Android Faithful

Google TV gets a major update while Xiaomi, Huawei and Nothing are bringing the latest to Android globally. Recorded at Droidcon NYC, Mishaal Rahman, Huyen Tue Dao, Jason Howell and Ron Richards break down the news along with an exclusive interview with Shalini Govil-Pai, VP & GM of Google TV.

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 00:06:20 - The numbers are in and Xiaomi passed Apple as the No. 2 smartphone brand in the world
• 00:13:20 - Google is making it easier to sync passkeys across devices, but it's still confusing
• 00:20:06 - Oppo has a launch date for ColorOS 15 and Oxygen OS 15 is getting more iOS esque

HARDWARE

• 00:26:29 - Leaks of the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G are out, along with rumors of 6 years of updates
• 00:29:30 - The Xiaomi MIX Flip is getting global launch. Revisit Mishaal's coverage of the device
• 00:32:27 - The HUAWEI Mate XT is coming to global markets after all, and here's when

APPS

• 00:36:55 - Microsoft has rolled out a Windows App 🤷
• 00:39:23 - Teens now have a restricted version of Instagram
• 00:43:53 - Google apps roundup with updates to Maps, Photos, Messages

MORE NEWS

• 00:49:47 - The Nothing Ear (open) is here! Nothing's first open-ear audio product
• 00:53:48 - PATRON NEWS PICK: Can you believe that Google Photos was broken a month?
• 00:59:56 - A major new batch of features are coming to Google TV

INTERVIEW

• 01:04:34 - Interview: We chat with Shalini Govil-Pai, VP & GM of Google TV about the latest updates to the platform

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It's a jam-packed episode this week ranging from more Android 15 to a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 to the much-maligned return of Flappy Bird. Yes, Flappy Bird. Jason Howell, Ron Richards and Mishaal Rahman (for a little bit) go on this Android journey with you, our faithful audience.

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 00:03:55 - Mishaal has the details on Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 with many new features
• 00:16:00 - A new dawn rises as RCS rolls out to iOS devices with iOS 18's release
• 00:21:41 - More digital IDs and state IDs are coming to Google Wallet along with an official digital credentials API
• 00:24:19 - Sideloaded apps get the smackdown (sorta) in Android 15
• 00:28:14 - Pixels be damned! Circle to Search looks to no longer be exclusive!
• 00:29:40 - The Patron News pick was all about those notification icons in Android 15. Bright colors!

HARDWARE

• 0:37:42 - Here it is, the Samsung Galaxy S25 in all its flat sided glory!
• 0:42:19 - And the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ & S10 Ultra will arrive in a couple of weeks!
• 0:45:49 - The new Techno Phantom foldables look to be impressive and affordable

APPS

• 0:51:33 - Gemini Live rolls out to more users...for free?
• 0:53:20 - Browsing gets a little safer with these new Chrome features
• 0:55:40 - Google Home adds Search because, well Google.
• 0:58:07 - I can't believe I'm saying this, but Flappy Bird is back and it's tied to Crypto, because of course it is

COMMUNITY

• 1:07:48 - Adam in San Diego is not thrilled with Gemini over Assistant
• 1:12:41 - James runs into a problem sharing photos from Google Photos to Google Messages

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Huyen got the Pixel Watch 3 on her wrist, Mishaal caught a glimpse of an Android 16 feature, and Jason became a believer in the tri-fold format.

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 0:19:43 - Google is preparing a major overhaul to notifications and Quick Settings in Android 16
• 0:26:24 - Here's how Android 15 blocks thieves from bypassing factory reset protection
• 0:30:36 - Samsung One UI 6.1.1 Expands Latest Galaxy AI Features to Even More Users Around the World
• 0:33:25 - Google limits on Android Auto access may breach EU rules, court adviser says
• 0:35:20 - Everything is not OSOM
• 0:41:29 - Patron pick: Android 15 is already prepared for Bluetooth 6.0's best new feature

HARDWARE

• 0:50:51 - HUAWEI Mate XT Hands-on & Quick Review
• 0:59:01 - HONOR Unfolds a Future with Possibilities with the record-breaking HONOR Magic V3 at IFA 2024
• 1:05:10 - Best of IFA 2024: HMD Fusion
• 1:09:41 - Qualcomm says it’s working on mixed reality smart glasses with Samsung and Google
• 1:11:52 - TCL's newest phone takes its NXTPAPER display to a whole new level
• 1:16:10 - Exclusive: First Look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

APPS

• 1:18:38 - Improved search in Google Photos
• 1:25:15 - Google's Android Search widget is getting supercharged
• 1:27:52 - 3 Chrome updates to help you stay on top of your tabs
• 1:30:37 - Meta will let third-party apps place calls to WhatsApp and Messenger users

COMMUNITY

• 1:34:01 - Jelly Bean 4.2.2 in Sam's car!
• 1:35:38 - Could RCS be bad for security?

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It's a classic episode all about Android as we welcome back Florence Ion to take a trip to hardware leak city with Jason Howell and Ron Richards!

Hey! We'll be at Droidcon NYC this September!

Also hey! You can get Android Faithful merch for up to 40% off at Threadless!

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 0:05:47 - Big day for Android with the release of Android 15 and the September feature drop
• 0:20:53 - The date has been set for the Samsung Developer Conference!
• 0:24:03 - Patrons picked hearing about how Google Messages will handle media with RCS

HARDWARE

• 0:29:27 - The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is here and the colors are fantastic
• 0:33:47 - We enter LEAK CITY with the Oppo Find X8 with a similar looking feature to the iPhone 16
• 0:37:13 - The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition gets new dimensions
• 0:39:51 - Exciting news of Huawei's TRI-FOLD Foldable coming September 10
• 0:42:53 - Xiaomi checks in with a leak of a button-less phone
• 0:47:00 - As we leave Leak City we get news of the Pixel 9A's modem

APPS

• 0:53:01 - Gemini brings new features to your inbox
• 0:55:24 - After demos, Circle to Search gets new features
• 0:59:15 - Google adds live translation for Translate to foldables

COMMUNITY

• 1:01:20 - VinkyPoo from the Netherlands has a tip for fingerprint scanning
• 1:02:48 - Dustin shares Fi pricing
• 1:05:00 - Damon is back on Android!
• 1:08:12 - Baldwin asks to revisit the chain link fence

Thanks to Florence Ion for joining! Read her at Gizmodo and listen to Material!

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We just can't quit you Pixel 9, can we? Even with guest Adam Doud on the show, Huyen Tue Dao, Mishaal Rahman, Jason Howell and Ron Richards are at it again.

We'll be at Droidcon NYC this September!

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 0:17:26 - The dawn of AI Photos and the ethics of images that aren't real
• 0:29:54 - We know when Android 15 will roll out and it's been a rollercoaster!
• 0:36:21 - Android 15 QPR 1 has goodies like Lockscreen Widgets and more
• 0:43:56 - Patrons picked the news that phone call recording is coming...only to the Pixel 9

HARDWARE

• 0:49:48 - The Google Pixel 9 reviewed!
• 1:07:59 - A ton of features available on the Pixel phones
• 1:13:56 - The Pixel 9 Pro uses 3 GB for AI
• 1:16:56 - The Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 brings, you guessed it, AI
• 1:19:04 - Foldable alert! Tecno’s Phantom V Fold 2 and Flip 2 leak with great pricing
• 1:22:55 - For my tablet fam, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra details are here

APPS

• 1:24:55 - Niagra Launcher brings Android 15 features
• 1:26:27 - Arc Browser is coming to Android!
• 1:28:49 - Sharing clips from YouTube finally got easier
• 1:30:56 - Google Tasks redesign brings productivity upgrades

COMMUNITY

• 1:32:38 - Paul has a tale of frustration from Google sales support
• 1:36:02 - Larry from Michigan is Google Fi curious
• 1:42:54 - Mike from Georgia has an old Android version alert

Thanks to Adam Doud for joining us - check him out at Benefit of the Doud, Slashgear, Forbes, CNN Underscored, and more!

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Jason, Mishaal, and guest Shannon Morse discuss the potential breakup of Google's Android division, #TeamPixel controversy, the new OnePlus Buds Pro 3, as well as the promised Pank interview!

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

0:17:33 US Considers a Rare Antitrust Move

0:28:01 Google threatened tech influencers unless they ‘preferred’ the Pixel

0:42:09 4 new AI-powered Pixel and Android accessibility updates

0:45:41 Geekbench AI 1.0

0:51:03 Samsung Expands Circle to Search to Galaxy A Series

0:51:30 California IDs coming soon in Google Wallet

0:51:55 Android's theft detection lock feature is starting to roll out

0:53:17 Patron Pick: Nearly All Google Pixel Phones Exposed by Unpatched Flaw in Hidden Android App

HARDWARE

1:02:31 @Honorglobal: Don't just imagine the future. Be there when it unfolds.

1:06:06 OnePlus Buds Pro 3 launch with redesigned case

1:08:50 Brian Cutter, Google's CMF designer - Interview

APPS

1:13:47 New video calling features coming to Google Meet

1:16:00 This new feature is basically AirDrop but for Windows PCs and Android

1:19:20 Quick Hits:

• Gemini can finally start Google Assistant Routines
• Gemini glows with new floating overlay panel, starts rolling out
• Circle to Search is rolling out a new Song Search feature for some users
• Basic editing of Ultra HDR photos in Google Photos no longer strips Ultra HDR
• Offline Google Maps rolling out to Wear OS
• Help me write in Gmail now lets you polish email drafts

COMMUNITY

1:24:52 What am I missing with Google One AI?

1:31:10 Why Google TV Streamer is disappointing.

1:33:50 Are old cars to blame?

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It's a big week in Android-land as the AF team and the rest of the tech industry descended on Mountain View, California to go to Google's headquarters for the keynote presentation and launch of the new Pixel phones, watches and earbuds, all wrapped up in a big Artificial Intelligence bow called Gemini. We truly are in the Gemini Era with this lineup of hardware designed to maximize the user benefit of the language models and tools developed by Google.

We took a little different approach this week as Jason Howell, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards got together pre-event to breakdown the devices and their details and then the guys were joined by Huyen Tue Dao at the event and we gathered to share our impressions of the event and the announcements. We hope you enjoy our coverage!

All details and specs for the Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Fold, Watch 3 and Buds Pro 2 are available at AndroidFaithful.com

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• 00:00:00 - We breakdown the Pixel hardware and Gemini software announcements at Made By Google
• 00:35:26 - Post-event we share our analysis and impressions from hands-on time with the devices and applications.

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled show next week. Thanks to Google for having us at their event and all the hospitality they provided.

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We're navigating anti-trust lawsuits, Pixel 9 leaks and so, so much hardware (again!).

**NOTE: Streamyard glitched at times throughout the recording of this podcast and there is no fix to the damage in this episode. We apologize for the audio cutouts.**

Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 00:03:09 - What does the ruling against Google mean for Android?
• 00:10:09 - Edge to edge apps have a loophole in Android 15.
• 00:18:50 - Tablet sales are on the rise!
• 00:21:42 - Patrons picked the news that Samsung execs are displeased with their devices copying Apple

HARDWARE

• 00:28:13 - The Google TV Streamer was announced and there's new Nest Thermostats
• 00:44:11 - Now the leaks are out about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with details about price and shipping dates
• 00:48:20 - There's more Pixel Watch 3 details leaked
• 00:50:41 - The Moto Tags are on sale now!
• 00:51:52 - Jason spent time with the Nothing Phone (2A)
• 00:56:00 - Mishaal has the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
• 01:03:43 - Jason reviewed the Nothing CMF Watch Pro 2

APPS

• 01:06:32 - Google rolled out safety updates to Search and Maps/Waze
• 01:11:15 - School Time from Google is coming to phones and tablets
• 01:13:45 - Better controls to your device's audio thanks to Wavelet
• 01:15:52 - Check this cool feature when using Google Lens!

COMMUNITY

• 01:18:02 - Dave from Virginia Beach shares his list of old devices running old versions of Android!
• 01:20:19 - George from NYC strongly recommends the ONN TV Device
• 01:22:29 - Wil in Tigard Oregon has a warning for Samsung Watch 7 users

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The gang is back together as Huyen Tue Dao, Jason Howell, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards are reunited after a month of travels to talk the latest in Android with lots of hardware!

Note: Time codes are subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

NEWS

• 00:03:52 - With Android 15 nearby, let's look at the distribution numbers for Android
• 00:10:38 - In London, Samsung's latest campaign takes the "Fold" concept literally
• 00:12:48 - Speaking of Samsung, the first look at One UI 7 is out and it's a head-scratcher
• 00:23:02 - The Patrons were all about that Picture in Picture on YouTube

HARDWARE

• 00:32:10 - Mishaal has the OnePlus Pad 2 and shares his impressions of the tablet
• 00:42:24 - Ron has the Nothing CMF Phone 1 and gives a look at the low priced phone
• 00:48:53 - The Pixel 9 details keep on leaking all over the place ahead of the MBG event in August
• 01:00:00 - The Pixel Watch 3 details leaked. So did a new Google TV streaming device

APPS

• 01:08:03 - A peek inside the Google app shows contacts, apps and settings in search
• 01:08:56 - Another peek reveals Gemini getting extensions for Google Home, Phone, Keep and more
• 01:09:59 - Windows Insiders get the ability access their Android devices in File Explorer

COMMUNITY

• 01:14:45 - Jonathan from Vermont recommends the Onn 4k Pro for a streaming device
• 01:17:11 - Darren from Tasmania, Australia asks what he loses by using the Samsung Ultra watch with a Pixel phone?

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We've got exciting news about Google Play and an exclusive interview with Sam Bright, VP & GM of Google Play recorded from Google HQ in New York City. Jason Howell and Mishaal Rahman sat down with Sam Bright to hear all the latest coming to Google Play. In addition, Ron Richards joined the guys to hit on the big news of the week so we don't miss a thing!

Note: Time codes are subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.

HARDWARE & NEWS

• 00:52:21 - Mishaal went to China and got to get hands-on with the Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 and the Xiaomi MIX Flip! Check out these photos of the MIX Fold 4 to see how thin it is!
• 00:19:36 - Since it's all been leaked, Google released official teases for the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 Fold Pro ahead of the Made by Google event in August.
• 00:24:55 - Android 15 gets closer to final release as Android 15 Beta 4, the final update, was released
• 00:30:07 - As if we didn't have enough events, Nothing joins the party on July 31 to unveil the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus 

APPS

• 00:32:26 - In-app release news, Notion Calendar was released for Android and it's pretty good!
• 00:34:27 - On the AI side, Claude by Anthropic for Android was released and it's pretty impressive!
• 00:36:21 - Oh hey, the Olympics start this week in Paris and we've got some tips on how to watch and engage with the games on your Android device

INTERVIEW

• 00:39:56 - After unveiling new features and updates to Google Play, Jason and Mishaal sit down with Sam Bright, VP and GM of Google Play, for an in-depth discussion of the updates and we get a behind-the-scenes update and exclusive scoop as to how it all happened.

Thank you to Sam Bright for being generous with his time and sitting down with us, as well as all the awesome people at Google for welcoming us to the Google NYC office to learn about Google Play and record on location. Make sure you check out the latest at Google Play on your Android device!

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