Week 20 in review: Android 12 debuts, Pixel 6 leaks, 1-inch camera a reality
As we see another week’s end it’s time to recap the major events from it.
Android’s next major update was announced. Android 12 entered beta phase this week and comes with a major new design, called Material You, that dynamically changes with your wallpaper.
You simply choose a wallpaper and the system automatically determines which colors are dominant, which are complementary, and which “just look great”. It then applies those colors across the entire OS – the notification shade, the lock screen, the volume controls, new widgets, and so on.
Android 12 is available for Pixel phones at first but other manufacturers have also released early beta access. The OS will get its stable release this Fall.
Likely to come with Android 12 preloaded are the new Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, both of which we saw in detailed renders this week. The pair share the new design featuring a white back panel with orange accent and a black strip for the cameras. The Pixel 6 will have two cameras (likely wide and ultrawide), while the Pixel 6 Pro, which will be larger, has a periscope zoom.
Samsung announced that it use Wear OS for its upcoming smartwatches. Google and Samsung announced a strategic partnership that will see Samsung OneUI-themed Wear OS smartwatches come out later this year.
Sharp beat Huawei to putting 1-inch sensor in a smartphone with the Aquos R6. Coming to Japan in June, the Sharp Aquos R6 has a single camera on the rear, jointly developed with Leica, with the largest camera sensor on a smartphone. The Aquos R6 has more otherworldly features like a screen that goes from 1Hz to 240Hz dynamically. There’s also a Snapdragon 888, up to 12GB of RAM and a 5,000mAh battery. Price is yet to be announced.
Meanwhile Microsoft announced the end of Windows 10X, which was meant to be a stripped-down version of Windows 10 designed specifically for dual-screen devices, such as the Surface Neo. Instead Windows 10X features will be included in the mainstream Windows 10 software.
Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, which is a slightly toned down version of the 5nm Snapdragon 780G chipset, built on TSMC’s 6nm node.
Poco unveiled the M3 Pro 5G with a 90Hz screen and the Dimensity 700 chipset. Poco M3 Pro 5G is available through Poco’s official website or through Amazon, AliExpress and Goboo. The 4/64 GB model starts at €180, the 6/128 GB version is €200. However, Poco is offering early bird deals, which drop the price to €160 and €180, respectively.
Those were the key stories of the week. See you next one!
It is the biggest camera sensor put in a mobile phone ever.
The first beta will be available today on Pixels and devices from other makers.
Sales in Japan are scheduled to begin on May 28.
Some screenshots of the re-designed UI elements included.
It’s already up for pre-booking in China.
Will be integrated into Windows 10 and other Microsoft products.
The May 2021 build also comes along with the usual security updates.
It’s not meant for consumer consumption, though.
The Redmi Note 10 Ultra shapes up to be a pretty powerful handset.
The local market might get a new Redmi Note 10 version with three cameras.
The compact phone will also have modest specs, including 4 GB RAM and HD+ screen.
This is the Snapdragon 865 powered model.
The new software version was initially rolled out in China back in April.
Featuring flat sides and a new mint green color.
It’s an 6nm version of the SD 780G launched in March.
The phone has a new design, but it is not that different from the vanilla M3 on the inside.
There are about 3000 units of the Velvet 2 Pro exclusively available to LG emplyees.
The very unusual design of the back is confirmed.
It will pack a 6.4″ screen, support wireless charging, and feature stereo speakers.
The upcoming watch will be able to detect early signs of heart disease.
Samsung isn’t giving specifics about the next Galaxy Watch.
A leakster suggests the chipset is really in the making.
Its 5G counterpart was spotted on Geekbench with Dimensity 700 SoC last month.
The latest tweet by the company included a picture of the back along with thickness and weight of the upcoming phone.
The Oppo Reno6 series is scheduled to be announced on May 27.
It supports more than 100 watchfaces and is IP68 dust and water-resistant.
