Android
As Google matches Apple’s 7 OS updates, Samsung must replicate!
Samsung guarantees 4 years of Android OS and 5 years of security updates to Galaxy devices. Meanwhile, Google is about to match Apple’s iOS support of 7 years of OS updates, starting with the Pixel 8 series, which Samsung must replicate for Galaxy devices.
In a recent development, a leaked Pixel 8 series specifications sheet revealed that Google will pledge 7 years of Android OS and security updates. It’s about to be the same as Apple does with all of its iPhone models, beating the Samsung software policy by a big margin.
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Samsung has a big lead in the smartphone market, thanks to its longer software support. Meanwhile, Google’s tentative announcement will make a big impact on the Galaxy maker’s policy. And to maintain consumer satisfaction, the Korean tech giant must replicate Google.
Google Pixel phones currently offer three generations of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. Samsung, on the other hand, has a wide range of Galaxy devices eligible for 4 OS plus 5 years of security updates. However, Apple’s iPhones get up to 7 years of major iOS upgrades.
The US tech giant will launch the Pixel 8 series on October 4. If it has plans to extend software support, the announcement will be done during the launch. It will be interesting to see if the company includes older Tensor-powered smartphones in new support plan.
Since the Pixel 6 series, Google is bringing a self-designed Tensor chipset, equipped with AI capabilities and machine learning. The Tensor G3 is based on Exynos and is being manufactured by Samsung, with Google plans to switch to TSMC in the next few years.
As the technology is growing such faster, it’s hard to keep a phone for 7 years, as the manufacturer believes. However, Pixel users will continue to rock with their smartphone, as Google could pledge 7 OS upgrades, that will arrive with new features and enhancements.
Google is preparing to bring contextual video search support to the Circle to Search feature. AndroidAuthority spotted strings in the latest Google app for Android suggesting the potential arrival of contextual video search support.
In the recent past, Google significantly improved the Circle to Search feature. It added quickly sharing clipped on-screen items, song search, and QR code scanning support. Now, Circle to Search is preparing to upgrade with video search support.
Google’s AI-powered Circle to Search tool will allow you to search within any video. You will be able to trigger Circle to Search on locally stored videos apart from those available on the internet and social media.
Earlier this year, Samsung debuted the Circle to Search feature with the Galaxy S24 series. The company announced that the function will remain exclusive to select Galaxy and Pixel phones till October 2024.
In the meantime, Samsung and Google updated their Galaxy and Pixel phones with Circle to Search feature. Galaxy phones received it with the One UI 6.1 update, while Pixel phones added it with the June 2024 Feature Drop.
Recently, Samsung released Circle to Search for Galaxy A55 and A35. The AI-powered search tool is now available on a wide array of Pixel and Galaxy phones. Google is also preparing to optimize it for Android so a vast audience can make use of it.
Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.