Android Faithful

We're tending to the Android garden now that Spring has arrived with the return of Jason Howell who joins Ron Richards and Florence Ion for a show packed with leaks and drama plus a rare rugged Ulefone spotted in the wild! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:09:10 - NEWS update from Google Sideloading Drama that comes with a 24 hour waiting periodset of steps to enable itGrapheneOS takes a stand against age verification requirementsstaggering numbers about phone trade-insleak reveals how budget phones may react to the RAM shortage 00:39:25 - HARDWARE Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraAI Featuresdeep dive on the Camerareports that Amazon is, yet again, developing a smartphonereports of OnePlus' demiseREDMAGIC 11 Air Trace Edition Gaming Phone 00:59:10 - APPS March Canary update for AndroidAndroid Auto is evolving and Google sharesMentions, Trash FolderLive Location Sharing 01:10:20 - COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're super excited to present a special edition of Android Faithful, welcoming back friend of the show and VP Product, Android Developer Experience at Google, Matthew McCullough who joins Huyen Tue Dao and Ron Richards to go behind the scenes on the making of the new Android Bench and the AI LLM Rankings recently made available to Android Developers. Matthew was kind enough to give us some time out of his day to give us the inside scoop on what went into the effort, exactly how and why Gemini came out on top of the LLM rankings and a provide a glimpse of what's to come! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a special GREEN day for Android and we celebrate it with the triumphant return of Huyen Tue Dao as she joins Florence Ion and Ron Richards to dive headfirst into the green dyed waters of Android news this week! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:05:10 - NEWS gamersgamedeveloperstop phone manufacturer in town of foldables and its...MotorolaOnePlus Community app in the USSamsung is done selling the Galaxy Trifold 00:34:40 - HARDWARE Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraPerplexity hot wordpeople are getting headaches from the displayleak of the Motorola Razr 2026great update on the status of the Google Find My Hub network 00:56:40 - APPS massive, immersive update to Google Mapsscam protections rollout to Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram by Meta Instagram is shutting down End-to-End encryptionTransit mode for Pixel 01:11:51 - COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the post Mobile World Congress hangover, which is the perfect time for hands-on reviews with two of the hottest phones you can get right now and Florence Ion and Jason Howell have got 'em! Oh and Ron Richards is back to hear all about it! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:05:55 - NEWS Google drops their cut from the Google Play storeGoogle is ranking AIsdevelopers more tools with their new Android BenchCheck your Google Play Perks, you may have $400Google Play begins shaming apps 00:33:18 - HARDWARE Google Pixel 10A hands-on reviewSamsung Galaxy S26 UltraNothing Phone (4A) ProNothing Headphone (a)glimpses of the OnePlus 15T OnePlus and Oppo are raising pricesUnihertz Titan 2 Elite 01:03:54 - APPS Check out Particle AI 01:14:01 - COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason and Flo are joined by Juan Bagnell to mostly discuss this year's biggest Mobile World Congress hardware announcements, but they couldn't help but start with the junk in Google's trunk. Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 0:04:12 - NEWS March 2026 Feature Drop: Pixel 10 ‘Comfort’ view, custom AI icons, At a Glance ‘My commute,’ & moreOh great, here comes 6GQualcomm and Other Industry Leaders Commit to 6G Trajectory Towards Commercialization Starting from 2029 OnwardsQualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite is the biggest smartwatch chip upgrade in 3 yearsSamsung hits pause on next-gen Edge, Z TriFold phones, but is optimistic about the S PenPATRON PICK: Motorola has a tiny new black box at MWC that wants to kill Android Auto cables 0:33:22 - HARDWARE I tried Honor's ultra-thin foldable phone at MWC 2026, and it's almost too powerfulA closer look at Honor’s Robot PhoneHonor’s new MagicPad 4 is the world’s thinnest Android tabletOppo teases the Find N6’s crease-less display ahead of rumored March launchTecno revives modular Android devices with new concept phone 1:00:48 - MORE HARDWARE Lenovo is working on a foldable that could be both your handheld and desktopThe Motorola Razr Fold is shaping up to be pure flagshipMotorola confirms GrapheneOS support for a future phone, bringing over featuresXiaomi launches 17 Ultra smartphone, an AirTag clone, and an ultra-slim power bank 1:21:37 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well whaddaya know, Jason Howell and Florence Ion are on the scene with Samsung's newest flagship series, the Galaxy S26 lineup, for at least a part of the show. Plus, Flo details Google's agentic Gemini news, Google I/O dates are here, and Jason reviews the Motorola Moto Watch. Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 0:00:11 - SAMSUNG GALAXY UNPACKED 0:20:12 - NEWS A more intelligent Android on Samsung Galaxy S26Google I/O 2026 confirmed for May 19: Here's what to expectAndroid malware is now using Gemini AI to adapt in real time (Updated: Google statement)Calling Cards made Google Contacts too busy, but a fix is in the works 0:49:02 - MORE HARDWARE Google's Pixel 10a Brings Gemini Live and Satellite SOS to the Mid-RangeI tested Motorola's new Moto Watch on a snowboarding trip and came back frustrated 1:07:38 - APPS Pixel At a Glance adds Sports and Finance updatesGoogle, Apple start testing encrypted RCS on Android and iOS 26.4 1:17:09 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're still reeling from the roller coaster launch of Android 17 but we're doing our best to hold our own as Florence Ion, Ron Richards and Huyen Tue Dao ponder the new OS beta along with more AirDrop/QuickShare news and lots of new phones to discuss! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:02:30 - NEWS first beta for Android 17 was released QuickShare is making adjustments to be more like AirDropAirDrop compatibility is available for Pixel 9Unlock the Android Auto Developer Options 00:32:13 - HARDWARE leaks of the upcoming Google Pixel 10A and the colorsEU shows the battery lifea NEW NVIDIA Shield TVall the specs for the upcoming S26 line have leakedpossible glimpse of the WIDE Foldablewider than the Pixel FoldTecno Pova Curve 2global release of the Huawei Mate 80 Pro 00:58:03 - APPS pin tabs on Chrome on AndroidNow Playing will graduate to a full appNothing's Playground launchesis it any good? 01:10:40 - COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love is in the air this Valentine's week...a love affair with all things Android as Ron Richards is reunited with Florence Ion, Huyen Tue Dao and Jason Howell to revel in confirmed (not leaks!) of Samsung news plus drama around YouTube Music. Ah, Amore! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:02:46 - NEWS data on Smartphone sales growth in 2025 AirDrop for Android news couldn't get any better, Google sweetens itGemini will be quite prominent on Android PCsGoogle Messages is bringing back a key RCS feature 00:32:12 - HARDWARE details on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy UnpackedSamsung Galaxy Z fold 8 going wideINMO Air3 glasses and gets Android in his face 00:54:10 - APPS YouTube Music and access to LyricsAI Playlists are hereGoogle Home's update to enable support for smart buttons in automationsAt-A-Glance Widget on Google Pixels 01:07:09 - COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Ron gone (in Portland for pinball, don't worry), Jason Howell, Florence Ion, and Huyen Tue Dao do their best to hold down the fort. From Android desktop UI leaks to Nvidia's masterful 10 year (and counting) run with the Shield, to a live unboxing of the new Motorola Moto Watch, everything you need for Android bliss is right here. Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:02:33 - NEWS Android’s full desktop interface leaks: New status bar, Chrome ExtensionsChromeOS will be ‘phased out’ in 2034 as Android PCs arrive late, court docs suggestGoogle releases ‘Desktop Camera’ app that’s seemingly for Android PCsAndroid 16 is off to a strong start in Google's latest usage breakdownGoogle Pixel expected to see ‘strongest growth’ in 2026, report saysMotorola is getting away with zero OS updates thanks to regulatory loophole 00:36:11 - HARDWARE Motorola Moto Watch first lookThere won’t be a Nothing Phone 4 this yearNothing’s next over-ear headphones reportedly cost around $150, launching in MarchNothing Phone 4a series leak reveals launch date, and it's just weeks awayInside Nvidia’s 10-year effort to make the Shield TV the most updated Android device ever 00:58:12 - APPS Gemini in navigation is now available for walking and cycling in Google Maps.Fitbit's co-founders are back with a new app, and you can sign up for the limited betaThis free app turns your Android phone into an iPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thankfully the snowstorm stopped in time for Ron Richards to dig out and join Jason Howell and Huyen Tue Dao for the latest in Android news from OnePlus to Samsung and of course a dash of Google and Gemini for fun. Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:04:55 - NEWS OnePlus responds to reports of their demisePixel Weather fail completely during the snow storm EU is coming after Google, againgoodbye to this killer feature in GMail 00:36:39 - HARDWARE Oppo Find X9 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26, this time at the camera bump via the Qi2 batterySamsung revealed how much the Galaxy Z Trifold will cost in the US 00:50:01 - APPS sync your queues across the web and Android on YouTube MusicGoogle Photos Me Meme featureGoogle Sans is an available font 00:57:52 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rumors swirl about a popular manufacturer's demise but we see right through it plus the latest Gemini news that Google has to offer to keep Jason Howell, Florence Ion and Ron Richards amused in the key of Android for another week! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:05:05 - NEWS Q4 2025 smartphone market dataASUS confirmed no new phones this yearnews of OnePlus's demise may have been overwroughtlatest from Google and Gemini is called Personal IntelligenceJason got the advanced lookSmartphones are likely going to be more expensive 00:35:50 - HARDWARE Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold already brokeripping off the iPhone Airwacky camera phone with PorscheJason compared the Honor Magic8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraRealMe P4 Power with a 10,001 mAh battery 00:51:46 - APPS amp up MagicCue thanks to Google Wallet and Tasksquicker answer from Gemini? Googlepgrades to Voice Search from GoogleNova Launcher lives again with a new owner 01:03:02 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making a triumphant return from CES, Jason Howell and Mishaal Rahman join Huyen Tue Dao and Ron Richards to wind down from Vegas and get into the latest Android headlines from the past week. Plus stay tuned for a major update from the Android Faithful fam at the end of the show! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:03:57 - NEWS January Pixel UpdateApple chose Google Gemini to provide AI for SiriJoint Statement between the two companiesChromeOS isn't going anywhere 00:44:07 - HARDWARE Pixel 10A and it's red colorMotorola Razr FoldJason got to check it out at CESOppo is prepping to go after AppleDon't get your hopes up for a new foldable from OnePlusSamsung's foldable's creasesFlashback camera 01:04:50 - APPS filtering out Shorts from search results on the YouTubemake your own Calling Card for yourself on AndroidG-Mail is getting all Gemini'd up in here with new AI Features 01:15:06 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back from the holidays and ready to dive into 2026 for Android and what better way to start than with CES? Florence Ion, Huyen Tue Dao and Ron Richards break down all the Android related news coming out of Las Vegas and we get hands-on reports from Jason Howell on the scene at CES 2026! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:05:58 - CES NEWS Android related CES news at AndroidFaithful.comAndroid XR on the SphereGoogle TV announcementspartnership with XREALSamsung had a lot to say about AISamsung Galaxy Z TrifoldGE Lighting’s new Matter-compatible smart shades 00:40:05 - CES HARDWARE Clicks CommunicatorClicks Power KeyboardPebble Round 2NxtPaper 70 Pro PhoneNote A1 NXTPAPERHonor Robot AI PhonePunkt MC03 phone 01:21:21 - NON-CES NEWS Google makes a major change to the Android Open Source Project releaseMotorola's upcoming Razr Foldable phoneASUS may be getting out of the smartphone business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The moment you've been waiting for as Florence Ion, Mishaal Rahman, Jason Howell and Ron Richards gather to present the best (and weirdest) in the world of Android for 2025 and unveil the winners of our first annual end of the year awards, the APKs! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:09:42 - NEWS Google is extending the move from Assistant to GeminiGemini's takeover of Google Home ruined ChristmasMishaal has the details of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1Sodium-Ion batteries be the next big thing in smartphones 00:35:56 - HARDWARE OnePlus 15T Honor Magic V6Samsung developing a widescreen foldable to pre-compete with the Apple Foldable 00:49:26 - The 2025 Annual Podcast Kudos (APKs) the winners of the first ever Android Faithful end of year awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another glorious week on the Android Faithful podcast with Jason Howell reviewing a 32" tablet, Mishaal flexing his Google sleuthing muscles all over Android 17, and Huyen bringing the TURBO to 2026! Don't forget the 2025 Annual Podcast Kudos (APKs!!!) You can vote for your favorite phones and news stories at https://bit.ly/2025apks - Voting closes on 12/22 at 11:59pm ET! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 0:05:18 - NEWS Google and Apple partner on better Android-iPhone switching Galaxy Z TriFold Becomes Instant Hit, Sold Out Within Minutes Android 17 may finally add the native App Lock feature Pixel users have been waiting for Android 17 could mimic this helpful iOS feature to reduce motion sickness Patron pick: Google's Stadia controller just got a big upgrade courtesy of Steam 0:32:25 - HARDWARE Jason reviews the KTC 32" Android Tablet OnePlus says its upcoming ‘Turbo’ gaming phones are ‘frighteningly strong’ Return of 4GB RAM in smartphones by 2026 amidst DRAM crisis 2026 Smartphone Shipment Forecasts Revised Down as Memory Shortage Drives BoM Costs Up 0:52:09 - APPS Instagram hands you the keys to control 'Your Algorithm' in Reels, plans to expand Bringing state-of-the-art Gemini translation capabilities to Google Translate 0:59:35 - FEEDBACK Jeff is having Pixel 10 Qi2 issues Hilton thinks monochrome icons make Android less usable Morgan shares a (long) report on Google's sub-par customer service Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an exciting week at Android Faithful as Jason Howell and Florence Ion share their Android XR experience with Ron Richards and we kickoff the first ever Android Faithful awards...the 2025 Annual Podcast Kudos or the APKs!!! You can vote for your favorite phones and news stories at https://bit.ly/2025apks - Voting closes on 12/22 at Midnight ET! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:03:38 - HARDWARE new AI Glasses unveiled by Google at the Android XRQi2 wireless to the Galaxy S26Samsung rolls out OneUI 8.5fingerprint scanner4 camera prototypePebble unveils their latest product, a ring90:10 Split-Screen multitasking in Android is brilliant… so why do I almost never use it? 00:45:15 - NEWS Judge limits Google's contractsEU is coming after Google's AI SummariesCheck out this adorable MagSafe E-Reader! 00:59:23 - APPS new gestures with the latest WearOS updateOpera makes it easier to choose your AIFace Editing in the upcoming Google Photos 01:07:02 - The 2025 APKs https://bit.ly/2025apks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're kicking off the last month of 2025 with Florence Ion, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards pondering everything from multi-tasking to foldables to earbuds and whether or not icons should be themed or as the developer intended them to be? So many questions to start the end of 2025... Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:03:20 - NEWS Pixel / Android Drop of 2025 has arrivedAndroid 16 QPR2news from Android XROnePlus 15 is going on-sale for pre-orders in the US90:10 Split-Screen multitasking in Android is brilliant… so why do I almost never use it? 00:44:18 - HARDWARE Samsung quietly announces the Samsung Galaxy Z Trifoldhardware picks for Ear BudsSony unveiled their 200 Megapixel camera sensor 01:10:14 - APPS Google may be getting ride of the Weather app! Netflix got rid of CastingMKBHD's wallpaper app is shutting down 01:20:52 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So much to give thanks for this week as Jason Howell, Huyen Tue Dao and Ron Richards process the implications of AirDrop on Android, the affordability crisis in phones and exciting new hardware designs in phones! BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: Support Android Faithful at Patreon and get 25% off using code: BLACKFRIDAY Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:05:27 - NEWS AirDrop works with AndroidUS customers aren't upgrading their phonesGoogle's 'Aluminium OS' for Android to PCsGemini arrives on Android AutoSamsung's Now Bar and Now Brief are the Google Now experience I've been missing 00:44:25 - HARDWARE Nubia has got two Foldablesmodular feature phone running Android,Honor's Robot Phone is real, 00:58:50 - APPS Comet for AndroidPerplexity may be powering Bixby for SamsungNano Banana goes Pro 01:12:14 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a big episode full of first looks, glimpses and glances as Jason Howell, Mishaal Rahman and Ron Richards gear up for everything from AI to OnePlus, Samsung, Motorola and more this week in the world of Android. Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:02:13 - NEWS Gemini 3 has landeddevelopments in the Google SideloadingAndroid apps are coming to Steamalternate app storesgaming controllerscontacts management privacyAndroid is about to get better facial recognition 00:39:45 - HARDWARE Android Faithful OnePlus 15 ReviewMoto G Play 2026Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold gets another pre-release update 01:02:38 - APPS est games and apps of 2025Google's attempt at Apple's NameDropweather gets a boost from Google's WeatherNext 2 model 01:15:11 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got an exciting pair of new phones to look at as Jason Howell and Mishaal Rahman are showing them off to Huyen Tue Dao and Ron Richards along with the latest in the ongoing sagas from the world of Android Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor 00:04:4 - HARDWARE OnePlus 15Nubia Z80 Ultra camera to the Pixel 10 ProSamsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung Galaxy XR might be available in more countries 00:35:20 - NEWS Google Vs. Epic legal drama took a surprise turn towards a settlementsideloadingNovember PIxel DropYouTuber put phone batteries to the test 01:07:55 - APPS Niagra launcher has themesAnother Nova Launcher updatenew minimalist launcher aimed at older adults and beginnersSORA app is now available on AndroidGoogle MapsAndroid Auto 01:22:44 - FEEDBACK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.