launch six months after the Pixel mainline. The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold will all arrive in late August, but when will the Pixel 9a be released? This week’s leaks suggest an early March 2025 launch , it will go almost head-to-head with the iPhone SE.
“We have confirmed with multiple sources that the Google Pixel 9a will be available for pre-order in mid-March 2025. Shipping and in-store availability is expected to begin by the end of March 2025… We’ve also learned from sources that this will be the new permanent release schedule for the Pixel A series, meaning the Pixel 10a will also launch in March 2026.
(Android Headlines).
Skip the AI chat and enjoy the music
In addition to the new Pixel smartphones, Google also launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2. These build on the success of the Pixel Buds Pro. Considering the improved active noise cancellation, smaller size, and longer battery life, these are good upgrades. Don’t buy it for AI chat.
“When I worked on a topic that I knew well or had extensive information about online, I was more confident and wrong…and other query-based searches in Gogole were more accurate. You’ll get your answer.
“With that in mind, it is difficult for me to rely on Gemini AI for subjects that I am not very familiar with.I maintain that generative AI needs more time to mature, and with Buds Pro 2, Gemini AI I’m not likely to use it any more.” It was better than using Google Assistant. ”
(Forbes).
How to spot an AI
On the other side of the multifaceted AI coin, new features could be coming to Google Photos to help identify images created by AI. Metadata details can be mined to find its origins, and the proposed update to the Photos app will allow you to:
“Google Photos will soon be able to display IPTC credit metadata and other identifying information on images, which will help determine whether an image was generated by AI…many Generating AI programs use these tags to identify themselves when they create a photo. For example, an image created by Google’s Gemini chatbot will have a credit tag that says “Made with Google AI.” Contains text. Similarly, ChatGPT-generated images use a tag called “DigitalSourceType” to indicate that they were created using generative AI.
(Forbes).
Skyline Detox is now available
When HMD SKYline launched, the company touted its digital detox features as “coming soon.” Well, it’s almost here. Applied the latest Android 14 update. Skyline (reviewed by Forbes) employs a lockdown mode on your phone that keeps you informed at all times.
“Enabling Detox Mode can disconnect users by restricting access to apps and notifications, encouraging a much-needed break from constant phone use. We are responding to the growing demand for digital wellbeing tools that aim to promote healthy usage habits.”
(HMD via NokiaMob).
Cutting-edge updates
Nubia’s 2023 Z60 Ultra update has arrived. The flagship version of the Z60 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, backed up by up to 16GB of RAM and 1B of storage. This is an affordable flagship from a young brand, but at a price point worth considering.
“The most notable innovation in the main version of the Z60 Ultra is the new sensor in the main camera, which is taken to a whole new level and is also featured on the Z60S Pro. During testing, battery life was amazing. Yes, the display remains stable…Nubia is not yet fully able to cope with the additional heat and may need to start software throttling sooner in some scenarios. Support is also severely limited.
(note check).
And finally…
If you’re wondering why there’s so much emphasis on how many Android updates this device will include when it launches a smartphone, consider the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. Three years after its release, it’s all about one of the first foldable devices to receive critical acclaim. coded. October 21st was the last security update, with only one Android upgrade in total. Is it worth buying a $1,500 cell phone? No, says Zach Bowden.
“If Microsoft ever tries to launch a new phone in the future, I’ll be the first to tell you to tread carefully. Microsoft had a chance to redeem itself with the Surface Duo, but it failed miserably. It’s unacceptable to Microsoft that it was only updated once with a new version of Android.
(Windows Central).
Android Circuit rounds up news from the Android world every weekend here at Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any future coverage. And of course, be sure to read Apple Loop’s sister columns as well. Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here. If you have news or links you’d like to see featured on Android Circuit, please contact us.
