Android circuit: Galaxy S23 Ultra details, nothing listening, another Google cancellation

Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the Android world, this week’s Android Circuit includes the latest Galaxy S23 details, Pixel 7 Pro price leaks, where the Pixel 6a, Nokia X30 5G goes on sale, nothing new wireless buds, wearables market slows and Google cancels another innovative Android project.

Android Circuit is here to remind you of some of the many things that happened around Android in the past week (and you can find Apple’s weekly news digest here).

Discover the new galaxy, same as the old galaxy

Thanks to leaked CAD renders, it’s possible to take a closer look at the upcoming Galaxy S23 family of handsets. Just as Apple takes an iterative approach, so does Samsung (and many other manufacturers, for that matter). While the interior is still up for grabs (a 200-megapixel camera on the S23 Ultra is suggested), the exterior appears to be another Galaxy S slab:

“The changes are minimal compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, as the new model retains the same camera cutout setup, with a few exceptions – one of which is that the depth sensor and laser autofocus module could not to exceed as much next year.

(SamMobile).

Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro price leaks

With Amazon listings briefly appearing online for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. And the prices? They match the launch prices of the Pixel 6 at $599 and the Pixel 6 Pro at $899. Which, from a material point of view, makes sense, but the economy has changed since the end of 2021:

“Google’s choice to keep the prices the same is a little curious considering that spec leaks suggest these phones are virtually unchanged from their predecessors. You’re buying year-old tech for the same price as ‘before…: $599 might be the same number in 2022 as it was in 2021, but with the changing global climate, such as wars, turbulent currencies and cost of living crises, it’s a sum of very different money.”

(TechRadar).

The Pixel 6a finds a home

Of course, there’s another new(ish) Pixel in town, and that’s the Pixel 6a. While many consider this the last phone in the 6 family (which is cardinally correct), it’s probably best associated with the Pixel 7 family as I explained more early this week:

“While it’s remarkably late for the Pixel 6 family, arriving in late July compared to the launch of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro nine months prior, it will go on sale when the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 are fully launched and arrive in the With the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro presumably removed from the product lineup, Google is going to have a strong “tiered” profile of a smaller device in the 6a, the regular device in the Pixel 7, and the flagship of the Pixel 7 Pro.”

(Forbes)

The Nokia Eco is coming to the UK

Announced in early September, HMD Global’s Nokia X30 5G handset is now on sale in the UK. Prices start at £399, or it’s available on HMD Globals’ “Circular” subscription program which promotes green handset credentials for £22 per month (plus a £30 setup fee):

“…built from a 100% recycled aluminum frame and 65% recycled plastic back, the Nokia X30 5G is our most eco-friendly smartphone yet, right down to the box it comes in. is delivered. Less plastic, less chemicals, more good stuff. Reduced package size – made possible by our decision to remove X-series chargers to combat e-waste – saves on CO2 emissions from transport.

(Nokia.com).

A new sound in town

Nothing Tech has launched its second audio product. After last year’s Ear(1) true wireless headphones, the UK-based company unveiled the Ear(Stick) headphones. We have a good look at the case and a look at the headphones, but as with the ear (1) and phone (1), except the details become clear over time through various marketing events and moments. :

“There has been no confirmation that the Ear Stick will be an entirely new product with distinct charging case and earbud designs. The lipstick-shaped charging case would be inspired by classic cosmetic silhouettes to slip into easily in and out of pockets, and the headphones are advertised as extremely comfortable, ergonomic, and molded to your ears. From the side profile, the initial images seem to tease splashes of red through the transparent top cover, providing an additional pop of color as opposed to the classic monochrome black/white design synonymous with the brand”

(Instagram via HypeBeast).

Wearable adoption is slowing

As Google prepares to launch a Pixel Smartwatch, market demand may weaken. As available household budgets dwindle, the wearables industry is seeing a slowdown in demand for smartwatches, fitness trackers and the like. A recent report from CCS Insights shows shipments down 7% this year, with new and replacement sales expected to be lower in 2023 for the same reasons:

“Despite a negative short-term outlook, CCS Insight expects some recovery in 2024 as the economic situation improves. From 2024, the smartwatch market is expected to return to growth, driving sales of 224 million units in 2026. Advanced economies are expected to maintain a strong lead in smartwatch adoption rates, but as lower-cost smartwatches and developments in Wear OS devices provide more options for smartwatch users. Android, the demand for smartwatches in developing countries is expected to flourish.”

(CSC Insights).

And finally…

Google has a habit of canceling projects after a short time unless they find historic success. So it is with Google Stadia. The streaming game service will shut down on January 18, 2023. It could be so long, and thanks for all the fish, but Google will refund your fish:

“We are grateful to the dedicated Stadia players who have been with us since the beginning. We will refund all purchases of Stadia hardware made through the Google Store, as well as all purchases of games and add-on content made through the Stadia store. Players continue to have access to their library of games and to play until January 18, 2023 so that they can complete the last game sessions.”

(Google blog via 9to5Google).

Android Circuit rounds up news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, let us know!