Tag: Android

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra is boring

When Samsung released the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the company shipped me the smartphone by mistake (despite the fact that I cancelled my order), so after playing with the device for two weeks, here are my thoughts.

Note: I filmed this video back in March, but didn’t edit it until now. I hope you enjoy ✌️.

Overall, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is a beast of a phone, and both my girlfriend and I miss its 10x zoom lens a lot. However, that’s the issue with the S22 Ultra. It offers so many features that it’s bound to make people want it, but it’s also costly.

If money is no object, this is fine, but the device doesn’t cut any corners, so there’s not a price to performance sweet spot with the S22 Ultra — it costs the most and does the most.

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It’s smart that Samsung decided to revitalize its Note line of smartphones under the guise of an S22 Ultra, but at the same time, this also makes the device feel boring because it looks like the Note 20 Ultra and acts like and S21 Ultra.

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Mobile Syrup

What do you want to see in Google’s Pixel 7 Pro?

In a surprising turn of events, Google revealed the rear of the Pixel 7 Pro during its I/O 2022 keynote on Wednesday.

As a big fan of the Pixel line, I was ecstatic to catch a glimpse of the device so early but other than colour variants, Android 13 and Tensor processor 2, we don’t know very much about the Pixel 7 series.

With this in mind, let’s get to this week’s community question: what do you want to see featured in Google’s Pixel 7 Pro?

Below are some of the specs I hope make their way into Google’s flagship:

  • At least 12GB of RAM — this is probably likely since the Pixel 6 Pro featured 12GB of RAM
  • 120Hz refresh rate display with 240hz touch sensing rate
  • Starts at 256GB of storage
  • 6.7-inch display with a resolution of around 1,440 x 3,200 pixels.
  • Face unlock in combination with an in-display fingerprint scanner
  • 5,500mAh battery with charging speeds up to 45W
  • I’d personally like to see ‘Active Edge’ make a reappearance, but I know I’m in the one percent of people who care about that
  • Up to 10x optical zoom
  • High-level in-display camera, but only if it’s good
  • Thinner bezels
  • Loud stereo speakers

Let us know in the comments below what you want to see from the Pixel 7 Pro.

Image credit: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google is setting up the Pixel ecosystem, and Apple better watch out

The ethos of connected products that work well together is starting to shape nearly all tech companies.

Google came out strong at I/O 2022 with a perspective lineup of products and updates designed to spread the Google experience further than ever before. Even Samsung and Windows are starting to play nice as the companies realize that a phone and computer are more helpful when connected. Not to be left out, Carl Pei’s startup Nothing is touting its goal of making its products work cohesively in an Apple-like way, and the company hasn’t even released its first smartphone yet.

Google’s strategy is the most exciting since the company has the backing, talent and, most importantly, its own chip. Tensor might not be a true Apple M1 or iPhone chip series competitor yet, but the possibility of Google being a full-stack hardware and software giant moves it closer to Apple than ever before. And if there is a company that can match Apple’s chips, I’d bet on the big G.

If Google can keep its software polished and its prices low, it’s setting up its devices to look very desirable.

Google Tensor chip

There’s no denying that Samsung has the power to do this too, but the company’s approach feels too disparate and niche. In reality, Samsung is primarily a hardware maker that runs Windows and Android on its devices. Even its product lineup is too diverse.

Since Google steers the Android ship and has Chrome OS (as lacklustre as it is currently), it’s better positioned to create a cohesive ecosystem. The company isn’t distracted by making TVs, Microwaves, fridges, laptops, Chromebooks, smartphones and more. Sure, Google has more software endeavours than Samsung, and the Nest line offers a lot of products, but its consumer-facing hardware is starting to share a consistent look and feel that’s very Apple-like.

Look no further than all of the products Google unveiled at I/O 2022 to see how clearly the company is trying to meld its products together this year.

Google still has a long way to go, but it finally seems to recognize that it’s not competing with only the iPhone — it’s competing with the entire Apple ecosystem.

Read more about Google I/O 2022

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 unofficial renders showcases nothing new

First, we saw unofficial renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, and now we’re checking out unofficial renders of the Z Flip 4.

This leak comes from OnLeaks via 91Mobiles, and shows off a phone that’s almost identical to its predecessor.

According to the leak, the Z Flip 4 will feature a 6.7-inch foldable display with a hole-punch selfie cutout in the middle, USB-C  port, SIM tray, speaker grill, dual cameras, and a secondary screen that displays time and notifications

The foldable will release in a blue colour variant, but multiple colours will be offered. Additionally, 91Mobiles speculates that the device will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ processor. The phone’s rear also features a two-tone colouring similar to last year’s model.

It’s unclear when Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Flip 4, but it will likely appear in August or September.

Image credit: OnLeaks

Source: OnLeaks, 91Mobiles

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Mobile Syrup

Google ditches the headphone jack from the Pixel 6a

Google unveiled the Pixel 6a at its I/O event on Wednesday. In Canada, the phone costs $599 and comes with the company’s top-of-the-line Tensor chipset. However, Google neglected to mention one important missing feature: the Pixel 6 ditches the 3.5mm headphone jack.

This is a first for Google’s entry-level a-series smartphone line.

Though I don’t use wired headphones anymore, the 3.5mm headphone jack in the Pixel a-series has been a staple for years now and makes sense given the device’s entry-level position.

Apple started the industry shift to ditch the headphone jack back in 2016 with the iPhone 7. Then Samsung followed suit pretty much right after making fun of Apple for doing the exact same thing. Even Google made jokes at Apple’s expense at one point.

While Google’s Pixel 6a won’t feature a headphone jack, it does sport 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a Tensor chip and more.

Image credit: Google 

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Mobile Syrup

Active Android devices globally reaches new milestone

Google’s 2022 I/O was full of surprises. From revealing the company’s first smartwatch to showing off the new Pixel Buds Pro and the Pixel 6a, the event sure didn’t disappoint. Though something that might have gone under the radar is how quickly Android is expanding.

Google announced that more than one billion Android smartphones were activated in 2021, marking a new milestone for the company. Considering that, unlike Apple’s iOS, Android is used by several manufacturers all over the world, the staggering number makes a little bit more sense. Further, unlike iOS, Android is available on several low-budget devices, which further helps in boosting the number.

In addition to new activations, Google also talked about RCS, its replacement of SMS and text messaging. According to the company, RCS currently has over 500 million active monthly users, and continuously growing.

Android tablets, on the other hand, are also growing at a fast pace. Over 270 million active Android tablets are currently in circulation, and according to the company, this number will only grow.

Check out all the major announcements from Google I/O day one here.

Source: Google 

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Mobile Syrup

What are you most excited about from Google I/O 2022?

At I/O 2022,  Google revealed several new features for Assistant, new Multisearch functionality, a new Maps feature called ‘Immersive View,’ Android 13 Beta 2, the Pixel Buds Pro, the Pixel 6a, the Pixel 7 series, the Pixel Watch and even the Pixel Tablet.

I’m personally the most excited to see the Pixel 7 Pro. That said, we only got to see the device’s rear, but that’s already got me pretty pumped about the device. The Pixel 7 Pro will sport Android 13 and the new Tensor chip. It also features a more elegant design and comes in a new Hazel colour that’s almost green, almost grey and offers a golden visor.

The Pixel 7 Pro series won’t release until sometime this fall.

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What did you find the most exciting out of all of these announcements?  Let us know in the comments below.

Check out all of the news from Google I/O 2022, here. 

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Mobile Syrup

Google reveals new Pixel Buds Pro with active noise cancellation

During its I/O 2022 developer keynote, Google revealed its upcoming Pixel Buds Pro, the tech giant’s first wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC).

Along with a new design that features a custom-built six-core audio processor, the Buds Pro feature ‘Spatial Audio’ when paired with a Pixel smartphone and improved battery life over the Pixel Buds (2020) and Pixel Buds 6a.

Pixel Buds Pro

Other notable features include sensors that “measure the pressure in your ear canal so the earbuds can actively relieve it and stay comfortable.” As someone who often finds wireless earbuds uncomfortable, I’m very interested in this feature. Google says the Buds Pro feature a “Silent seal” algorithm that’s capable of adapting to your ear’s shape.

Like Apple’s AirPods, Google says that the Pixel Buds Pro are designed to automatically switch between Android devices via “intelligent” audio switching. The Buds Pro are also IPX4 water-resistant.

Though the Pixel Buds Pro seem very promising on paper, the Pixel Buds (2020) suffered from widespread connectivity issues. For what it’s worth, I didn’t have these problems with the 2nd-gen Pixel Buds and used them quite frequently.

The Pixel Buds Pro will cost $259 in Canada. MobileSyrup has reached out to Google for more information regarding Canadian availability.

For all of our content from I/O 2022, follow this link.

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Mobile Syrup

Google announces Pixel 6a with same Tensor chip as 6 Pro

After months of waiting, Google has announced the Pixel 6a, the company’s latest mid-range handset.

The handset is launching in ‘White,’ ‘Black,’ and ‘Green’ in the U.S. It’s launching at $449 ($582 CAD). The phone becomes available to pre-order in the U.S. on July 21st and comes out on July 28th.

Google says the Pixel 6a offers the same speed as the Pixel 6 Pro as its using the same Tensor processor and Titan M2 chip.

The Pixel 6a features a 6.2-inch OLED display with a centred hole-punch selfie camera and two 12-megapixel sensors (wide, and ultra-wide angle) on the Pixel 6-like visor.

You can also expect Pixel-exclusive features, including Night Sight, Real Tone, and Magic Eraser.

The Pixel 6a also sports a fingerprint scanner like the 6 Pro and 6, and has five years of security updates.

Image credit: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Android 13 public beta is live now with lots of new features

After months of betas, Google finally dropped the full version of Android 13 for Pixel devices.

The update is rolling out today and includes tons of subtle new features like a new Now Playing notification, better-theming options, Google Wallet and more.

This year’s update is less focused on reimagining Android and instead seems like it’s full of refinements that will ideally make Android 13 a little more user-friendly than Android 12, at least visually. Behind the scenes, some changes hopefully set the stage for significant Android updates to come.

Beta rolling out today!

Google mentioned that the beta is rolling out today. Usually, at past I/O events, it rolls out the beta for Pixel phones and then supported devices from other manufacturers will also start rolling out a little more sporadically.

On stage, Google showed off that OnePlus, Nokia, Oppo, Lenovo, Asus, ZTE and more will all be getting the beta updates.

Pushing RCS Chat

Onstage at Google I/O, the company made a big show about going that all manufacturers would switch over to RCS chat to help provide users with encrypted private chats, unlike traditional SMS messages.

Google has been pushing RCS for years as the Android alternative to Android, but I’m not sure if this latest bit of showmanship will make a difference. Hopefully, it can, though, as Android and RCS chats get even closer to Chromebooks. We’ve been waiting for Android and Chrome OS to get closer for years, and this year, that is finally happening.

New Now playing notification

One of the more visual flairs to be stuck in Android 13 is a new Now Playing interface on your lock screen and in the notification shade. It looks really nice and uses the album art in the card which seems pretty unique.

Google has also added a more squiggly line to this system which looks incredible. It was a bit weird that Google showed off this squiggle so much around the release of Android 12 and then never really used it in the OS; therefore, I’m excited that it’s finally here.

Better Smart home control

An update is coming to the smart home control toggles, so now users no longer need to unlock their phone to use the shortcuts that appear on your lock screen when you hold down the power button.

This is pretty sweet, but it’s not on by default, so you need to enable it within your phone’s settings.

Google Wallet

The new Google Wallet is vastly improved over the old version and at a baseline, it functions more like the Apple Wallet. This means you can store boarding passes, car keys, vaccine cards and more.

Google is even loading up Google wallet with the ability to take driver’s licenses, but that likely will need government approval where ever you are.

According to Google, the new Google Wallet app is rolling out to Android and Wear OS devices in the coming weeks.

Better foldable device and tablet integrations

Now on foldable devices, the notification shade is more significant to take advantage of the larger interior screen on foldable.

There’s also a new consistent menu bar that stays along the bottom of the screen like the Chrome OS taskbar. It’s pretty cool and seems very handy.

To continue down this path google has updated 20 of its apps to be optimized for larger screens. This includes Maps, YouTube Music and Messages. Even some third-party apps like Tiktok and FaceBook are revamping their apps for tablet-sized Android devices.

Better theme controls

One of the most exciting updates in Android 12 (at least on Pixels) was the new device theme options. However, some users found that the colour palette that Google offered them was a little lacklustre.

That all changes in Android 13 now that Google presents users with 16 colour combos instead of just four.

Another pain point in Google’s heavy-handed customization efforts last year was that third-party apps don’t play nice with the new universal colour icons. This might change with the new update since Google has now published the code so other developers can take advantage of the colour theming.

This likely won’t spur all Android developers to adopt this new icon style, but, it will get most of them.

Google Cast controls are spreading

Google glazed over this announcement at I/O 2022, but Casting technology is coming to cars running Android Automotive like the Polestar 2 and from Chromebooks.

Improved QR scanner

Better late than never, Google has added a quick access QR scanner to Android. Now you can place a quick toggle above your notifications that opens up a new scanning interface.

This new interface is a simple camera, but instead of the QR code’s link popping up in the middle of the screen, it appears along the bottom to make it easy to open with one hand. Hopefully, other manufacturers will notice this and bring it to more QR code interfaces.

Silent night

Google has tweaked how the silent mode works on Pixel phones in Android 13 by removing a lot of the vibrations from the phone as well as the sounds.

This is likely to be more controversial, so we’ll need to go test it more in the full release to see how it really feels.

A new clipboard

Now in Android 13 copy/paste looks a bit different. Whenever you copy/cut something, it will appear in the bottom left corner of the screen as a bubble, similar to the screenshot interface.

Also like when you take a screenshot, you can tap on the copied text and edit it easily if you want to change it slightly before you paste it.

To take this to the next level, you can even cloud copy/paste between Android and Chrome OS just like you can with an iPhone and a MacBook.

More to come…