00:00 – Mishaal Rahman: Android Auto might quickly allow you to place widgets in your automotive’s dashboard.
00:03 – C. Scott Brown: And Android 17 may allow you to use Google Maps in your cellphone’s all the time on show.
00:08 – Mishaal Rahman: I’m Mishaal Rahman.
00:09 – C. Scott Brown: And I’m C. Scott Brown, and that is the Authority Insights Podcast the place we break down the newest information and leaks surrounding the Android working system.
00:18 – Mishaal Rahman: So, we not too long ago discovered proof that Google is engaged on a serious enlargement to the Android Auto dashboard expertise. The corporate may allow you to quickly add widgets instantly out of your cellphone onto the dashboard, supplying you with much more selection over what data you need to see at a look.
00:34 – C. Scott Brown: And in the meantime, we’ve noticed clues that the following main model of Android, most likely to be generally known as Android 17, will let apps combine together with your cellphone’s AOD. So, apps will have the ability to present you specialised minimal interfaces that mean you can view key data at a look. And lastly, we’ve obtained some extra dangerous information for cell avid gamers who’re contemplating shopping for the Pixel 10.
00:59 – Mishaal Rahman: It looks like we’re simply getting dangerous information after dangerous information after dangerous information on the Pixel 10, you already know. It’s type of simple to hyperfocus on the dangerous points, however in fact, most customers will most likely be simply nice, however if you’re actually into gaming, you might need some disappointments with the Pixel 10.
01:16 – C. Scott Brown: As a man who runs a YouTube channel centered on the Pixel cellphone and is colloquially generally known as the Pixel man, yeah, you already know, typically it hurts speaking about these items.
01:29 – Mishaal Rahman: Effectively, earlier than we discuss in regards to the dangerous information, let’s begin off with some fairly excellent news. So, we found not too long ago that Google is engaged on bringing residence display widgets to Android Auto. So, we discovered proof our Authority Perception staff, as regular, AssembleDebug in collaboration with Adamya, who wrote up this text on our web site, saying that Google is growing a brand new function code named Earth within the Android Auto utility. And this may mean you can actually add widgets to the house display of your Android Auto dashboard. So this may create a cut up display view with the widget showing on one facet of the dashboard. And in an effort to add a widget, you’ll need to go to the Android Auto app. There’ll be a — it’s not going to be referred to as customise Earth as it’s proper now on this demo as a result of it’s nonetheless in growth — however via this settings app within the Android Auto in your cellphone, you’ll have the ability to add widgets, you’ll have the ability to scroll via the widgets that you’ve got put in and choose a widget to be displayed on the Android Auto dashboard. And as for what it’ll seem like, we’ve some consultant screenshots right here. We see we added the Spotify widget. That is the Google Clock widget, you’ll be able to see it’s type of comically outsized, type of lower off the timer and the beginning and cease button. You additionally see you’ve gotten the music, YouTube Music Turntable widget that really matches fairly properly. Clearly nonetheless a piece in progress. You see we’ve the Gemini widget right here on the left, Google Calendar, surprisingly matches fairly nicely regardless of how cramped it’s. Google Climate, and one other widget that notably if you happen to attempt to faucet on any of the widgets proper now, it fails to launch the app as a result of Android Auto doesn’t mean you can really launch full purposes. You’re solely allowed to launch specialised purposes. So, Scott, do you utilize Android Auto each day? Like what do you consider this function? What do you consider widgets coming to the house display?
03:14 – C. Scott Brown: So I do use Android Auto on a regular basis. and I do need to make clear that there are most likely individuals pondering to themselves, wait a minute, Android Auto already helps widgets. So what the widgets that work at the moment in Android Auto solely seem on the taskbar. So only for readability, these are widgets that seem in the primary space of the Android Auto display the place your maps, you already know, would normally be. So far as we all know, the taskbar widgets aren’t going away. They’ll live on, however these are far more indepth and likewise far more customizable. I adore it. I’m tremendous enthusiastic about this. I believe that is going to be one thing that’s going to make, you already know, driving in my automotive really feel extra like an expertise that I curate as a result of proper now Android Auto is pretty restrictive on what, you already know, your display appears to be like like and what, you already know, data you’ll be able to have at a look. You already know, for instance, with the present widget setup, I can have my music participant on the underside as a substitute of seeing a bunch of apps after which I can have the maps above it. However yeah, if I needed a calendar, if I needed, you already know, perhaps a photograph. We haven’t seen a widget for Google images, however that looks like one thing that could possibly be fairly simply thrown in there. Perhaps only a scrolling, you already know, each one minute it refreshes and it simply exhibits an image of, you already know, household and mates and stuff like that. Like that’s cool. Like that makes your driving expertise far more private to, you already know, to you the driving force. So yeah, I’m all for this. I believe that if assuming that it may be executed correctly. Proper now it’s a scorching mess, however, you already know, clearly that’s why it’s not out. Like they’re nonetheless engaged on it. However yeah, however hopefully by the point it does come out, it’ll be one thing rather a lot higher than this. However yeah, if they will refine it, I believe that is superior.
05:07 – Mishaal Rahman: However I imply, on the flip facet, like there’s purpose why you’re fairly restricted in what you are able to do within the Android Auto dashboard. Proper now builders are solely allowed to launch apps that match underneath a particular variety of classes and comply with a sure type of template that Google supplies for builders. You’ll be able to’t simply arbitrarily launch any app in your cellphone in your Android Auto dashboard. And the apps they will’t look nonetheless they need to. They need to look a really particular method in order that once you use it, customers are fairly acquainted between purposes. Music apps, they appear mainly an identical between Spotify, between YouTube Music, between no matter different music participant you utilize and no matter navigation app you utilize appears to be like fairly comparable on the Android Auto dashboard. And clearly, the explanation they do that’s for security since you don’t need to be fiddling round with the touchscreen determining, oh, the place’s the button to hit go subsequent within the, you already know, within the playlist? The place’s the button to really change purposes? You actually don’t need to be messing with stuff whilst you’re actively driving. So, you already know, there’s purpose why it’s fairly restricted, however including arbitrary app widget assist may complicate issues as a result of widgets are designed to be not used on the cellphone, proper? I imply, on the automotive proper now since you’re utilizing widgets in your cellphone and builders didn’t primarily intend so that you can put these in your Android Auto dashboard. However the way in which this function is being developed proper now means that you can put any widget that you really want in your Android Auto dashboard. So I’m just a little involved about that. What do you assume?
06:38 – C. Scott Brown: I believe there’s loads of leeway right here for some flexibility. For my part, Google has been far too restrictive with what works with Android Auto. You already know, you’re proper within the sense that there are a number of security issues to remember and it shouldn’t simply be a free for all. You already know, however I believe Google’s been for the previous, you already know, no matter, 5, 10 years has been on the other finish of the spectrum and being far too protected. You already know, for instance, if I’m parked in entrance of my associate’s job ready for her to come back out in order that she will get, you already know, within the automotive and I can drive her residence, you already know, why can’t I watch a YouTube video on my display, you already know? Like clearly, I shouldn’t have the ability to watch YouTube movies whereas the automotive is in movement. That’s extraordinarily unsafe. However there are tons of instances that individuals are sitting of their automobiles ready for one thing to occur and why not have the ability to watch a YouTube video throughout these conditions? The software program can already inform once you’re in movement and never in movement. You already know, you’ll be able to’t textual content enter into Google Maps whilst you’re driving as a result of it’s unsafe. So you’ll be able to solely use voice instructions. So it already is aware of if you happen to’re driving or not driving. So there needs to be tons of alternatives for issues to work once you’re not driving. There’s additionally the case of the passenger, you already know, for instance, I could possibly be linked to the automotive and driving alongside on my own, but when my associate’s within the automotive with me, she could possibly be linked to Android Auto and you already know, doing her personal factor along with her personal cellphone, however there’s no delineation between that. Android Auto has no idea of who’s linked to, you already know, the Android Auto system and who’s primarily utilizing it. It’s simply, you already know, it’s linked and it’s not. So I believe security is paramount, however on the similar time, I do assume there’s a number of leeway that Google may take and it began to do this. You already know, I believe that you would be able to now play video games in case your automotive is parked. There are a restricted collection of video games that work with Android Auto. So Google is getting higher at this, however it’s transferring very slowly and intentionally, which is nice. Completely perceive and completely respect that. You need to be extra protected than sorry in terms of individuals driving of their automobiles. No query. However yeah, like, you already know, there’s loads of room for growth right here. Some may argue that the concept I had of getting like a rotating set of images displaying up in your dashboard. Some may argue, nicely, that’s unsafe as a result of that’s a distraction. Now you’re that picture as a substitute of the highway. Proper. However then different individuals may argue that that’s by no means unreasonable and that individuals have posted notes and images and, you already know, issues dangling from their mirror and air fresheners and who is aware of what else, their cellphone, you already know, mounted to their display taking part in who is aware of what. You already know, I’ve undoubtedly seen drivers driving together with YouTube movies taking part in on their cellphone that they’ve mounted onto their sprint. That’s additionally fully unsafe. So I believe that we should always give just a little bit extra credence to individuals’s personal definition of their private security than being tremendous restrictive. In order that I don’t know. I really feel like there’s a wholesome stability there and Google wants to seek out it.
10:07 – Mishaal Rahman: Proper, however you already know, additionally this function isn’t finalized but. Prefer it could possibly be very nicely the case proper now that solely proper now throughout growth, Google is permitting you so as to add any utility, any utility widget to the Android Auto dashboard simply so Google can really take a look at what quite a lot of widgets seem like. And once they really go to launch this function, they might really implement some type of restrictions the place the Android Auto app solely permits widgets which have a sure type of tag. And this tag is one thing that solely the developer can add, type of mainly certifying that, okay, this widget is suitable. We need to permit our widget to be proven on the Android Auto dashboard. That’s doubtlessly a method they might have their cake and eat it too. You already know, they might open up Android Auto to third-party app widgets which can be at the moment solely obtainable in your cellphone display, but in addition give builders the management and the piece of thoughts that, you already know, their utility widget received’t doubtlessly be proven in an unsafe method on, you already know, your automotive dashboard.
All proper, so transferring on to the following story. So Google is doubtlessly engaged on a brand new function referred to as Min Mode in Android 17 that may mean you can present full display utility experiences on the all the time on show. So this is likely to be a brand new developer API, a brand new developer function that lets apps create their very own minimal persistent interfaces to indicate on the AOD. Consider it as turning all the AOD right into a devoted extremely low energy display for only a single app. So it’s designed to stop display burn-in in case you’re nervous about that by shifting pixels round one after the other. And on account of working within the AOD mode, which is an extremely low energy state, it saves battery life, but in addition means that you can see extra glanceable data, you already know, with out having your full display turned on and every little thing else working. So for instance, you possibly can use this for Google Maps, which is one use case that Google is already making ready so as to add assist for. You would have this low energy energy saving mode for Google Maps working in your AOD in order that in case you have an extended highway journey and also you’re nervous about Google Maps gulping up your battery life as a result of it’s, you already know, working your GPS, working on cell knowledge, it’s utilizing your display on the similar time, then you possibly can have this low energy mode working permitting you to see the following flip and the following flip and the following flip after that at a look, however with out fully destroying your cellphone’s battery life. So Scott, you already know, what do you consider this new AOD function? I do know just like the AOD on Pixel telephones specifically, I suppose, you already know, you’re the Pixel man and also you’ve used Samsung telephones earlier than. And compared, the AOD on Pixel telephones has been admittedly fairly lackluster. However slowly however absolutely, Google’s including increasingly more options and it appears to be like like they’re, you already know, prepping for some main modifications within the subsequent launch. Like what do you consider Google’s general progress on AOD on Pixel telephones?
12:54 – C. Scott Brown: I imply it’s been nice progress, however it’s been very late. It’s late to the sport. I believe Google has for no matter purpose thought that the AOD was only a, you already know, not tremendous vital. And you already know, such as you mentioned, Samsung has been doing rather a lot higher of a job with the launch of the Galaxy S24, Samsung introduced, you already know, lock display wallpapers in your AOD show, which was an enormous factor. And however actually, Apple has been the one which’s because it began really accepting that individuals needed AOD, it’s been ramping up and doing all these cool issues. And I really feel like lots of people are what Apple’s doing with their AODs now and saying, wow, we could possibly be doing the identical factor, why aren’t we? And so I really feel like Google is feeling the warmth from each from each instructions, from each Samsung and Apple to actually up the AOD recreation. And such as you mentioned, to Google’s credit score with the Pixel, the launch of the Pixel 10, you already know, the Pixel 10 Professional and the Professional XL have the power to have lock display wallpapers, which is actually cool. However yeah, why why not the Pixel 9? Why not the Pixel 8, you already know, like these telephones additionally assist, they’ve the {hardware} to do all the time on shows that may present wallpaper and different data, however, you already know, for no matter purpose, Google hasn’t accomplished that. So sure, so Google’s obtained a number of room to develop right here. And this looks like an enormous deal. Like this looks like one thing that nobody has. Apple, Samsung, like I haven’t seen something like this in any respect. So that is actually cool. So I’m actually excited for this as a result of it exhibits that Google is lastly taking this significantly and beginning to develop actually revolutionary concepts for it that may set it aside from the group. However yeah, I imply, this is sort of a traditional conundrum. Such as you’re driving alongside, let’s say you’re in a automotive that doesn’t have Android Auto and you’ve got your cellphone similar to propped up on just a little, you already know, cellphone cradle in your sprint and also you’re utilizing that to navigate round a spot you’ve by no means been earlier than. Why does the display must be on, you already know, at full brightness draining your battery needlessly when you possibly can simply have it’s a black and white factor that refreshes as soon as each 30 seconds or one thing like that. Such as you don’t want this, you already know, full energy OLED brightness for navigation. So this appears nice. The query is like the place else may it go? Like what different issues may we do? And similar to off the highest of my head, like, you already know, perhaps one thing like a health app, which might be an analogous type of factor. Like if I’m driving my bike and I’ve my health stats on my display, that doesn’t must be full brightness, full colour. That would simply be a black and white factor that refreshes each 15 seconds or one thing displaying me my coronary heart charge and what not. And that may be a recreation changer. Now as a substitute of going for a motorcycle journey, you already know, for a two-hour bike journey and coming residence and being like, wow, I misplaced, you already know, 40% of my battery as a result of it was at full brightness all the time. Now I come again residence and it’s solely 10% gone, you already know, like recreation changer. So I believe there’s a number of room for cool issues right here.
16:04 – Mishaal Rahman: Yeah, it’s a really intelligent function, however you already know, as is common with anytime Google introduces some type of new developer function, the query is, will anybody really use it? As a result of as we’ve seen time and time once more, Google releases a brand new function in a brand new Android model. Take for instance, Reside Updates. That was a giant a part of Android 16 and it’s reside now. Like there’s a number of units that assist it. Effectively, not that many units, however units working Android 16 assist this function, however what number of purposes are you able to depend that really assist Reside Updates? There’s Google Maps. Not many. There’s the Google App for like sports activities scores and not too long ago Google Pockets, though like I haven’t seen any screenshots of that really out within the wild but, however aside from Google apps, who really helps Reside Updates and who’s planning to assist it? And that’s a function that’s obtainable like that doesn’t require any type of {hardware} assist, whereas this new, you already know, AOD Min Mode requires not solely assist for units which have AOD, which a number of Android telephones do have, however as well as, we don’t know if there’s any further constraints past that. Like we don’t know if there’s a requirement for instance for the gadget to have a specific AOD implementation. Say perhaps the AOD has to assist a sure refresh charge, perhaps like 30Hz, as a substitute of like simply 1Hz or perhaps it requires a sure degree of colour data or perhaps it requires, I don’t know, one thing else that requires that limits this function to solely sure new units. Like take for instance, if that is one thing that solely the Pixel 11, the following yr’s Pixel 11 can do, what number of purposes will really assist this? I guess no one outdoors of like Google Maps, which is the use case we’ve already seeing. In order that’s a priority that I’ve.
17:42 – C. Scott Brown: Yeah, you already know, and that I don’t know. Like I believe Google locking options to Pixels isn’t new. You already know, like there are many options that you simply can’t get on every other cellphone apart from a Pixel. You already know, Now Enjoying being one of many options that simply, you already know, pops up the highest of my head. All of the calling options on pixels like Direct My Name and Maintain For Me and so the thought of Google investing a bunch of cash and assets and time into growing what looks like on the outset, a really, very cool function after which locking it solely to Pixel telephones, it’s not precisely unparalleled. So it’s attainable, yeah, that Google’s not involved about vast adoption of those options as a result of it’s going, you already know, it’s planning on locking it to Pixels alone. That wouldn’t clarify what you’re speaking about with Reside Updates. Clearly, that’s simply confounding. Like I do not know why the very first thing that pops in my head, why individuals why builders haven’t embraced it as a result of it’s not as ahead going through as what Apple did with the Dynamic Island. You already know, prefer it’s not fairly so attractive, you already know, as a result of like your Reside Replace showing on the very high of the cellphone popping out of the Dynamic Island after which going again in like that has like a intercourse enchantment to it that that, you already know, that the Android one doesn’t have.
19:04 – Mishaal Rahman: I really like that you simply say intercourse enchantment. I’m unsure I’d ever use that time period to explain, however I do know what you imply. Like evaluating on the Pixels, like you’ve gotten that little chip within the high left nook that has like what, seven characters and perhaps an icon. It appears to be like actually bland, actually plain.
19:21 – C. Scott Brown: It’s not pretty much as good. Yeah, it’s not because it doesn’t provide you with that serotonin rush that iPhone customers get when, you already know, their sports activities rating or no matter, you already know, pops out of the highest they usually’re like, ooh, that’s cool. Have a look at that, you already know, and that simply doesn’t occur. So, yeah, so I believe that is likely to be a part of it, however yeah, in the long run, it’s most likely simply right down to Google, you already know, doing what it all the time does, which is right here’s a cool function after which actually transferring on. Like they don’t do something to encourage adoption. Not less than I haven’t heard something. Perhaps there’s developer communications that they’re, you already know, the place Google’s instantly speaking to particular builders. Clearly, I wouldn’t learn about that, but when that’s taking place, it’s definitely not taking place on a big sufficient scale that anyone in my place would hear about it.
20:09 – Mishaal Rahman: I believe to their credit score, there’s solely a lot they will do. Like they do present documentation, they do have movies and code labs and samples and issues that builders can have a look at, however in the end it’s as much as builders whether or not they need to do it. And simply due to the way in which Android is distributed, there simply aren’t at the moment sufficient units working Android 16, for instance, for it to really be well worth the effort and time it takes to assist Reside Updates for instance of a function. However this is applicable to mainly each new Android function. You already know, there’s simply not sufficient incentive for builders to hurry out and go and assist the newest Android options that Google releases yearly. You already know, as soon as it reaches a sure essential mass and that model of Android turns into extensively obtainable past simply the newest and biggest {hardware}, then there’s an incentive so as to add assist for it, however I believe that’s most likely the explanation why we don’t see a number of new Android options on a number of units. However even then, yeah, even then, if Google have been to solely launch this function and solely Google Maps have been to be using it, I nonetheless assume it might be a recreation changer. Like I nonetheless assume it might be a tremendous function to have.
21:13 – C. Scott Brown: Yeah, no, 100% agree that this might be a recreation changer function. However yeah, I imply, what you simply talked about to me opens up a really lengthy and intense dialog about Google’s must closely spend money on ensuring builders implement these options. Such as you’re simply saying, builders may say to themselves, okay, there’s not sufficient saturation but with Android 16, so I’m simply going to place this off. However by the point there’s sufficient saturation with Android 16, we’re already into Android 17 they usually have a complete new bunch of stuff that they need to work on. So Google doesn’t have the benefit that Apple has the place, you already know, the following day after the newest iOS launch drops, you already know, thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of iPhones are already on that. And that makes the builders be like, oh cool, I’ve this vast swath of units I can work with. And Google doesn’t have that benefit. So in an effort to push the builders to do it, Google has to entice them. And that might simply be monetarily. That would simply be like if you happen to develop your app and it incorporates a Reside Replace function that we expect is cool, we’re going to offer you an enormous money sum. Like I do know that seems like pay-to-play or no matter, however on the similar time, like if Google needs builders to get on board and make Android be a viable various to iOS. And in different phrases, make it in order that anyone on the iPhone might be extra drawn to coming over to Android, Google has to simply accept that that is the truth of the scenario. It’s been no matter, 15 years, prefer it’s time to simply accept that that is how it’s and we have to play the sport or else we’re by no means going to get to the purpose the place we’re all the time going to be on the level the place builders make all their stuff for iPhones after which, you already know, as soon as they determine that out, then they’ll perhaps toy round with Android. Like if Google needs it to be a extra even taking part in discipline, it’s going to want to simply accept that it’s going to need to make it far more attractive for builders to come back in. So yeah, anyway, it is a bigger dialog that we don’t must have about this. However yeah, I believe that one thing like this function, it is a nice thought. That is an superior concept that has actual world implications for customers, saving them battery life, giving them data that they want at a glanceable scenario and making higher use of a really underutilized Android function, which is the all the time on show. So that is one thing that’s very robust, a success, like proper now I’m it and I’m like, it is a hit. It is a hit function that’s going to be very, very thrilling for Android customers. And if Google simply type of lets it out after which similar to says, okay, cool guys, after which goes on to the following factor, that’s a waste. That’s a wasted alternative. So I actually hope Google begins to see how the sport works and begins taking part in the sport by the foundations. However we’ll see.
24:11 – Mishaal Rahman: Effectively, talking of taking part in the sport, you already know, a number of Pixel followers are hoping that Google Pixel 10 will begin taking part in video games higher within the close to future as a result of proper now, after Google switched to a brand new GPU associate, Creativeness Applied sciences and likewise a brand new silicon producer TSMC, individuals have been type of actually hopeful that the Tensor G5 could be a major leap ahead for Pixel efficiency. However sadly, in our personal testing and in person testing, individuals have discovered that the real-world gaming and emulation efficiency has been fairly underwhelming. and in some circumstances even worse than the Tensor G4-powered Pixel 9 collection. So we ran some testing, our Robert Triggs ran some testing, in-depth efficiency testing over on the secondary Android Authority channel and we discovered that gaming efficiency has been a combined bag to say the least. The Pixel 10 Professional XL isn’t a transparent winner over the Pixel 9 Professional XL. Like whereas it does do higher in Genshin Impression, it performs worse in Asphalt Legends. Nevertheless, it has some noticeable choppiness even when the common body charge is comparable between the 2 units. However very importantly, the cellphone attracts considerably extra energy, typically providing worse efficiency, which implies that you worsen battery life if you happen to’re gaming on the Pixel 10 versus the Pixel 9. And in terms of emulation, which is, you already know, one thing that a number of fanatics love to do, they wish to play retro console video games on their telephones, it’s mainly a catastrophe is what we concluded with the Pixel 10. So for larger finish console emulators just like the GameCube, the Wii, and so forth., the Pixel 10 is a major step backward from the Pixel 9. So the brand new Creativeness GPU in it’s the weak hyperlink in our opinion as a result of the cellphone not solely throttles due to the brand new GPU, but in addition due to the driving force it makes use of, prefer it doesn’t assist a number of options that the emulators come to anticipate. So it simply doesn’t carry out practically in addition to it may. So, Scott, I do know you’ve talked about these subjects rather a lot and as being the Pixel man, you most likely gotten a number of questions from Pixel followers, ought to they purchase the Pixel 10 in the event that they’re a cell gamer? And what do you must say to these individuals who ask that type of query?
26:27 – C. Scott Brown: So it is advisable to outline who a cell gamer is, you already know? My dad is a cell gamer, you already know, he has a few video games on his cellphone and he performs them, you already know, like he’s a gamer. He does it. And I believe that individuals who go to Android Authority and hearken to podcasts like ours and and go to YouTube and watch a number of tech movies, you already know, by individuals like me or whoever, you already know, they don’t seem to be the viewers that Google goes after anymore. And I believe that that’s type of a tricky capsule to swallow for lots of pixel customers, particularly ones who’ve been with Pixels for, you already know, years and years now. Google doesn’t actually need to concentrate on them anymore. Google goes after the usual default common Android client, and that particular person doesn’t care about taking part in COD or taking part in Asphalt Legends and even taking part in Genshin Impression. They care about taking part in Sweet Crush, they care about taking part in, you already know, Wordle. Like, you already know, that’s what they’re doing. And so they’re definitely not emulating previous consoles. I believe what Google has accomplished right here is simply drawn a line within the sand and been like we don’t care about this. Like we all know that if you wish to recreation in your cellphone, and after I say recreation, I imply like hardcore recreation, whether or not that be emulation or intense cell video games like COD or no matter, you’re going to get a Snapdragon anyway. Like that’s what you’re going to go for. You’re not even getting a MediaTek. Like although MediaTek processors benchmark virtually as excessive because the Snapdragon processors, the drivers aren’t pretty much as good and there’s all these, you already know, incompatibilities with issues or no matter. So simply get a Snapdragon. Like that’s type of what Google is saying. Clearly, it’s not really saying this. There hasn’t been like a press launch or something, however Google is mainly saying, if you wish to recreation, don’t purchase a Pixel. Do what you have been going to do anyway, which is purchase one thing with a Snapdragon processor inside. And so if Google is saying that, if we simply assume that that’s what Google’s precise plan is, why hassle? Why hassle investing in GPU features? Why hassle making Genshin Impression work higher? Why hassle making emulation higher on the pixel? It simply doesn’t care. It’s like so yeah, so I believe that what Google is doing is delineating its assets correctly. It’s saying we don’t care about this. That purchaser isn’t going to purchase our cellphone anyway. So we’re simply not going to spend any cash or time fixing it. And as a substitute, we’re going to concentrate on, you already know, making an AOD factor that exhibits Google Maps in black and white. Like we’re going to concentrate on issues that our customers really will care about, or let me rephrase that, let’s concentrate on issues that the person that we need to purchase our telephones really cares about. And yeah, I believe that’s simply enterprise. So yeah, I don’t actually thoughts this Creativeness driver scenario. Granted, I believe Google may have it each methods. You already know, Google may go for each markets by simply making Tensor G5 or Tensor G6 and G7 and all these different ones higher with higher GPUs and higher driver assist and all these different issues and making it extra aggressive. However that’s some huge cash, that’s a number of assets, that’s a number of focus, that’s a number of R&D. It’s rather a lot that Google must do and I believe Google’s similar to we are able to’t do all of it. So as a substitute of making an attempt to do all of it, we’re going to do what we all know we do higher and do extra of that. And other people may not like that, however Google I believe has accepted that truth and it’s similar to, we don’t care anymore. In case you don’t need it, there’s one other cellphone for you out right here. And yeah, that’s type of how I really feel about the entire scenario. However I’ll admit because the Pixel man and because the man who’s defending Google on this scenario, I’ll admit that there’s a world the place Google may have it each methods. It’s simply not investing in that world and you may be offended about that and you may be upset about that and you may say that Google sucks for that and all that and that’s nice. However you’ll be able to’t argue why the technique exists, why Google is doing it as a result of it makes excellent sense as soon as you consider it. So, yeah.
30:49 – Mishaal Rahman: Yeah. I imply particularly within the markets the place Google primarily, you already know, sells its telephones in, you already know, Google isn’t doing a number of heavy advertising and marketing in China, for instance. They don’t even promote a Pixel there. They’re not doing a number of heavy advertising and marketing in Southeast Asian nations the place cell gaming is definitely large. They’re doing a number of advertising and marketing principally in Western Europe, within the Americas. So like in there, the shiny new AI options matter extra to customers than, you already know, higher efficiency in Genshin Impression. So it is sensible why Google is so closely targeted on bettering AI options, digicam options, digicam capabilities with Tensor, however it’s nonetheless just a little disappointing that, you already know, they’re placing gaming on the again foot as a result of it’s an enormous enterprise. It’s an enormous a part of Google’s enterprise too. Like they make an astronomical sum of money from in app purchases via the Play Retailer, like particularly on the gaming facet. They make a lot cash from that. So the truth that their very own telephones are, you already know, one of many final selections you must get if you happen to’re on the lookout for a flagship cellphone and also you need to do cell gaming, the Tensor-powered Pixels needs to be on the underside of your record. Like that’s a tragic truth proper now. Like the truth that your go-to default is Snapdragon. And the truth that Snapdragons aren’t slouches at AI efficiency both. You already know, Qualcomm does a number of work to allow their chips to do a number of highly effective AI processing. You see a lot of the Samsung Galaxy AI options on the Snapdragon and the Exynos variations of these chips, these options can all run on-device utilizing the Snapdragon chip. And so they can do a number of highly effective AI options similar to Pixels can. You already know, arguably Pixels do some issues higher than Samsung can and Samsung is catching up in ways in which, you already know, Google’s already had options earlier than Samsung, however nonetheless that’s probably not an indictment on the chip itself. That’s similar to, you already know, Google’s prowess as a machine studying firm profiting from the {hardware} they’re given regardless of its underperformance in areas like CPU and GPU, like focusing closely on bettering the machine studying points and the digicam efficiency, you already know, issues that matter to most customers, however a number of customers wish to recreation on their cellphone. So it’s a disgrace that, you already know, that’s no more of a precedence for Google proper now.
32:57 – C. Scott Brown: 100% agree, you already know, it’s a disgrace that Google isn’t as targeted on this as perhaps it needs to be. However the factor that upsets me, as soon as once more, because the Pixel man, is that individuals get so upset about this. Like they really feel prefer it’s a private assault towards them that Google isn’t making telephones for them. You already know, like that’s what’s so bizarre to me. Like, you already know, if a cellphone firm got here out and made a cellphone and it was designed for the aged, you already know, it’s tremendous massive, the textual content on it’s astronomically giant. It’s quite simple. It solely does a certain quantity of issues, no matter. I’m saying this as if I’m making this up, these telephones exist. And other people purchase them for his or her aged dad and mom, you already know, saying like, hey, you already know, this isn’t as difficult. It is a cellphone that’s excellent on your explicit scenario. Right here you go. I don’t see individuals on YouTube feedback going like, what the hell? Why can’t I play Genshin Impression at 120 frames per second. Like, however for Pixels they do and it’s simply so weird to me how offended and like attacked individuals really feel about Google’s methods. And to me, all Google is saying is there are such a lot of telephones on the market for you. There are such a lot of telephones that run the Snapdragon. There are, you already know, each single Chinese language producer is utilizing Snapdragon and on not less than considered one of their telephones, you already know. There are the Pink Magic telephones which can be particularly designed for the gaming neighborhood, you already know, which have specs up the wazoo they usually’re low cost, you already know, less expensive than a number of different telephones that you would be able to get. Get a kind of. Get a Snapdragon-powered Galaxy cellphone, you already know, like that cellphone is on the market proper now. You would get final yr’s Galaxy S24 Extremely for lots of of {dollars} off and play actually each recreation at virtually the max body charge in comparison with the Galaxy S25. There are such a lot of choices for you. Why do you get so upset about this? That’s what drives me loopy. Like the truth that this occurs doesn’t actually hassle me. It’s the anger again in direction of it. And in order that’s what weirds me out. However you already know, for me, I’m similar to, yeah, Google’s making a advertising and marketing choice and it’s perhaps the mistaken choice, it is likely to be the correct choice, however it’s making a choice and it’s rolling with it and that’s its prerogative. So if you happen to don’t prefer it, don’t purchase the cellphone.
35:17 – Mishaal Rahman: I imply I believe I even have an evidence or a possible clarification for why there are individuals who get so upset by it. Like even when they don’t significantly care about cell gaming, I believe it’s simply the psychological side of it. Say you’re spending $1,000 on the Pixel 10 Professional, proper? And you’ve got the selection between that or just like the iPhone 17 Professional. And say like each you’re getting the $1,000 mannequin and also you’re doing a comparability, proper? Like say doubtlessly the iPhone could be higher at gaming, proper? However you don’t even actually recreation, however you’re spending $1,000 and you’ve got the selection between these two telephones and also you spend and you purchase the Pixel 10 Professional. I believe individuals type of really feel like, okay, I’m spending $1,000. I may have gotten this different cellphone that’s higher at gaming although I’d doubtlessly recreation sooner or later. I don’t actually do it a lot now, however they type of really feel like they’re lacking out. Like they’re getting scammed. You already know, they really feel like, oh, I’m spending $1,000. I ought to have the ability to get the very best {hardware} for the cash that I’m paying. And so they really feel like they’re not getting that with the cash they’re spending proper now on the gadget. And I believe that’s most likely one of many the reason why individuals are so upset they need the very best worth for cash even when they’re getting every little thing they need. They really feel like they might have gotten extra, so that they’re upset at not getting extra. They’re like, why wouldn’t Google simply use a Snapdragon chip? Like they assume it might simply be a easy change for them, proper? Prefer it wouldn’t actually have an effect on something, which clearly it might, it might change a number of issues. However that’s type of the logic that I believe lots of people have once they get upset by this choice.
36:45 – C. Scott Brown: So I’m glad you introduced this up as a result of that is one thing that I really addressed in a video that I made for my very own channel, which you’ll take a look at at C. Scott Brown and on YouTube. And a Porsche 911 will price you $150,000. And a tricked out Sprinter van may also price you $150,000. Now, clearly a Porsche 911 and a tricked out Sprinter van are fully totally different automobiles for fully totally different functions. And one will go, you already know, 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds and the opposite will go to 0 to 60 in a minute. In order that they’re very, very totally different automobiles that price the identical sum of money. Nobody of their proper thoughts goes to purchase a sprinter van and say to themselves, oh man, I assumed this was going to go 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds. as a result of it’s a Sprinter van, as a result of that’s what you’re shopping for. You’re shopping for a automobile that may transport your loved ones, transport your sleeping luggage, your tents, your bikes and all that stuff and you may sleep in it, you already know, like that’s what you’re shopping for. And so one may argue that Google must do a greater job of selling the Pixel line and being far more clear about why you’re shopping for a pixel as in comparison with, you already know, one other smartphone. However the argument that you simply’re spending X quantity of {dollars} on smartphone A, so due to this fact it ought to do every little thing that the opposite smartphone that prices X quantity of {dollars} does, that’s a horrible argument as a result of there are such a lot of conditions by which that’s simply not true. You already know, like I may purchase a $10 million residence right here the place I reside in Marine County, California, and a $10 million residence right here goes to seem like, you already know, a pleasant place, a very nice home. But when I spend $10 million on a house in rural Alabama, I’m going to have a compound the place I may home lots of of individuals as a result of it’s a very totally different scenario. So yeah, nobody is complaining. I imply individuals are all complaining in regards to the housing disaster, however for the sake of this dialogue, nobody is pondering of their proper thoughts that purchasing a $10 million residence in level A and shopping for a $10 million residence in level B are the identical. They’re not the identical. And so, yeah, the Pixel and the Galaxy and the Pixel and the iPhone, these are all very totally different telephones that each one price the identical sum of money, however you’re getting various things for them. And, you already know, that to me makes excellent sense. So actually simply each time I hear these arguments, I’m like, these don’t maintain weight. Like the underside line is that if you happen to don’t desire a Pixel, then don’t purchase a Pixel. Like that’s the backside line. And if you happen to don’t desire a Galaxy…
39:33 – Mishaal Rahman: Like if cell gaming and retro console emulation are your primary priorities, just like the belongings you need to do the huge such as you need to spend so much of time doing that in your cellphone, then yeah, the Pixel’s not for you. But when it’s not, if it’s someplace towards the decrease backside of your record, then I don’t see why it’s an issue choosing up a Pixel.
39:49 – C. Scott Brown: Yeah, you already know, and the identical factor for the iPhone. Like, you already know, if retro console emulation is your bag, just like the iPhone remains to be not going to be pretty much as good for that as a Snapdragon-powered cellphone might be, you already know, for a number of causes which I don’t want to enter right here. The emulation, you already know, individuals listening will know what I’m speaking about, however yeah, like nobody, nobody who’s a severe console emulator, you already know, emulation fiend with their telephones goes to purchase an iPhone to do it. And so they know that. But the iPhone prices simply as a lot as, you already know, so I don’t know. Prefer it actually simply comes down to purchase the cellphone you need to purchase and let individuals purchase the telephones they need to purchase. If somebody says, I’m going to purchase an iPhone, you already know, don’t actually yell at them due to it, you already know, and if somebody says I’m shopping for a Pixel, don’t yell at them. Like simply say be like, that’s superior, bro. Get the cellphone that you simply need to get, you already know. You already know, to me it’s similar to that. Why can’t it simply be like that?
40:53 – Mishaal Rahman: I want, you already know, why can’t all of us simply get alongside? Yeah, yeah, significantly. You bought an iPhone buddy, you bought a Pixel buddy, simply let’s be #BestPhonesForever.
41:01 – C. Scott Brown: Yeah, completely. #BestPhonesForever. So, yeah, anyway, so going again to the precise matter of what we’re discussing right here. Like, I believe that Google is prioritizing in the way in which that it needs to prioritize with these drivers and this lack of GPU energy and going with the Creativeness system as a substitute of one thing higher. I believe that it’s all deliberate. You already know, it’s not one thing that Google was like, oh, that is cheaper or or no matter, who cares, nobody’s going to note, you already know, like I don’t assume that was it. I believe Google made a deliberate selection and was like, we’re going to go together with a weaker GPU and we’re going to not care a lot about supporting that GPU. One factor that’s floating round proper now could be that there’s like a driver replace within the works and this mystical driver replace goes to make the GPU throughout the Pixel 10 collection higher. And you already know, perhaps that’s taking place, perhaps it’s not, however we requested Google about this instantly. We despatched them a message and mentioned like, that is what we’ve been listening to. We’re actually enthusiastic about this. What do you bought? And Google didn’t even reply. And if Google actually had this happening and actually had this like, you already know, factor within the works that was going to make its GPU system rather a lot higher on the Pixel 10, why it might simply instantly not inform us. It will be like, yeah, we completely have this coming. That is going to be massive information. Please purchase a Pixel 10 so you will get it. The truth that it didn’t try this and actually didn’t even say something leads me to consider that even when this driver does come out within the close to future, it’s not going to be a recreation changer as a result of like I mentioned, I actually don’t assume Google cares about this in any respect. So, you already know, I wouldn’t wait. I believe that the GPU on the Pixel 10 does every little thing it must do for the person that Google goes after with it. and nothing extra.
42:55 – Mishaal Rahman: Yeah, ready for that legendary driver replace to repair every little thing. It seems like cope to me, however you already know, we’ll have to attend and see. It’s one thing we’ll need to ultimately hopefully get an replace within the close to future and you already know, discover out for ourselves whether or not it really fixes issues.
43:08 – C. Scott Brown: Yeah, and keep tuned as a result of if that does occur, then you already know Rob Triggs right here at Android Authority goes to be throughout that. He’s going to be evaluating like, you already know, what it appeared like earlier than the driving force replace, what, you already know, he loves that type of stuff. So, so undoubtedly keep tuned. If that does occur, we’re going to have all the info that you possibly can ever need to know.
43:25 – Mishaal Rahman: Oh yeah, he developed some shiny new instruments to check all that stuff and you may guess he’s going to be utilizing it to its most extent.
43:33 – C. Scott Brown: Have you ever ever met Rob?
43:35 – Mishaal Rahman: No, not in particular person really.
43:36 – C. Scott Brown: Oh man, he’s the good man and he’s so good and similar to he’s precisely what you assume. He’s like very smooth spoken and simply tremendous, tremendous clever, however then tremendous humorous. Like when he, you already know, begins speaking and will get comfy and he’s simply hilarious and a extremely, actually nice man. He’s a particular asset to the Android Authority staff. Simply superb, superb work. In case you’re listening to this and also you haven’t checked out Robert Triggs’s work at Android Authority, test it out if you happen to’re an information nerd or simply need to know extra about how your cellphone works. He’s simply superb. So test him out.
44:11 – Mishaal Rahman: All proper. And that’s every little thing we’ve obtained for you this week. You’ll find hyperlinks to all of the tales talked about on this episode down within the present notes and you will discover extra superb tales to learn over on androidauthority.com.
44:21 – C. Scott Brown: Thanks for listening to the Authority Insights Podcast. We publish each week on YouTube, Spotify, and different podcast platforms. You’ll be able to comply with us in every single place on social media at Android Authority, and you may comply with me personally on Instagram, Bluesky, and my very own YouTube channel @CScottBrown.
44:38 – Mishaal Rahman: As for me, I’m on most social media platforms posting day in and day trip about Android. If you wish to sustain with the newest information on Android, comply with me on X, Threads, Mastodon, or Telegram @MishaalRahman. Thanks for listening.
