⚡ Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 241st edition here with Pixel Tablet price leaks, a possible Pixel Fold launch date, new launches from Xiaomi and vivo, Android’s smart solution for crashing apps — oh, and the end of Netflix’s DVD business…

🎭 I’m beyond excited as I’m off to the theater tomorrow to see a stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Geeking. Out. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Before we dive into this week’s top tech news, we’d like to thank the sponsor of this week’s newsletter, Embrace.

Popular news this week

Google:

• Tons of Pixel Tablet info just leaked, including good news about the dock. And here’s what the Pixel Tablet’s dock will likely cost if you buy one on its own.
• We also saw Google Pixel Tablet price leaks: This could be good value for money.
• The Pixel Fold launch could be scheduled for June, and Google could offer a free Pixel Watch to Pixel Fold buyers.
• Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 7a could offer face unlock support, though it likely won’t be on par with the Pixel 4’s 3D face unlock.
• And the Pixel 7a could have an earlier launch date than expected, but leaker claims there won’t be a fourth colorway — and it could see a price increase compared to the Pixel 6a.
• Speaking of the Pixel 6a, it could become more attractive after Pixel 7a launch.
• Also: This cool Android 14 Now Playing feature gives fun stats to music you’ve heard.
• Confused yet? Google wants you to uninstall Meet so you can use Meet.
• Google Play Points now lets you save on DoorDash or get Google merch.
• Plus: Google Fi gets a (slightly) new name and new perks for subscribers.
• PSA: You can get Google’s flagship for dirt cheap right now.

Samsung:

• Samsung retakes top spot in Q1 as usual, but it has reason to be very worried.
• Galaxy A24 leak reveals an unusual color option along with specs.
• Samsung can’t dump Google for Bing as the default search engine on its phones, in the US at least.
• RIP beans? Leaker says Galaxy Buds Live might not get a follow-up.
• And the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro now feature skin temperature measurement.
• Also: Galaxy S22 series is becoming Certified Re-Newed (with low prices) on Earth Day.
• Plus: New results show Galaxy S23 series wireless charging isn’t slower.

Xiaomi:

• The Xiaomi 13 Ultra was announced on Tuesday: Could it be the best Android camera phone?
• We also saw Xiaomi’s Mi Band 8, which leaves behind the iconic single strap for new possibilities.
• And the Xiaomi Pad 6 series announced: A more powerful, faster charging tablet.

Motorola:

• Motorola’s two new Razr foldables get a US launch date in latest leak: It looks like June 1 is the date to note.
• Motorola Razr Lite leaks: What makes this foldable Lite?
• The Motorola Razr 2023 is officially coming, and here’s the first teaser video.

Apple:

• WWDC 2023: Expect an AR headset, MacBooks, iOS 17, and more.
• And iOS 17 could lay the groundwork for sideloading apps on iPhones.
• When Apple comes calling, “It’s the kiss of death,” — Aspiring partners accuse tech giant of copying their ideas; Apple says it plays by the rules.

Microsoft:

• Microsoft reportedly working on its own AI chips that may rival NVIDIA’s.

Social media:

• Facebook may owe you money after judge approves $725 million settlement.
• Montana passed the first state TikTok ban.
• And Elon Musk says he will launch rival to Microsoft-backed ChatGPT.

Space:

• SpaceX launches its massive Starship rocket for the first time, and it went boom.
• This galactic collision made a blast brighter than 1 trillion suns.
• Chinese satellite goes on inexplicable sightseeing tour after researchers put AI in control.

AI:

• No love for Bard: Bard is ‘cringeworthy’ and ‘worse than useless’ Google employees claim.
• Panic at the AI disco: Google plans flurry of features after a Samsung threat.
• Here’s Google’s new AI video generator and the one thing it won’t do.
• Winner fools Sony photography contest judges with AI-generated art.
• And Google CEO Sundar Pichai warns society to brace for impact of A.I. acceleration, says ‘it’s not for a company to decide.’
• Also: Writers are becoming ‘AI Prompt Engineers,’ a job which may or may not exist.
• Plus: Viral AI song Heart on My Sleeve is pulled from multiple streaming platforms following Universal Music Group complaint.

Elsewhere: 

• Vivo X Fold 2, X Flip launched on Wednesday: A lineup to take on Samsung’s best.
• Fairphone’s next product could be a pair of repairable headphones.
• And the Beats Studio Buds Plus are on the way, time to get discounted original buds.
• Fitbit’s next smartwatch could help keep an eye on your kid.
• Real-time 3D watch faces for Wear OS are here, said to be as battery efficient as traditional watch faces.
• Meanwhile, Spotify went down worldwide on Wednesday, with issues on mobile devices and desktops, but was back up and running 30 minutes later.
• Woops: Seagate fined $300 million after getting caught selling hard drives to HUAWEI.
• Also: T-Mobile Phone Freedom adds new plans, gets really confusing.
• Plus: Now WhatsApp can save ‘disappearing’ messages if the sender consents.

Movies/TV

• Dozens of people crushed as Netflix stops DVD business: Final shipments will happen September 29.
• More Netflix news: The streamer will start charging US subscribers for password sharing this summer.
• Meanwhile, we’ve got good news for you if you’ve got the cheapest Netflix plan.
• Struggle to hear dialog in TV shows? Prime Video has a cool solution with Dialogue Boost.
• And Xiaomi’s next Mi Box could launch globally soon with a much-needed upgrade.
• Paramount alleges Warner Bros. Discovery owes $52M for ‘South Park’ streaming rights.
• Going to be rainy where you are? Cozy up this weekend with our pick of the best new streaming movies, including Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always, and Monty Python-Esque Hulu original Quasi.
• Or check out our roundup of the week’s best new streaming shows, from animated workplace comedy Fired on Mars to Peacock’s sci-fi drama Mrs. Davis.
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds first season 2 trailer promises Klingons and Kirk, premiering June 15.
• Also: Good news for Lupin fans as Part 3 confirmed for October Netflix release.

Gaming: 

• ASUS ROG Ally specs leak: More impressive than Steam Deck?
• Trailer for photorealistic indie bodycam shooter Unrecord becomes an overnight internet sensation, attracts controversy.
• Sega gobbles up Angry Birds in gaming industry’s most bizarre acquisition yet.
• Microsoft reportedly invited to ‘showcase its products’ at UK’s 10 Downing St next week, organized by UK-based games industry body UKIE.
• Meanwhile, Hogwarts Legacy fans livid Quidditch is allegedly being sold as a separate game.
• Your PC may weep at Immortals of Aveum’s minimum system requirements.
• Diablo 4’s getting a final open beta weekend next month: Dubbed “Server Slam,” it’ll run May 12-14, with unique rewards.
• Here’s everything announced in Nintendo’s April 2023 Indie World Showcase.
• And Japan held its own Indie World Showcase: Here’s every game announcement exclusive to Japan.
• And Street Fighter 6 confirms first four DLC characters, drops demo on PS5 and PS4.

Reviews

• Motorola Moto G Power 5G review: The price of power — “There ain’t nothing in this world for free.”
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra hands-on: More than just some great cameras? “Is the Xiaomi 13 Ultra more than just a pretender to the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s throne?”
• Google Pixel Buds A-Series review: Simple, affordable buds for Android phones — “We give a solid B to the A-Series.”
• HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i review: Superior ANC without breaking the bank — “Budget buds that do more.”
• OtterBox Commuter vs Defender: What’s the difference? “OtterBox cases are all about protection. Make the right choice between the Commuter and Defender.”

Features

• Here’s what to expect at Google I/O 2023: It’s right around the corner (Android Authority).
• Does the leaked Pixel 7a price presage a more expensive Pixel 8 series? “Let’s be honest, Google can’t sustain those Pixel prices for long (Android Authority).
• POLED vs AMOLED: What is the difference between these OLED technologies? (Android Authority).
• Workers are worried about their bosses embracing AI: “A survey by the Pew Research Center found that most employees expect hiring, firing, and workplace assessment to be transformed by algorithms” (Wired).
• What’s AGI, and why are AI experts skeptical? “ChatGPT and other bots have revived conversations on artificial general intelligence. Scientists say algorithms won’t surpass you any time soon” (Wired).

Weekly Wonder

Over 50 and love gaming? You’re part of a growing trend. A new study by AARP has revealed more Americans aged 50 and over play games than ever before (h/t Axios Gaming).

• The study showed 52.4 million Americans aged 50 or older play games at least once a month, up from 50.6 million in 2019 (and 40.2 million in 2016).
• Older gamers are also spending more time playing than they used to: The study showed an average of 12 hours of gaming a month in 2022, compared to 8.5 hours per month in 2019.
• Almost 50% of older Americans who game spend some time doing so daily.
• Does this mean there are loads of older gamers playing Call of Duty? Not necessarily. The study showed 73% of gamers over 50 play puzzle and logic games, with many also enjoying card and word games on their phones.
• Only 12% of those surveyed said they preferred shooters.
• Of those surveyed, 86% said they played to have fun, with 79% playing for relaxation, 78% saying they gamed to stay mentally sharp, and 71% playing games to reduce stress.
• It also seems like older gamers feel neglected by the games industry.
• AARP’s director of community and gaming, Maura White, told Axios, “Our research shows, however, that almost 70% do not feel like the games are made with them in mind. They would like the video gaming industry to create games and features designed to onboard easily, play consistently, and stay challenged.”
• In fact, 69% of older gamers surveyed felt games were too complicated, and said they didn’t see themselves reflected in game marketing, while 64% of gamers over 50 said they didn’t see themselves reflected in the games they play.
• Are you a gamer over 50? Then you’ll want to check out our pick of the best upcoming Android games, as well as the 15 best Android games available right now. Prefer to game on console? Why not check out the best PS5 games you can buy or dive into the best Xbox Series X/S games.

Tech Calendar

• May 5: Hogwarts Legacy lands on PS4 and Xbox
• May 9: HUAWEI Mate X3 and P60 series Europe launch
• May 10: Google I/O 2023
• June 1 (TBC): Motorola’s two Razr foldables launch?
• June 5: Apple WWDC (Reality One or Reality Pro mixed-reality headset?)
• June 8: Summer Game Fest
• June 11: Xbox Games Showcase
• June 12: Ubisoft event

Tech Tweet of the Week

Something extra: The Space Elevator shows you what you’ll find at different altitudes as you scroll towards space (h/t: TLDR).

Have an out-of-this-world week!

Paula Beaton, Copy Editor.