Week 33 in review: Android 13 released, iPhone 14 series reportedly coming on September 7
Google finally put the finishing touches on Android 13 and started rolling it out to supported Pixel phones (Pixel 4 series and newer, note that updated Pixel 6 models can’t be rolled back to v12). Of course, Pixel phones are privileged when it comes to update speed. Other makers started recruiting testers for their implementations of Android 13 as well: Xiaomi, OnePlus, vivo and iQOO and others. You can check out our ColorOS 13 hands-on review for Oppo’s take on the new OS.
The other major news from this week is the report that Apple will unveil the new iPhone 14 series on September 7 (with sales starting on the 16th). This hasn’t been officially confirmed, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has a good track record with analyzing Apple’s moves. The iPhone 13 series were announced on September 14, so the timing isn’t too surprising. Gurman also reported that Apple wants to show more ads in its first party apps on iOS, iPadOS and macOS.
Samsung finally started taking pre-bookings for the new Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 foldables in India this week (it hadn’t even announced their prices before that). The local branch already announced that over 50,000 foldables were pre-booked in the first 12 hours. Fans in India can also pre-book the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Galaxy Watch5 series.
Some bad news came from India this week too – Nothing increased the price of its Phone (1).
Several new phones were unveiled this week by vivo, Poco, Oppo, Realme, Lenovo and Motorola. Lenovo launched the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 powered Legion Y70 gaming phone. Motorola unveiled the Edge (2022) for the US market, the first phone with the Dimensity 1050 (check out T-Mobile’s deal if you’re interested), and the Moto Tab G62 for India.
In other news, WhatsApp finally released a native desktop Windows and macOS app (a beta version, but still). And since ads were a bit of a topic this week, a developer discovered that Netflix’s ad-supported tier will not allow downloading content for offline viewing.
Android 13 is officially here, updates for Pixels start today
The new version is fresh out of Google"s oven.
Oppo introduces ColorOS 13 with visual changes and better cross-device collaboration
The interface is based on Android 13, nearly 60 devices will get it by the end of H1 2023.
Apple will reportedly hold its iPhone 14 event on Sept 7
The new lineup would become available on Friday, September 16.
Gurman: Apple to show more ads inside its first-party apps
Apple is looking to expand its advertising earnings.
Samsung unveils prices for Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 in India, details discounts and promos
A two-day promo event offers cashback (or bonus trade-in credit), free and discounted accessories and discounts on Care+ and the Galaxy Watch4 Classic.
Samsung India celebrates 50,000 pre-bookings for Z Fold4 and Z Flip4 (combined) in just 12 hours
The launch in India was a week later than the rest of the world, Samsung only unveiled the prices for the new foldables this Tuesday.
Nothing Phone (1) gets Nothing OS 1.1.3 update with camera improvements
The rollout has already started.
vivo Y35 launches with 44W FlashCharge and Snapdragon 680
The phone is already having its first flash sale in Indonesia. It is similar to the Y33t, for example, but with faster charging and a 90Hz refresh rate for its display.
vivo V25 and V25 Pro launch officially today
The two smartphones have impressive selfie cams and color-changing back panels.
New Poco M4 5G arrives globally, camera changes in tow
The cameras from the Indian version of the Poco M4 5G are downgraded.
Oppo Reno8 4G announced with 90Hz AMOLED and SD 680
It brings identical specs to the Reno7 which launched earlier this year.
Motorola Moto Tab G62 announced: Snapdragon 680, 10.6" screen, and 7,700 mAh battery
It comes in Wi-Fi-only and LTE versions.
Realme Buds T100 launch with 28-hour playback and attractively low price
The total battery capacity is 40 mAh.
Lenovo Legion Y70 arrives as the company’s first phone with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
The phone comes with a 50 MP camera and some gaming capabilities.
vivo Y77e (T1) goes official with Dimensity 810 SoC and 50MP camera
It"s a version of the Y77e announced last week.
The Motorola Edge (2022) is the first phone with Dimensity 1050, packs a 6.6" 144Hz OLED display
The chipset offers blazing fast mmWave 5G connectivity. Also, this phone has wireless charging for its 5,000mAh battery.
Motorola Moto Tab G62 announced: Snapdragon 680, 10.6" screen, and 7,700 mAh battery
It comes in Wi-Fi-only and LTE versions.
Honor 70 makes international debut alongside Pad 8 and MagicBook 14
All three are available for pre-order in Malaysia.
WhatsApp gets native Windows app, MacOS version still in beta but coming soon
Native desktop apps will improve speed and efficiency on their respective operating systems.
Netflix’s upcoming ad-supported tier will not feature offline viewing
The ad-supported plan is expected to debut in early 2023.
GeForce Now gets upgrade to stream 1440p and 120fps via browser
Those on the RTX 3080-tier of the service can access the option through a Chrome or Edge browser.
Snap stops development of its Snapchat Pixy selfie drone
The $250 mini drone will continue to be sold on its website.
Four Pixel 7 models certified by the FCC: two with mmWave, two with UWB
It looks like two versions each of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Chances are that only the Pros will have UWB.
Samsung Galaxy S8, now 5.5 years old, receives a new firmware update
The update improves GPS stability. This was unexpected since the S8 series received its supposedly final update a year ago.
