Google finally put the finishing touches on Android 13 and started rolling it out to supported Pixel phones (Pixel 4 series and newer, please note that updated Pixel 6 models cannot be rolled back to v12). Of course, Pixel phones are privileged when it comes to update speed. Other makers also started recruiting testers for their implementations of Android 13: Xiaomi, OnePlus, vivo and iQOO and others. You can check out our ColorOS 13 hands-on review for Oppo’s take on the new OS.
The other major news this week is Apple’s announcement that Apple will unveil the new iPhone 14 series on September 7 (which will go on sale on September 16). This has not been officially confirmed, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has a good track record of analyzing Apple’s movements. The iPhone 13 series was announced on September 14, so the timing isn’t too surprising. Gurman also reported that Apple wants to show more ads in its first party apps on iOS, iPadOS and macOS.
Samsung finally started taking pre-bookings for the new Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 foldables in India this week (it hadn’t even announced their prices before that). The local branch already announced that more than 50,000 foldables had been reserved in the first 12 hours. Fans in India can also pre-order the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Galaxy Watch5 series.
There was also bad news from India this week: nothing increased the price of his phone (1).
Several new phones were unveiled this week by vivo, Poco, Oppo, Realme, Lenovo and Motorola. Lenovo launched the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 powered Legion Y70 gaming phone. Motorola unveiled the Edge (2022) for the US market, the first phone with the Dimensity 1050 (check out T-Mobile’s deal if you’re interested), and the Moto Tab G62 for India.
In other news, WhatsApp has finally released a native desktop Windows and macOS app (a beta, but still). And since ads were a bit of a topic this week, one developer found that Netflix’s ad-supported level doesn’t allow downloading content for offline viewing.
The new version is fresh out of Google’s oven.
The interface is based on Android 13, nearly 60 devices will get it by the end of H1 2023.
The new line-up would be available on Friday, September 16.
Apple wants to expand its advertising revenues.
A two-day promo event offers cashback (or bonus trade-in credit), free and discounted accessories, and discounts on Care+ and the Galaxy Watch4 Classic.
The launch in India was a week later than in the rest of the world, Samsung only announced the prices of the new foldables on Tuesday.
It now starts at INR 33,999.
The rollout has already started.
The phone is already having its first flash sale in Indonesia. For example, it’s similar to the Y33t, but with faster charging and a 90Hz refresh rate for the display.
The two smartphones have impressive selfie cameras and color-changing rear panels.
The cameras of the Indian version of the Poco M4 5G have been downgraded.
It brings identical specs to the Reno7 launched earlier this year.
It comes in Wi-Fi only and LTE versions.
The phone runs on Dimensity 810.
The total battery capacity is 40 mAh.
The phone comes with a 50 MP camera and some gaming options.
It is a version of the Y77e that was announced last week.
The chipset offers blazing fast mmWave 5G connectivity. Also, this phone has wireless charging for its 5,000 mAh battery.
It comes in Wi-Fi only and LTE versions.
All three are available for pre-order in Malaysia.
Native desktop apps will improve the speed and efficiency of their respective operating systems.
The ad-supported plan is expected to debut in early 2023.
Those on the RTX 3080 tier of the service can access the option through a Chrome or Edge browser.
The $250 mini drone is still being sold on its website.
It looks like two versions of each of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Chances are, only the Pros have UWB.
The update improves GPS stability. This was unexpected as the S8 series received its supposedly last update a year ago.