Android Authority this week

Android fans, it’s been a lively week in the world of mobile technology. Sony took everyone by surprise by announcing the new Xperia Z4 in Japan, though truth be told there’s not much new about the device; Xiaomi introduced the latest in a series of affordable blockbusters on Wednesday, the $200 Mi 4i; LG continued to reveal details about the G4, due to launch on April 28; OnePlus restarted the Cyanogen OS 12 update and announced it’s finally dropping its invite system; and Google launched a new version of Android Wear and the Project Fi wireless service.

Inside AA HQ

This week, Rob and Gary visited ARM in London to check out the chip designer’s latest innovations. We’re already brought you a close look at the Cortex A72 chip, and a whole lot more is coming next week.

For next, we’re looking forward to going hands-on with LG’s latest and greatest, the leather-bound G4. While there may not be many surprises left in store, we still can’t wait to see how the G4 stands against the S6 and other hot Android devices that came out thsi season. Our Ash Tailor will be in London to take the G4 for a spin.

Besides our regular weekly giveaway, this week we brought you a new sweepstakes, courtesy of Opera Software. To stand to win a Galaxy S6 Edge, just head over here and follow the instructions to get your sweepstakes tickets.

The Friday Debate Podcast

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The stuff you shouldn’t miss

• Comparison: Developers, what are the differences between the Play Store and Apple’s App Store?
• Versus: Jon takes a close look at the Nexus 9 vs the iPad Air Mini 3
• Opinion: Nirave argues that HTCand Sony have made a costly mistake with their 2015 flagships
• Opinion: Matt’s counterpoint to Nirave’s piece: maybe we expect too much from our phones
• Tech talk: ARM revealed details about the Cortex A72, and you can get a primer here

Top news of the week

And here are the top news in the Android world this week:

Xperia Z4 controversy

• Sony Xperia Z4 officially unveiled – Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 5.2-inch display
• Why the Xperia Z4 makes perfect sense… for Japan/
• Xperia Z4 – what’s new and why Sony, why?
• Sony’s REAL flagship could land next month
• Build your own Xperia: How would you improve the Sony Xperia Z4?

LG G4 teasers                                                                     

• LG shows off the ‘professional grade’ camera inside the LG G4
• LG G4 will hit retailers on April 29th in South Korea
• New LG G4 teaser video shows off the device’s leather back
• LG releases another video showcasing LG G4 UX 4.0
• The leather back could make the G4 more expensive than we thought

OnePlus One rollout and invites

• OnePlus halts CM 12S rollout to add new ‘OK OnePlus’ feature
• OnePlus One says farewell to invites, but they will return for the OnePlus 2
• Cyanogen OS 12 rollout resumed, new build includes bug fixes and “Ok, OnePlus” hotword

Android Wear new features

• Android Wear getting big update with Wi-Fi, always-on apps, and more

Project Fi is here                     

• Google’s wireless service is official, dubbed Project Fi
• T-Mobile CEO John Legere formally announces partnership with Google for Project Fi
• Google releases two Project Fi videos to help you check your data usage, manage calls and texts

Xiaomi Mi 4i: what do $200 buy you?

• Xiaomi Mi 4i official: 5-inch Full HD, Snapdragon 615 for just $200
• Xiaomi Mi 4i closer look: picture gallery and videos

Sound off

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Happy Sunday!