Android Authority this week – August 30, 2015

This late summer is hotter than anticipated, and we couldn’t be happier. The week before IFA brought us sneak peeks at smartwatches coming from Samsung, Motorola, HUAWEI, and LG. We’ve spotted the “Moto X Play for USA” a.k.a. the Droid Maxx 2. More details leaked out about the HUAWEI- and LG-made Nexus. The BlackBerry Venice revealed itself from all angles. We’ve got a glimpse of the Xperia Z5. And “Pengate” flared up, before predictably fading away into the annals of ridiculous tech scandals.

Inside AA HQ

Tickets have been reserved, accommodation has been arranged, meetings have been scheduled. IFA 2015 is coming and Android Authority will be all over it! This year, we’re sending a bigger team to Berlin, even though Samsung, the usual star of the show, decided to jump the gun.

Even without a new Note, there’s a lot of hot stuff to look forward to next week, from Sony’s latest Xperia(s), to a bevy of Android Wear smartwatches, and HUAWEI’s new Mate flagship. Josh Vergara, Lanh Nguyen, and Nirave Gondhia will be there, accompanied by yours truly. The show starts on Thursday, but all the good stuff will probably be announced the day before. Stay tuned!

Our reviews of some of the most anticipated phones of this year are progressing nicely. We’ve already brought you our look at the OnePlus 2, and our Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus reviews, from Josh and Lanh, are coming very soon!

This week, we have an extra giveaway for our loyal readers! We’ve teamed up with HUAWEI to give out three HONOR 7’s. And don’t forget about our beloved Sunday Giveaway: today, we’re giving away an OPPO R7 Plus (and a selfie stick!). Good luck!