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This week in Android: Pixel 3, Razer 2, so much more!
#Phonepocalypse continues! This week we saw the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL drop in New York. Along with that, Google introduced us to the Google Home Hub and the Pixel Slate. Hot on their heels, Razer updated its hardware to its second-generation phone. It made all the right moves, upgrading where it needed to, and keeping the best parts. Finally, toward the end of the week we saw the world’s first quad camera setup in the Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 edition. One week, four phones. That’s a pretty good week. But it didn’t stop there.
Sadly, we also saw the passing of Google’s social network, Google+. It seems there was a bug in a Google+ API that made some user profiles vulnerable. The bug was never exploited, but Google decided to close down the network anyway. Speaking of social networks, Facebook introduced us to the Facebook Portal, a large touchscreen device designed for video conferencing and Facebook’s video platform, Facebook Watch. The jury is still out as to how useful this will be, but stay tuned.
Finally, we have a game streaming platform from Microsoft, a new device from Essential, and the team here celebrates Google’s purchase of YouTube with some of our favorite videos.
Here are your top stories for the week
Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL hands-on
Google’s next flagship is here, and we have all the details!
Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL: Here are all the new camera features
Google’s event was all about the camera. From Top Shot to Super Res Zoom, we break it all down for you.
The Google Pixel Slate is Google’s iPad Pro competitor, running a touch-optimized version of Chrome.
Google Home Hub hands-on: A home with a view
The Google Home Hub is Google’s answer to the Amazon Echo Show, and it’s pretty great!
Missed the Pixel 3 event? Catch up in four minutes with this video!
If you missed the event, and the podcast, this video will get you up to speed.
That was the first podcast of the week. Here’s the second
3:05 – Google+ to shut down after private user data exposed
Google’s social network is closing its doors, but for a really weird reason.
17:30 – Razer Phone 2 specs: Familiar, but better in all the ways that matter
We’re breaking down all the insides of the Razer phone 2. It’s pretty awesome.
Razer upgraded its second-generation phone in all the right ways, making it a true flagship.
26:50 – Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) announced: Four rear cameras, but there is more to like
The world’s first quad camera device is here. Check out Samsung’s latest innovation.
35:15 – Brace yourself: Samsung could drop the headphone jack from next year
Samsung is one of the last bastions of the headphone jack, but that may be changing late next year.
Meanwhile, here are some stories we couldn’t cover on the podcast
The Facebook Portal is here, placing a camera in your house from the company that sucks at privacy. What could possibly go wrong?
There could be a new, incredibly ambitious Essential device shown at CES 2019
Essential might have something new up it’s sleeve. Not a new phone, but something entirely new to the industry. Our interest is piqued.
Microsoft’s Project xCloud: Console gaming experience streamed to your phone
Similar to Google’s Project Stream, Project xCloud will allow you to play pretty much any game on any device via streaming.
The AA team celebrates Google buying YouTube with our favorite videos
Google bought YouTube 12 years ago, and to celebrate, we give you our favorite 11 videos from the service. The last one, is up to you!
Who wants to win a Google Pixel 3?
This week, we’re giving away a brand new Pixel 3 and two Speck cases to go along with it. Enter this week’s Sunday giveaway for your chance to win!
Don’t miss these videos
That’s it, folks! We’ll have another giveaway and more top Android stories for you next week. To stay up to date on all things Android Authority in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters at the link below.