The Weekly Authority: 👀 Pixel tablet deets leak

⚡ Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 210th edition here, with a Pixel tablet leak, Samsung’s budget beefy battery release, IFA 2022 launches, a new Mafia game, and more of the week’s top tech news.

🍁 Though it’s not officially fall, it feels like it here. There’s a chill in the air, pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu (see this edition’s Weekly Wonder), and friends keep asking what my plans are for Halloween. I don’t mind — fall is my favorite season!

Popular news this week

Google:

• A bunch of details surrounding the Pixel Tablet just dropped, and looks like it might be designed to stay at home.
• Pixel Watch’s price leaks, sits right between Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch, so it probably won’t be an impulse buy.
• And a rumor suggests Google is still working on a foldable, likely to come in 2023.
• Android 14 will bring direct satellite support to smartphones.
• But when can we expect the first Android 14 beta? Google drops a solid hint.
• And Google is only allowing some to downgrade from Android 13 to Android 12.
• Meanwhile, you might soon have a super easy way to silence incoming calls on your Pixels.

Samsung:

• Samsung launches a phone with a 5,000mAh battery for under $300: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G launched on Thursday with the same size battery as the S22 Ultra, at about a quarter of the cost.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 series is also getting the Galaxy S22’s latest camera update, bringing a Galaxy Z Fold 4 camera feature to the 2021 flagships.
• And Samsung will no longer ship dumb home appliances by the end of 2023, also switching all its TV remotes to solar power.
• Also, the Galaxy Tab S8 is the first Samsung tablet to get the Android 12L-based One UI 4.1.1 update, now available in the US (and already out in Europe and South Korea).
• Plus: Samsung attacks iPhone 14 series before launch.
• Cyberattack on Samsung compromises personal information of US users, may have revealed customer names, contact and demographic information, date of birth, and product registration information.
• Finally: Samsung’s latest foldables doubled shipments in one key region.

Sony:

• Sony announces the Xperia 5 IV: A little less phone for a lot less cash – hello bigger battery and brighter screen, goodbye variable telephoto lens.

Oppo:

• The sleek OPPO Reno 8 Pro is coming to Europe, but it’s super-pricey.
• Speaking of, don’t expect to get a charger with your OPPO phone next year.

Apple:

• The iPhone 14 Pro will apparently use software to bridge two display cutouts: It was previously rumored the device would have both a punch-hole cutout and a pill-shaped cutout. Turns out that software could make it look like one continuous cutout.
• And it looks like we might know what Apple’s mixed reality headset will be called: “Reality One,” “Reality Pro,” or “Reality Processor” all cropped up in a trademark filing.
• Meanwhile, iPhones overtake Android phones in the US for the first time ever.

IFA 2022:

• Lenovo flexes at IFA 2022 with folding laptop, monitor glasses, and more.
• No Google, no worry: HUAWEI brings two new phones, a laptop, a tablet, and more to IFA 2022.
• And HONOR launched several devices at IFA, including the Magicbook 14 2022 with optional RTX graphics and fast charging.
• Catch up on everything else you missed with The Verge‘s live IFA 2022 announcements.

Social media:

• Snap’s laying off 20% of its circa 6.4k staff, following stock declines of almost 80% this year.
• California is passing sweeping online safety rules for kids, requiring that web services “likely to be accessed by children” conduct a risk-assessment survey for users under 18.
• Elsewhere, Elon Musk subpoenaed Twitter’s whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko to appear for a deposition on September 9.
• Speaking of, Twitter’s testing an edit button for regret-free posting, but you have to pay for it — if rolled out, you’ll get 30 minutes to make edits, but only “a few times”. People will also be able to see that your original Tweet has been modified, and see past versions of the tweet by tapping the “edited tweet” label (so we’re not really sure what the point is?).
• Microsoft finds TikTok vulnerability that allowed one-click account compromises.

Space:

• NASA calls off its new Artemis Moon rocket launch due to engine temperature issues but has targeted September 3 at 2.17 PM EDT for its new launch attempt.
• And while there are no human astronauts aboard the Artemis, children’s favorites like Snoopy will be on board, serving as a zero-gravity indicator.
• Also: New shots from the James Webb Telescope reveal the Phantom Galaxy.

Elsewhere:

• Promo video for first phone with 200MP sensor leaks.
• Arm’s suing Qualcomm and its subsidiary Nuvia, asserting that the two companies violated license agreements and committed trademark infringement — and Qualcomm’s sure the law is on its side.
• US officials order NVIDIA to halt sales of top AI chips to China, could hamper NVIDIA’s business in the country.
• HMD wants to ‘redefine mobile phone ownership’ with a new subscription service, also launching new Nokia phones that will be available with the service.
• Meanwhile, you can now turn your old iPod wireless with these LG earbuds.
• T-Mobile will give away free Apple TV Plus subscription to certain subscribers, from the end of the month.
• Residents are allowed to return to the Japanese town housing the Fukushima nuclear power plant for the first time in 11 years.
• France is working on a program to let people lease EVs for €100 per month.
• And synthetic milk made without cows could soon be coming to a supermarket near you.
• In crypto news, Crypto.com refunded someone $7.2 million instead of $68 by mistake, they bought a house with the money, and now the company’s fighting them in court.
• That’s interesting: The bizarre mystery of the only armed nuke America ever lost.
• Wow: Meta AI researchers develop ways to read speech from people’s brains.

Movies/TV:

• Movie fans, rejoice! US theaters are selling $3 movie tickets for newly announced National Cinema day on Saturday, September 3.
• Not in the mood for a theater trip? Here are the best new streaming movies this week you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch, including slow-burn thriller The American.
• We’ve also got the best new TV shows to stream this week, including The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
• Over half of our readers have received storage alerts on Android TV — isn’t it about time Google TV and Android TV makers considered adding more internal space or storage expansion options?
• Netflix turned 25 on Monday — did you know the first DVD the company ever sent out was Beetlejuice, or that the “tudum” sound we all know so well was originally going to be a bleating goat?
• And Netflix with ads could cost from $7 to $9 per month, could arrive in some markets as early as this year.
• Speaking of, a new report claims Netflix will launch its ad-based plan November 1, ahead of the new Disney Plus ad-based tier on December 8, but officially, Netflix says no plans have been made.
• Speaking of, Netflix secures global streaming rights to a whole host of classic anime, including Berserk, Parasyte, Monster, and more.
• Finally: Rick and Morty Season 6 will apparently change the way we feel about Rick, landing Sunday at 11 PM ET on Adult Swim, and also available on Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream.

Gaming:

• A new Mafia game’s in development, but no details on a title or release date, yet.
• It looks like Sony’s jumping into mobile games with its acquisition of Savage Game Studios — the company also announced a new PlayStation Studios Mobile Division.
• Meanwhile, Sony launches a lighter PS5 model for the second straight year.
• Speaking of acquisitions, Detroit Become Human and Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream’s been bought by China’s NetEase, though the French game studio says it will continue to operate independently.
• The Last of Us Part 1 reviews are in: Ars Technica says it has “enough serious upgrades to merit a thumbs-up,” while IGN gives it the “click of approval,” calling it “an absolutely top-shelf visual showcase of what the PlayStation 5 is capable of.”
• And PlayStation Plus’ September games are revealed: For PS Plus Essential subscribers, there’s Need for Speed Heat, Toem, and Granblue Fantasy Versus, while for Extra and Premium accounts, Deathloop and Assassin’s Creed Origins are landing from September 6.
• Elsewhere, Facebook Gaming is shutting down its app in October, though you can still find your games, streamers, and groups in the Gaming tab in the Facebook app.
• Valve says it’s just passed 5,000 Verified and Playable titles on Steam Deck.
• Speaking of, next gen Steam Decks are coming, Valve employees confirm.
• ASUS teases Dimensity 9000 Plus-powered ROG Phone 6D Ultimate gaming phone, and it’s landing pretty soon.
• And Logitech G Gaming Handheld leaks: A slick Android handheld supporting Geforce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming — could we see it at IFA 2022?
• Finally: Samsung’s first OLED gaming monitor doesn’t need a console or PC.

Reviews

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review: A 12L-evated experience — “With a retooled, flagship-grade camera setup and a matured software experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 reclaims its spot as the most innovative ultra-premium smartphone available to the world at large.”
• Sony Xperia 10 IV review: Wildly imbalanced — “Sony delivers a durable yet lightweight phone with a long-lasting battery, but it’s dragged down elsewhere.”
• MacBook Air M2 review: The finer things — “The Air M1 is inarguably still a better value buy, but the little extra touches make this the better laptop — Apple’s best MacBook Air to date, no less.”
• Lenovo X1 Fold 2022 hands-on: The foldable laptop with flex — “Lenovo has beefed up its foldable-screen laptop, focusing on productivity and performance.”
• ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED hands-on: There’s real potential here — “The short time I spent with the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED has convinced me this form factor has immense potential.”

Features

• IFA 2022: Here’s what to expect from the tech show — Running until September 6, we’re expecting plenty from HUAWEI, Lenovo, ASUS, and more (Android Authority).
• What’s the difference between QLED and OLED? Which one should you pick? Though they may look similar, they’re nothing alike (Android Authority).
• A new approach to car batteries could transform EVs: “Auto companies are designing ways to build a car’s fuel cells into its frame, making electric rides cheaper, roomier, and able to hit ranges of 620 miles” (Wired).
• Pairwise is using CRISPR to change the taste and flavor of staple foods: “The company gene-edits the ‘least desirable’ parts of fruits and vegetables to improve their taste” (Emerging Tech Brew).
• When the UK’s timing systems fail, this service will save them: “Standardized time is broadcast by satellite networks around the world, but their signals are vulnerable to interference — so the UK is building a more resilient system” (Wired).

Weekly Wonder

We’re now into September, and though fall doesn’t officially start until September 22, it seems like Starbucks is already early with its pumpkin spice latte (PSL) game. The popular spiced fall drink first landed back in 2003, and has become a regular on the seasonal calendar every year, though it seems to arrive earlier each year that goes by.

As a huge fan of anything involving pumpkin spice, this got me thinking. What’s the history of this much-lauded spice, and why do we love it so much?

• It turns out that the popular spice blend is over 200 years old — 223 years old, to be precise.
• The term usually refers to a blend of spices used to flavor pumpkin pie, including cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Recipes for spice-filled “pompkin pie” date back to the late 1700s.
• But it wasn’t until the 1930s that pre-blended Pumpkin Spice mix was available to purchase.
• And we still don’t know who to credit for the invention of the pumpkin spice latte. It’s said Peter Dukes (who was Starbucks’ director of espresso — and yes, that is a real job title) was the one who brought the idea to the company, alongside seasonal drinks like peppermint mocha and eggnog latte.
• Apparently, when developing the pumpkin spice latte, Starbucks’ research and development team poured espresso on top of pumpkin pies to determine the perfect ratio of spices to coffee and steamed milk. Sounds delicious.
• It wasn’t until 2015 that Starbucks started using real pumpkin in the drink.
• Turns out, the PSL wasn’t even intended to be such a huge hit: It debuted in just 100 Starbucks stores across Washington, DC and Vancouver, BC.
• These days it’s hard to imagine this time of year without it.

Pay more for your PSL

If you’re craving your favorite fall beverage, a bit of sad news. This year pumpkin spice lattes are back with an all-time price hike thanks to inflation:

• According to CNN, a grande PSL will set you back 4% more compared to last year.
• That means you’ll pay between $5.45 and $5.95, depending on your location.
• But you could always pick up some pumpkin spice blend, coffee, and milk of your choice to make your own PSL at home.
• Grabbing one of the best smart coffee makers is a good place to start, and you’ll also want to get your hands on a coffee mug warmer to ensure your drink stays toasty.
• Just go easy with the PSL — too much caffeine could impact your sleep, though the best sleep trackers make it easier to keep an eye on bedtime habits.

Tech Calendar

• September 2-6: IFA Berlin
• September 6: HUAWEI Mate 50 series launch
• September 7 @ 10 AM PT (1 PM ET, 7 PM CET): Apple’s Far Out event
• September 10 @ 9 PM CEST: Ubisoft Forward showcase
• September 29: OnePlus 10T on sale
• October 6: Pixel 7 launch? (TBC)
• October 13: Pixel 7 on sale? (TBC)
• November 8: Skull and Bones release date on Xbox Series S/X, PS5, PC, Stadia, and Luna
• November 9: God of War: Ragnarok launches on PS4, PS5
• November 18: The Dark Pictures: The Devil in Me launches on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC

Tech Tweet of the Week

It finally happened: an AI-generated artwork won first place in a competition…

Something extra: Check out this happy little stoat playing on a trampoline to brighten up your week.

Until next week!

Paula Beaton, Copy Editor.