Android Authority this week

It was a busy week in the Android universe, starting with the official launch of Android One, followed by rumors about the Nexus 9 and the alleged demise of the Silver program, the launch of ZTE ZMax, Amazon’s new tablets, and the metallic Galaxy A5.

Part of the Android Authority team was in Hong Kong this week to bring you early comparisons between the best of Android and Apple’s new devices. It was a pretty interesting to say the least!

Video roundup

Check out Jayce’s popular weekly Android news roundup!

Bigger than big

Samsung was all too happy to remind the world that it was right all along when it comes to large smartphones, and now that Apple is hopping on the bandwagon, lots of less technically inclined folks begin to realize it as well. But big phones aren’t created equal, and our comparisons between the iPhone 6 Plus and the G3, Note 3, and OnePlus One show just how different in size two phones with the same screen size can be. It’s striking, especially in the case of the G3. Sure, Apple didn’t have much choice in designing its phablet – the top and bottom bezels cannot be minimized without giving up the iconic form factor that launched in 2007. But I still wish people lining up to buy the 6 Plus would get to try the G3 before handing out their cash.

Our app has a new name

Heads up, if you read our posts through our app, next time you want to install it on a new device you’ll find it under a different name. Our app is now called “AA App for Android.” Yes, really, and no, it was not our choice. See, Google doesn’t like apps that begin with “Android” because some people may confuse them with system applications. That makes sense, especially given how some developers use all kinds of tricks to lure people into downloading their apps. Unfortunately, Google’s bots don’t treat the apps of Android blogs differently, which is why we had to change the name or risk suspension (or worse.) Of course, everything else about the app remains the same. :)

Coming up next

All the big devices of this season have been announced, except for Google’s Nexus 9 and – potentially – new Nexus phone. Now it’s time to see how all the stars perform in the market. We have really strong competition this year, both between Android and iOS, and within the Android ecosystem. The following months could bring some major changes in the game, though Samsung’s seat is probably still safe.

At AA HQ we look forward to a visit from the Note 4. We expect a review unit sometime in the first part of October and, frankly, we’re very excited. HTChas an event around the same time, so it’s going to be a busy time. We’re also planning a series of buying guides – the shopping season isn’t that far, and when the madness begins, we want you to know exactly what to buy.

We gave away the sixth OnePlus One this past week and now we’re putting a snazzy Moto 360 up for grabs. Interested? The Sunday Giveaway should be live soon.

The stuff you shouldn’t miss

Here some other interesting posts for your Sunday reading:

Explainer: Simon Hill walks you through what you need to know about phone warranties
WTF: Goat Simulator is on Android
Analysis: This piece will help you understand what’s going on in the mobile industry right now
Buying advice: Crowdsourced buying recommendations courtesy of AA readers
Drop test: We’ve dropped the new iPhones. And we’re not sorry

Top news of the week

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

Android One is here

More Nexus 9 rumors

Android Silver no more?

Android Silver said to be on hold, its future uncertain

ZMax hits the US

Amazon’s new Fires

Galaxy A5 breaks cover

Sound off

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Happy Sunday!