This week in your world of Android: Android 4.4.3 landed, Sony launched the T3 and HTC launched the E8, the Galaxy F supposedly leaked, Apple got everyone talking, Samsung finally released a Tizen phone, Google updated several apps, Asus unleashed a ton of devices, and the Project Tango tablet made us all drool.
These are the essential stories, the summary of an entire week in just a few words. It’s Android Weekly.
Finally, after more than a few rumors and false starts, Android 4.4.3 has finally begun rolling out to Nexus, Play edition, and Motorola devices. The update brings a lot of bug fixes, though some old issues remain unsolved, as well as small changes to the Dialer and People apps.
Sony revealed this week a new mid-range device that marries decent specs with a premium design. Framed in a band of stainless steel, the Xperia T3 brings Sony’s style down range in a thin, sleek profile.
If rumors were right, Samsung should be coming up with a premium Galaxy S5 sometimes this month. According to an alleged press render published by @evleaks, the device could feature a brushed metal finish similar to the LG G3’s.
Apple’s developers conference took place this week, and it was a memorable one, for Apple fans and not only. After taking a few jabs at Android, Apple’s execs proceeded to announce several new iOS features that Android users have been enjoying for years. In all seriousness though, Apple really improved its game this year.
It’s been in development for ages, but now Samsung’s very first Tizen smartphone is here. Is it the threat to Android that some predicted it would be? No, at least not for now.
It wasn’t just Android 4.4.3 that Google has been rolling out. Apps like Hangouts, Google Search, and YouTube all received substantial updates this week.
At Computex this week Asus unveiled a stable of hybrid devices, ranging from a conventional 8-inch tablet that makes phone calls, to a crazy 5:1 Window laptop that comes with a detachable Android phone.
Ever wished the One (M8) was made of plastic instead of metal? Or that it had a 13MP camera instead of that Duo Camera? If so, the One (E8) should be your dream device. The E8 is basically a plastic M8, and presumably it will be priced very attractively. Interested?
It has an Nvidia K1 processor. 4GB of RAM. 128GB of storage. It senses your world, almost like a Kinect. And it costs $1024. This is the Project Tango tablet, and it’s the stuff of nerd dreams.
What was the biggest Android news this week? Tell us in the comments.
