Google Gemini Rollout Rollercoaster - Android Faithful Episode #31

Ron, Jason, Huyen, and Mishaal are unimpressed by the rollout of Gemini as an Assistant replacement, MIshaal shows a reputable leak of the Pixel Fold 2, and Android 15 is likely days away from release!

Featured in this episode:

NEWS

• Bard AI chatbot replaces Google Assistant, available in new Gemini app and Google Assistant headphones
• Gemini can save conversations for up to 3 years
• Android 15 to make phones easier for baseline users to use
• Pixel Fold might get a fancy trick from the OnePlus Open
• Pixel phones may get auto touch sensitivity based on the environment
• First look at Android 15's chat bubbles on Pixel Tablet
• Google tackling Android phishing problems
• Android 15 preview coming this week
• FCC may investigate Apple over Beeper Mini shutdown
• WhatsApp planning interoperability with other messaging apps
• Patron News Story Pick: YouTube Music testing Cast redesign on Android

HARDWARE

• OnePlus 12 and 12R unboxing, 12R available now
• Exclusive first look at rumored Google Pixel Fold 2
• Nothing Phone 2A launches March 5th in US with limited release
• Nothing announced Glyph developer kit
• Xiaomi Watch 2 with Wear OS for half the Pixel Watch 2 price

APPS

• Google Maps redesigning directions search, dropping fullscreen
• Google Maps Android now shows weather
• Cloud photos available in Android photo picker

COMMUNITY

• Email 1: Blake switched from Galaxy to Pixel 8 Pro, misses Samsung Routines to change settings like Bluetooth volume.
• Email 2: Dave was impressed with Pixel 7's Photosphere features, providing an example of a seamless Photosphere they took.
• Email 3: Another Dave asking what the word is before "Android" in the AF theme song.