Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes Samsung’s folding Galaxy camera, reviving the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, Huawei teasing the P50, Realme’s new tablet, Honor confirming Magic3 details, Wear OS 3 updates, the Surface Duo’s future, and a new home for Pocketcasts.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many things that have happened around Android in the last week (and you can find the weekly Apple news digest here).
The Galaxy’s Folding Camera
Recently published Samsung patents suggest that the next Z Flip model after the handset expected to launch next month will have a rotating camera mounted in the hinge:
"The focus in this design is on the camera system. Samsung seems to see a chance to process the dual camera in the hinge. It should also be possible to rotate the camera, which can be directed forwards, upwards and backwards so that you can take pictures from different angles. From selfies to regular photo and video recordings."
Reviewing The OnePlus Nord 2 5G
OnePlus has announced the next handset in its mid-range line-up. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G replaces last year’s Nord, and if you’re a follower of the OnePlus story you’ll spot the resemblances to the ‘Flagship Killer’ mythos of the early OnePlus handsets. Thanks to OnePlus, I’ve been able to spend time with the handset this week to review it:
"It’s easy to say that the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is OnePlus back to doing what it does best, especially if you have been following OnePlus from the scrappy days of 2015, the invite only system, and the use of Cyanogen Mod. The company has evolved since then, and the products have evolved since then as well. Yet the Nord 2 does meet that original vision, to be a genuine flagship killer. That OnePlus is essentially disrupting itself is one of the strength of the package. It is working hard to be the best possible handset at the £400-£450 mark."
(Forbes).
Teasing The P50
Huawei’s Twitter account has announced launch date of 29th July for a mysterious gold device. It’s not that mysterious, given everyone is waiting for the Huawei P50. What will be interesting is how the P handsets sell in the US and Europe, given the continuing inclusion on the US Entities List, banning trade and services by US companies - which includes Google and its Mobile Services
"On 29th July, we will be unveiling our newest products at the HUAWEI New Flagship Products Launch. Stay tuned to find out more."
A New Tablet From Realme
Realme may have just launched the Realme GT master in China, and is preparing the X9 for launch in August, is the brand planning to launch a tablet? Following on from various official teases, Steve Hemmerstoffer of @OnLeaks has gathered all the information to create his own RealMe Pad Renders:
"Realme Pad will have a display measuring roughly 10.4 inches in size. The renders show the tablet will look like a generic slab with a protruding single rear camera and flat sides; the design of this frame is reminiscent of the iPad Pro 2020’s. Realme branding can be spotted on the back, along with a straight line that goes through the camera module to facilitate the dual-tone finish as a bit of a design accent. In the front, the uniformly thick bezels surrounding the screen are clearly visible, as is the single selfie shooter placed in the middle."
(via 91mobiles).
Honor Confirms New Magic3 Details
Ahead of the launch of the Honor Magic3 smartphone on August 12, Honor has been quietly confirming details on the device as the days go by. As well as announcing the Magic3 series will be using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888+ system on chip, an official picture of the protective case has revealed a significant circular cutout on the rear of the handset; presumably for the camera island:
"AI “fundamentally changes the photography experience,” said Amon. “It makes everyone a professional photographer.” The combination with 5G is particularly potent. “...we’re going to see a transformation with 5G that is bigger and more profound than what we saw with 4G and the smartphone revolution we have today,” added Amon. You can read more at reuters.com."
(GSMArena)
(Not) Updating Your Smartwatch
Google’s Android-powered smartphone platform may not have the breadth of adoption as the Apple Watch, but it has been quietly powering the wrists of many users since its launch and through countless rebrands. The upcoming bump up to Wear OS 3 was announced at I/O earlier this year, with a note that some current smartwatches will be able to upgrade their software. The list is incredibly small - and does not feature any watches from Samsung or Fitbit - but any upgrade will not happen until the middle of next year:
"In a new support page, Google has made clear that very few currently available watches will make the jump to Wear OS 3. The GPS and LTE variants of Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 3, as well as the recently launched TicWatch E3 and Fossil's upcoming devices, will all receive new software, more or less confirming that a Snapdragon Wear 4100 is required."
Keping The Surface Duo Going
What next for Microsoft’s Android-powered Surface Duo? Jez Corden sets out the case for Redmond to double-down on the concept, nudge the hardware forward, and work intensively on the software to let the vision shine:
"With a market cap reaching into the trillions I find it difficult to accept that Microsoft isn't willing to take this device more seriously. It could become the ideal companion device for every Windows 10 and Windows 11 power user of tomorrow. It could replace the need many have of carrying both a phone and a tablet, given its unique properties. It could be the showcase device for Xbox Game Pass and other Microsoft services. It could be all of this, and more, if Microsoft is willing to take a chance and really go all-in on future versions. "
And Finally...
Pocketcasts, one of the key podcast apps on Android, has been bought by Automattic, the company behind Wordpress.Stand by for a lot more podcast integration with Wordpress, and more updates and features coming to Pocketcasts now it has a new parent:
"As part of Automattic, Pocket Casts will continue to provide you with the features needed to enjoy your favorite podcasts (or find something new). We will explore building deep integrations with WordPress.com and Pocket Casts, making it easier to distribute and listen to podcasts. We’re thrilled that we can continue to give our users a multitude of ways to tell and engage with stories that matter."
(Wordpress).
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!
Android Circuit: Samsung Galaxy’s Folding Camera, Honor Teases Magic3, Surface Duo’s Future - Forbes
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