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Phone and Messages apps to remove from Android (AOSP)
In case you have used the stock Android operating system, you should be familiar with AOSP, which is an open-source project of Android. This project allows manufacturers and individual developers to modify the system to adapt to different Android devices.
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According to the code search announcement on the official AOSP website, AOSP’s Android Phone (dialer) and Messages (message) apps are no longer supported. Besides, the announcement states that “this item will be removed from the source list at some point in the future.”
“This app is not actively supported and the source is only available as a reference. This project will be removed from the source manifest sometime in the future.”
This announcement means that in the near future, the Android ROM package built through AOSP will not pre-install the Phone (dialer) and Messages (message), that is, the basic calling and texting functions need to download the App themselves.
Well, this change is nothing to the major smartphone manufacturers. After all, the custom systems of each company will not use native Dialer and Messaging apps. However, for individual ROM developers/flash users, there is another trouble.
AOSP originally meant “Android Open Source Project”, but with the continuous loss of open source content and Google putting more and more things into its own framework, the Android operating system seems to be less and less open source.
News
Is Google set to ditch Samsung for 3nm Tensor G5 production?
Google Pixel 10 series will likely use 3nm Tensor G5 made by TSMC. The company is swiftly working to switch the Tensor producer for the next-gen SoC. Starting with the Tensor G1, Samsung has been fabricating Pixel-exclusive chips.
BusinessKorea reports that Google is likely to switch Tensor G5 production from Samsung to TSMC next year. The report suggests that the Tensor G5 will be used in the Pixel 10 series and is expected to be produced using TSMC’s 3nm process.
Samsung retained Google for the production of the Tensor G4 processor last year. Recent developments suggest that the Tensor G5 would not be produced at Samsung Foundry as a switch to Taiwan’s TSMC is highly likely.
Google and TSMC have entered the full-scale mass production phase of the Tensor G5. Despite utilizing its own developed Tensor, Google’s Pixel phones have always been criticized for performance and efficiency issues.
“TSMC has gained an advantage over Samsung in the 3nm process.”
In a situation where Samsung urgently needs to secure Foundry clients, losing Google to TSMC could disrupt its order strategy. Samsung Elec is also considering solely using Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 which would also benefit TSMC.
Samsung Foundry’s low yield rate is the biggest reason for Google to opt for TSMC. Exynos 2500 is already facing release uncertainty, and the departure of Google would significantly harm Samsung Foundry’s Mobile AP business.
Beyond Tensor G5, Google is rumored to produce Tensor G6 using TSMC’s 2nm process. It will be a huge leap in the Pixel segment’s AP strategy. Pixel 11 may be the early entry to ship with a 2nm process-based chipset variant.
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Samsung’s Galaxy AI UX wins IDEA 2024 Gold award
Samsung received recognition for its design excellence at the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) 2024. The accolades include two Gold (one for Galaxy AI UX), one Silver, and two Bronze awards, as well as 40 Finalists.
Interpreter defies language barriers, Live Translate automatically translates voice calls, Note Assist enables users to create intelligent summaries of their notes, Browsing Assist allows them to summarize and translate webpages and Chat Assist lets them text in the language in which they’re most comfortable.
IDEA 2024 awards serve as an important validation of Samsung’s design commitment. The company was recognized for its excellence in design centered on consumer lifestyles and experiences.
“As we move forward, we’ll maintain a keen focus on developing innovative designs that both enrich the lives of our users and also stay true to each product’s essence.” – TM Roh.
Galaxy AI UX brings meaningful intelligence to enhance every part of life, especially by enabling seamless communication anywhere, anytime. IDEA 2024’s Gold award reiterates Galaxy AI is a quite special suite of AI functionalities.
The company’s design reflects its changing values and innovative technology. IDEA is one of the world’s most prestigious design awards programs. Winning the Gold award for Galaxy AI UX is a great milestone, solidifying consumer satisfaction.
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Google Photos preps to expand Pixel 9’s magical AI features
Pixel 9’s AI Magic Editor features could be coming to older models through Google Photos. The company seemingly working to optimize two new Magic Editor features called Auto Frame and Reimagine for older Pixel phones.
AndroidAuthority reports that Pixel 9’s AI-powered Auto Frame and Reimagine features could come to Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series with Google Photos update. This surprising info was discovered right under the codes and strings of Google Photos APK.
Code and strings related to the Pixel 9’s Reimagine and Auto Frame appearing in the Google Photos app for Pixel 6 to Pixel 8. It’s a clear indication that the US tech giant plans to roll out Pixel 9 features across Tensor-powered models.
Google’s new Pixel 9 introduces cool camera features such as Add Me, Video Boost with Night Sight, and more. The company has a habit of expanding newly added features with select older models that fulfill hardware requirements.
The new Magic Editor’s Auto Frame automatically frames your chosen subject, even if that requires expanding the image using AI. Whereas Reimagine lets you change backgrounds with the power of generative artificial intelligence.
Google Photos could add these new features in a future Feature Drop. The company may also expand the new additions to all Android phones through a Google One subscription, the same way Pixel 8’s Magic Editor rolled out earlier.