AC Newsweek
Newsweek is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the week’s top stories so you can stay up to date on the latest tech news.
Android Central’s weekly news release is your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week’s biggest tech stories. This is where we delve into the headlines, which provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.
This week, Apple could use Gemini on iPhones, Pixel stock continues to grow in the US despite falling sales, Android 15 brings satellite connectivity, Apple sued for iPhone monopoly, and why Samsung Galaxy Z Fold won’t tile
Apple wants Gemini
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Yes, you heard it right. Apple and Google may collaborate.
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple is currently in talks with Google to consider introducing Gemini’s artificial intelligence model to the iPhone. Some sources say Gemini’s array will be integrated into the generative artificial intelligence capabilities Apple is developing for the iPhone. According to reports, these new Gemini-powered features will be available on iOS 18, which Apple will release later this year.
iPhones enable AI-based image creation, and updates enable features like “Write Essays from Simple Prompts.” Apple has reportedly been testing its own language-learning models over the last year, such as its own artificial intelligence chatbot “Apple GPT.” However, the company appears to be leaning toward Google’s “superior” AI model.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said he is considering applying Apple’s version of artificial intelligence capabilities to the iPhone “after careful consideration.”
Google Pixel seems to be America’s favorite
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A new report shows that Google Pixel sales fell by 14%, but its market share in the United States increased to about 5%. Data from International Data Corporation (IDC) tells us that in 2023, Google Pixel devices accounted for 4.6% of the US market. In the U.S. market, it increased from 3.6% in 2022. This means Google now has the fourth-largest market share in the country.
Sales of Google unlocked phones are on the rise, accounting for 9% of total sales. However, Google still has a long way to go to catch up with Samsung (20%) and Apple (19%). Anthony Scarsella, research director at IDC, said: “Apple and Samsung continue to consolidate their positions in the U.S. smartphone market, with the two manufacturers accounting for a combined 74.2% market share. This represents a record high for the two manufacturers’ market share. “
Another glimpse at Android 15
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Google has once again released a preview version of Android 15 for developers ahead of the big public beta launch in April. The latest version shows off ways to chat better even when your device has a weak signal, supports apps on the smaller screens of flip phones, and more.
Google’s most prominent feature is its satellite connectivity, which allows users to stay connected no matter where they are. On Android 14, Google introduced a feature that allows your phone to recognize audio in multiple languages and automatically switch between them; in Android 15, it hopes to improvise this feature and provide seamless operation for apps opportunity for this feature.
The focus of this update is to ensure the application runs smoothly rather than adding new features. Google has also been working to enhance privacy, security, and overall user experience. The developer preview of Android 15 is primarily aimed at app makers preparing for the next major version of Android, which is likely to be released in the fall.
Apple sued for illegal ‘iPhone monopoly’
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday (March 21) sued Apple for monopolizing the smartphone market. The U.S. Department of Justice joined 16 other district attorneys in targeting the tech giant for its “anticompetitive conduct.”
The antitrust lawsuit alleges that Apple uses its dominant ecosystem and monopoly power to extract more money from consumers, developers and others. The lawsuit targets Apple’s most expensive products, the iPhone and Apple Watch, as well as messaging, how the company handles cloud streaming of games and more.
The DOJ said the company always knew that this dominance was threatened by other factors, such as innovative products and applications. Rather than responding to these competitive threats by lowering product prices, Apple is getting out of trouble by implementing a series of “morphing rules and restrictions” in its App Store guidelines.
The complaint covers how Apple blocks cross-platform messaging, the compatibility of its devices with Android phones, and restricts developers from creating applications that bring technological advancement. They accuse Apple of deliberately strategizing to keep customers dependent on its products.
Apple responded to the lawsuit, saying it threatens Apple’s identity and the principles that make its products stand out in a fiercely competitive market, The Verge reported.
Some Galaxy Z Folds cannot be flattened
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Some Galaxy Z Fold users have reported a particular issue – their phone won’t fully unfold. However, one Reddit user managed to reveal the reason behind this. He believes the debris got into the moving part of the hinge. To fix the problem, all he had to do was disassemble the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and remove the debris from the hinge by hand.
In the post, Galaxy Z Fold 4 users said it was increasingly difficult for them to lay their smartphone completely flat. After unsuccessfully trying to get Samsung to repair or replace his Galaxy Z Fold 4, he decided to take the device apart and discovered that there was some lint, lint, and other debris trapped inside the hinge, preventing it from opening. After putting the device back together, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 was able to lay completely flat again.
Successfully opened Fold 4 tablet – r/GalaxyFold Evidence against Samsung’s warranty denial
This could hint at a larger problem tech companies should address when making foldable products. Dust, debris, and other small particles can affect the overall performance of the device. The issue of foldable phones not being able to unfold flat has become an important topic surrounding the launch of the Google Pixel Fold, with some claiming that it cannot unfold flat. One of the devices we have at Android Central seems to be limited to 178-179 degrees instead of the full 180 degrees.
These are some of the biggest stories of the week. In the meantime, here are some other stories worth watching: