Android Authority this week

Hello Android fans, here’s what went down in the world of Android this week: Facebook launched its Lite app for entry-level Android devices, we’ve heard some troubling news about Sony, Qualcomm confirmed its overheating problems, ZTE and Meizu introduced new devices, alleged renders of the Galaxy S6 and One (M9) surfaced, we discussed Cyanogen’s plans to take Android from Google, and Microsoft launched its Outlook and Office apps for Android.

Inside AA HQ

This week Josh and Darcy visited HUAWEI’s headquarters in China, where they learned more about the tech giant’s plans for 2015 and got a peek at all the work that goes into designing, building, and selling a modern smartphone. Expect a look behind the scenes soon.

Because of Josh’s trip, our Friday Debate podcast is actually going down this Sunday. In this edition, Josh, Andrew, Joe and Jon are talking about the Cyanogen’s plans for a Google-free Android. This topic has been on everyone’s lips this week, especially since news broke that Microsoft has become an investor in the company founded by Steve Kondik. We’ll update this post with the podcast widget as soon as it goes live.

Joe is piloting a new format and a new name for his popular weekly show about apps. The segment is now called Android Apps Weekly, but the gist of it is the same – cool new apps, big updates, and all the news that matter in the world of Android apps.

In our Sunday Giveaway, we’re putting up for grabs a brand new Nexus 9! Throw your name in the hat here.

The stuff you shouldn’t miss

Here are some interesting posts for your Sunday reading:

• Opinion: Matthew prefers Tizen to Android Wear – read all about it here
• Hands-on: Josh checks out the new HUAWEI HONOR 6 Plus
• Review: It’s thin, it’s cheap, it’s the BLU vivo Air
• Throwback: A modern look at the phone that start it all – the T-Mobile HTCG1
• Debate: Cyanogen has huge ambitions. Can it make it?

Top news of the week

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

Sony news

• Sony is getting back to longer smartphone release cycles – report
• Is releasing a single Xperia Z flagship a year the right move for Sony?
• Sony will reportedly cut 1,000 more jobs from its mobile division
• Sony announces partnership with Spotify to replace Music Unlimited service

Facebook Lite

• Facebook launches Facebook Lite for devices with low specifications (APK download)

The heat is on Qualcomm

• Snapdragon 810 issues may put the heat on Qualcomm
• Qualcomm reveals “large customer’s flagship” won’t use Snapdragon 810, all signs point to Samsung
• LG reassures that the G Flex 2 and G4 won’t be affected by Snapdragon 810 issue

ZTE Blade S6

• ZTE Blade S6: $250 gets you Lollipop, Snapdragon 615, LTE, and a 13MP camera

Meizu M1

• Meizu M1 announced: 5-inch display, LTE, 13MP camera, only $110

Our first look at the One (M9)?

• Evleaks reveals render showing off One M9 in two sizes, with improved aesthetics

Cyanogen saga

• Can Cyanogen make it without Google?
• Microsoft is now reportedly a minor investor in Cyanogen

Microsoft loves Android

• (Update: final versions) Microsoft Office for Android tablets now available on Google Play/
• Microsoft Outlook Preview for Android lands in the Google Play Store

Galaxy S6 rumors

• There will be less bloatware on the Galaxy S6 – report
• Don’t take those Spigen Galaxy S6 cases too seriously (Updated)

Samsung’s shaky quarter

• Q4 2014 was a photo finish between Apple and Samsung
• Samsung sold fewer phones in Q4, but made more money out of them

Sound off

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Happy Sunday!