Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes Pixel 8 Pro’s new sensor, Samsung’s foldables winning again, the heart of Phone (2), OnePlus Pad going on sale, Oppo’s battery powered reward, two folding phones with one design, and Google’s new personal safety features leak.
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).
Pixel 8 Pro’s Hottest Update
With the Pixel 7a launched, attention turns to the next flagship, the presumptively named Pixel 8 Pro. T reveal details Google is including a new sensor for the camera… a thermometer:
“One thing that is different though is the addition of a new sensor just below the LED flash. This is a dedicated infrared thermometer sensor that will be used to measure the temperature of your body. This sensor is similar to what most contactless thermometers use. In the video, we can see a clear demonstration of how the built-in thermometer in the Pixel 8 Pro works.”
(91mobiles).
People walk past an advertisement for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 smartphones at the … [+]
Samsung And The Foldable Market
While manufacturers are pushing for foldables to become the “next big thing” during 2023, the initial rush to pick up foldable devices has slowed down. Samsung retains the lion’s share of the market, but it faces a challenge from the likes of Oppo and Honor. As more devices at more competitive price points reach consumers, will Samsung retain its number one spot?
“Samsung maintained the lead above all other foldable phone manufacturers. However, its Q1 shipment share fell to its second-lowest level yet, at 45%. During the same quarter, the 2nd largest foldable phone brand, shipment-wise, was Oppo. The latter OEM captured a share of 21%. (via )”
(SamMobile via @DSCCross).
Inside Nothing
Nothing Tech founder Carl Pei has confirmed the chipset that will drive the company’s next smartphone; the Nothing Phone (2) will have the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor at its heart. This should offer more performance, an improved image signal processor for photography, and better battery life:
“There has been a lot of discussion ever since we announced that Phone (2) will have a Snapdragon 8 Series chipset. Well, here’s some news – it’s going to be the premium-tier powerhouse Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. A clear upgrade from Phones (1).”
Oneplus Pad On Sale
The OnePlus Pad is now on sale in the UK, with a number of discounts on peripherals available as you purchase an Android tablet. The Pad is a competent tablet, although the applications to make it a unique offering will be released later this summer. If you want to get in before then, here are the details:
“Global technology brand OnePlus today announced the open-sale of OnePlus Pad and OnePlus Pad accessories in the UK. Available today via oneplus.com, OnePlus Pad is offered in Halo Green with 8GB RAM / 128 GB and is priced at £449. OnePlus also announced the open-sale of all OnePlus Pad accessories, including the OnePlus Stylo (£99) and OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard (£149), OnePlus Folio Case (£59).”
(One Plus Store).
Folding Partners
OnePlus’ move to take on the foldable smartphones market later this year will bring with it both a ‘Fold’ and a ‘Flip’ styled phone. And there’s going to be a less than surprising echo in the handsets of its sister brand Oppo:
“OnePlus is launching its first-ever foldable smartphone in Q3 this year. The company had teased the OnePlus Fold earlier giving us a glimpse at its design which looked like a book-style form factor. Now, tipster Yogesh Brar has exclusively told 91mobiles that the OnePlus Fold will indeed feature a book-style folding design, and it will also look exactly like the OPPO Find N3, another upcoming foldable.
(91mobiles).
Oppo’s Battery Powered Reward
Staying with Oppo, its Battery Health Engine has picked up a SEAL award for sustainability. The Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership Awards, naturally promote sustainable technology. Extending the battery life of its phones both on a single charge and over thousands of charges, lies behind the recognition: innovative initiatives that positively impact the environment.
“Based on OPPO’s customized battery management chip, the Smart Battery Health Algorithm, and Battery Healing Technology, the Battery Health Engine can maintain the battery capacity of OPPO smartphones by as much as 80% of its original value after as many as 1,600 charge-discharge cycles”
(Seal Awards via FastCompany).
And Finally…
Lurking inside a beta of Google’s Personal Safety app is a new function. It may already be available as a third-party app, but Google looks set to bundle a dashcam into builds of Android:
“Inside, our team managed to enable a new feature called “Dashcam” which, as the name suggests, records video (and audio, optionally) while you are driving. If your phone is mounted in the right spot, the recording should provide helpful information in the event of an accident or other unexpected situation.”
(9to5 Google).
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!