Is this the first time Apple has acknowledged foldables? đŸ€”

Also, Apple mentioning “Android” in its newsroom blog looks good on its brand 😁

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Good, Great, ...Meh?

When I think of “Ultra,” I assume it’s the top-tier product in a series. I expect a premium price and a premium experience. This reminds me of the Chromecast Ultra. Despite being 5x less than the price of the S25 Ultra, the upgraded tier from the regular $35 Chromecast gives an idea of what that “Ultra” separation brings: more features, higher quality, etc.

Allison Johnson’s review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for The Verge paints a disappointing picture, further defining the “Ultra” space:

“The S24 Ultra downgraded the 10x zoom to a 5x, which is just okay at 10x, despite Samsung’s claims it’s just as good. The S25 Ultra downgrades the smart stylus into a dumb one without Bluetooth connectivity and air control features. I wouldn’t have a problem with that if those things had been sacrificed for some other compelling feature. But I can’t see what’s been added, and at $1,299, this is one of the most expensive phones you can buy that doesn’t fold in half. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a damn good phone. But I think at that price, it’s fair to ask for just a little more.”

You should read the entire review. It suggests to me that Samsung, like Apple, has reached its current peak in smartphone hardware, and Google isn’t far behind as its design language has matured. We’re looking at peak smartphone design now. So much so that Samsung is now removing features that a small minority of people used. Perhaps this is related to potential tariffs, but that’s a topic for another discussion.

A friend who originally pre-ordered the S25 Ultra, coming from the S24 Ultra, has had an entertaining journey. Because there isn’t an immediate difference between the two, he went back and forth with his purchase, taking his followers along for the ride.

A person expresses opinions about the Samsung S24 Ultra, suggesting possible improvements and sharing personal expectations.

A user comments on Twitter about canceling their preorder for the S25U, citing discomfort with its design and feeling it is cheaper compared to the S24U.

A person shares their decision to re-preorder the S25 Ultra after considering it further, planning to use it for a few days with the option to return it if unsatisfied.

A person is holding a Samsung smartphone in front of a plant, with a caption about the phone’s color and design.

A smartphone and a smartwatch with a colorful display are placed on a light surface.

As Rob put it, “Could they (Samsung) have done a little more this year? Maybe a little.” I think so too. However, with all the software, hardware, and AI features that come with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it truly represents peak smartphone design, especially for the standard smartphone design. The real innovation in hardware comes with the Fold and Flip devices, something Samsung, Google, and OnePlus are pursuing while continuing to optimize and polish their standard form factor phones.

Android 16 Beta 2 is confirmed to be coming tomorrow by Mishaal Rahman!

The Android Developers account has just confirmed that Android 16 Beta 2 is dropping tomorrow!

Apple Finally Realizes That Apple TV Needs Android

Apple revamped their Apple TV app with their Apple TV+ service back in 2019 without an Android app available. In 2025, Apple has realized that in order to scale Apple TV+ they need to be on the most popular OS on the planet. Android.

KeKe Palmer Is The Android Cupid

She’s really been killing it with these Google Pixel and Android collabs. This one in particular is aimed at the U.S.’s obsession with the green bubble vs. blue bubble debate where iPhone customers won’t date Android customers.

Google Unifies Android Development for XR, Enabling Camera Access

Google is doing the right thing by bringing all of the Android development features from phones to Android XR, and one big question developers had was about using the pass-through cameras on Android XR headsets. It appears they are, based on an recent email exchange that a VR developer, Skarred Ghost had with a Google spokesperson, confirming that Android XR developers will have access to camera functionalities. The spokesperson clarified that developers can utilize existing camera frames with user permission, similar to any other Android app. Specifically, developers can request access to the world-facing (rear) camera stream using camera_id=0 and the selfie-camera (front) stream using camera_id=1 through standard Android Camera APIs (Camera2 and CameraX). Access to the world-facing camera requires standard camera permissions, just like on phones. For the selfie-camera, developers receive an image stream of the user’s avatar, generated by avatar provider apps/services based on user tracking data from inward-facing cameras. The spokesperson emphasized that Android developers can use the same camera management classes (like CameraX) on Android XR headsets as they do on phones, enabling functionalities like grabbing frames and videos, saving media, and running machine learning analysis.

This shows that Google and the Android team have not only learned from their time and experience with Android handsets, TVs, and wearables, but they have also created an ecosystem of developable tools that will allow developers to create one app for all platforms instead of separate apps for each platform. This is a significant advantage, creating a great experience for developers across many different platforms, especially when they utilize Jetpack libraries for a cohesive UI experience across Android hardware.

This move by Google signals a bright future for Android XR development. The unification of the platform, coupled with camera access, empowers developers and paves the way for a new generation of immersive experiences.

Let The Countdown Begin: Google I/O 2025

Google I/O, the annual developer conference, is set to take place at Shoreline on May 20-21st! Registration is currently open, and tickets are being distributed in phases. I’ve already secured my badge for my fifth I/O event!

A logo for Google I/O 2025 featuring colorful geometric shapes on a blue background.

While the event schedule typically isn’t released until a couple of weeks prior, I expect this year’s I/O to be heavily focused on AI, offering developers new tools to improve their native and web applications. Last year, Gemini was unveiled piece by piece, showcasing its capabilities across Android, ChromeOS, and the Web.

Android XR will likely have a more prominent role this year, especially after the recent unveiling of its software and hardware at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. I’m particularly excited about Project Astra and the UI/UX for the Android XR glasses, which were teased earlier this year.

The Pixel will undoubtedly take center stage. The Pixel 9a should be released by then, and we might even get a sneak peek at the Pixel 10 series. There have also been rumors about Android making its way to laptops, given that the ChromeOS and Android teams are now under the same Platform and Services department.

As you can see, there’s a lot to look forward to at Google I/O. AI will continue to be a central theme, and I’m eager to see what innovations are unveiled.

A smartphone screen displays a countdown for the Google I/O event with options to update a Google Developer profile.

Why I Enjoy My #Pixel (Even Though Everyone Has an iPhone)

I was recently reminded of the perception that people with Android phones are seen as stubborn and non-conforming when someone asked me why I don’t have an iPhone. This happened during an in-person conversation when I used my Pixel to reply to a text. The person simply asked why I didn’t have an iPhone, and I replied that I prefer the phone I have. It seemed so unfamiliar to them. This experience echoed as I watched the Lakers game, noticing the sea of iPhones in the stands. It made me think about how the “blue bubble” of iMessage has become such a status symbol, even though I’ve found my Android integrates perfectly with all the services I use daily.

I remember when I first switched to Android because of its customization options. I love being able to personalize my home screen with widgets and icon packs that reflect my style. It’s not about being different; it’s about having a phone that truly feels like mine. And the variety! There are so many different Android phones available, each with its own strengths. I chose my Pixel because of its camera and its smooth performance, but someone else might prefer a phone with a longer battery life or a larger screen. The point is, there’s an Android phone out there for everyone.

But in the past five years, my preference for Pixel has solidified even further because of its seamless integration with cutting-edge AI. Platforms like Gemini and Perplexity, which are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, work so much better within the Android ecosystem, especially on Pixel devices. It’s not just about the customization anymore; it’s about having access to these powerful tools that enhance productivity and provide a truly intelligent mobile experience. This level of AI integration is a game-changer, and it’s something I wouldn’t want to sacrifice.

Interestingly enough, I almost switched to an iPhone myself this year. When I saw the announcements at WWDC and Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, I was intrigued. I was almost ready to jump ship when the iPhone 16 came out. However, after the initial excitement subsided, I realized that Apple Intelligence wasn’t quite the finished product it was presented as. It seemed like Apple was, and frankly still is, quite behind the competition in the AI space. Almost a year later, and while they’ve made some progress, Apple Intelligence still lags behind platforms like Gemini on Google Pixel and other Android devices. This solidified my decision to stay with Android.

It’s funny how we’ve come to equate iPhones with “normalcy.” Apple’s marketing has been incredibly effective, creating this image of the iPhone as the must-have device. But I think it’s important to challenge that idea. Choosing Android isn’t about being stubborn; it’s about making an informed decision based on my needs and preferences. It’s about appreciating the open-source nature of the Android ecosystem, which gives me more control over my device and access to a wider range of apps and these powerful AI platforms. And honestly, I’ve never felt like I’m missing out on anything. In fact, I often find myself appreciating the unique features and capabilities of my Android phone, especially its superior AI integration.

What about you? What made you choose your current phone? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the “iPhone norm” and why you prefer your device.

Small intermission from the Luka Lakers debut game.

This is hot garbage, Google. Straight, uncontrollable bowel movements.

… But I get why you had to do it 🙄

Tiktok Is Still Available on Android

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the TikTok account tweeted that users can still access TikTok by installing it on their website at tiktok.com/download.

Android users are familiar with being able to install APK files to access apps that aren’t in the Google Play Store, though at times it could be risky. As some people like to make harmful APK files to jeopardize Android devices. The good thing is that Google uses Play Protect to protect and scan any applications that are installed on Android devices and alarm you if there’s anything that could be potentially harmful, and that’s even including apps that weren’t installed from the Google Play Store.

I won’t be installing TikTok as I gave up my TikTok usage a few years ago, but for those that are still on The TikTok clock including the creators, this should be great for them.