The Weekly Authority: 📱 Foldables forthcoming?

⚡ Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 198th edition here, with a possible date for new Samsung Galaxy foldables, Apple’s WWDC 2022 roundup, plus everything from Summer Game Fest and Netflix’s Geeked Week.

🍰 This week I had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Edinburgh and ate one of the best desserts of my life: now I just need the recipe for Turkish Delight Cheesecake so I can recreate it at home! Also, pretty excited that my copy of The Quarry just turned up. Weekend plans, sorted.

Popular news this week

Samsung:

• The new Galaxy foldables and Galaxy Watch 5 series might launch on August 10, if you trust the leaks…
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 storage leak suggests great news for data hounds: Could have 1TB option.
• Super-rare Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Diablo Immortal edition announced but you may have to make a deal with the devil to get one as only 100 units available.
• And Samsung owns up to mistake after using iPhone photos in promotion.

Google:

• Mystery Google device appears, might be a new Chromecast?
• Pixel 6a was listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace way before its release on July 28.
• New evidence suggests thePixel tablet could replace your Google Nest Hub.
• And Google’s Pixel feature drop for June update landed: New app “Pocket Operator” turns sounds from videos into music, car crash detection rolling out to more countries, and more.
• Android 13 beta 3 is here, bringing the new version to Platform Stability.
• Plus, here’s the Android 13 schedule: If all goes well we could see an August 2022 launch of the stable release.

Apple:

• Apple’s WWDC 2022 kicked off on Monday, running until Friday. At Monday’s keynote, we saw a little bit of everything: iOS 16 (mostly lock screen design options and better live notifications), iPadOS 16 (more useful organization of tabs and windows with Stage Manager), macOS Ventura, watchOS 9 (redesigned watch faces, medication reminders), and CarPlay (big update coming late 2023).
• On the hardware side, we saw the M2 chip, which Apple promises has an “18% faster CPU, a 35% more powerful GPU, and a 40% faster Neural Engine,” but does it deliver those with better overall efficiency than the M1?
• We also saw an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, both with the M2 chip: the Pro is basically the same machine as 2020, but MacBook Air gets a whole refresh — new colors, thinner shape, larger 13.6-inch display (with notch), MagSafe charging, and a 1080p webcam. But you’re looking at dropping $1,600 if you want 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
• Plus, Apple announced passkeys, basically the end of passwords, effectively turning logins into biometric sign-in standards.
• And Apple plans a 15-inch MacBook Air for 2023, a new 12-inch laptop, and MacBook Pros with M2 Pro or M2 Max for end 2022/early 2023.
• Also this week: According to 9to5Mac, iOS 16 code includes multiple “always-on display” references ahead of iPhone 14 Pro.

Xiaomi:

• Xiaomi 12 Ultra renders leaked: Another massive camera system and Leica red dot logo, but no specs yet.

OnePlus:

• OnePlus 10T rumors surface again: No Snapdragon processor?
• And OnePlus 10 renders leak, but approach with caution — the source is pretty shaky.
• Meanwhile, OnePlus could be phasing out the alert slider for most of its phones.

Space:

• Elon Musk’s plan to send a million colonists to Mars by 2050 is pure delusion.
• The stunning new planets discovered in 2022, so far, including a weird, rugby ball-shaped planet.
• Venus Aerospace wants to fly you from LA to Tokyo in an hour on its “space plane,” at speeds up to Mach 9.

Elsewhere:

• USB-C will be mandatory for all phones sold in the EU by fall 2024, and buyers will get to choose whether they want to buy new phones with or without a charger.
• Facebook smartwatch no one wants has been put on hold.
• Speaking of Facebook, it’s killing Portal, but existing users will get long-term software support.
• And Telegram Premium is happening: Coming this month as a paid service, offering additional features and higher usage limits, but existing features remain free.
• Nothing Phone 1 launch date confirmed with “Return to Instinct” livestream on July 12 at 4 PM BST (11 AM ET).
• And ZTE Axon 40 Ultra launches globally with 16MP under-display camera, 5,000mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip.
• POCO F4 is coming soon: same processor as the F3, and likely again based on the China-only Redmi K40s.
• Plus, HTC’s metaverse smartphone finally has a reveal date: June 28.
• Twitter reportedly will give Musk the full “firehose” of user data he demanded after he threatened to kill merger.
• Meanwhile, the world’s largest four-day work week experiment begins: thousands of UK workers will work 80% of the week for 100% of their salary.
• And scientists discover “superworms” eat plastic, could help tackle pollution crisis.
• Plus: New HDMI version fixes the TV cable’s biggest problem — Cable Power feature will ensure longer HDMI cables maintain a strong signal by enabling source devices (like streaming boxes and game consoles) to provide additional power.
• Also this week: Bluetooth SIG unveils Auracast, a way to share audio to many devices.

Movies/TV:

• Netflix’s Geeked Week ran from Monday through Friday (more on that in the Weekly Wonder).
• Rumor: Netflix could be in talks to buy Roku.
• I Am Groot animated series arrives on Disney Plus on August 10.
• And Jurassic World Dominion hit theaters on Friday — reactions following the Los Angeles premiere were mixed: Variety senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay called it a “roaring fun adventure,” while Gizmodo and io9 senior reporter Germain Lussier found it “overindulgent and pointless.”
• Sad news for Scream fans: Neve Campbell won’t return for Scream 6, saying the offer made to her “did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise.”
• Ted Lasso’s third season is being written as its last.
• Here are 11 shows like Stranger Things to watch alongside season 4.
• Meanwhile, Fargo season 5 will see Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, and Jennifer Jason Leigh play leading roles.

Gaming:

• A leaked PlayStation Direct listing ahead of Summer Game Fest revealed The Last of Us Part I remake is coming to PS5 on September 2 (and PC someday).
• Summer Game Fest kicked off on Thursday for several days of events and demos: The Verge has a great roundup of all the news and trailers, but some highlights have included Naughty Dog confirming The Last of Us Part 1 remake launch date (plus we saw a trailer), Aliens: Dark Descent, coming next year, new gameplay from The Callisto Protocol, the first trailer for fast-paced narrative space thriller Fort Solis, a full playthrough of a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II level, a new trailer for long-delayed robot horror Routine, and much, much more.
• As part of Summer Game Fest, the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase is happening at 12 PM CT this Sunday (June 12) — while we know we won’t see Redfall, Contraband, or Starfield, we could see Grounded leave early access, and possibly Avowed or Senua’s Sacrifice: Hellblade 2. We might also see some first-party titles like the Goldeneye 007 remaster, or As Dusk Falls.
• And Capcom’s holding a digital showcase on June 13 at 3 PM PDT, focusing on previously announced titles.
• Speaking of, Capcom is using Stadia tech for a web-based “Resident Evil Village” demo, free to stream on computer, phone, or tablet.
• The Quarry landed on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One on Friday, and reviews are in, with Polygon calling it “a blood-soaked, brutal, and janky summer camp rampage” and IGN declaring it “a fun, bloody thrill ride on your first playthrough”.
• Sega announces Mega Drive Mini 2, a tiny CD retro console, releasing in October but Japan-only.
• And Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Samsung smart TVs — but only this year’s models — so you can play your favorite games without a console, from June 30.
• Epic Games will start selling the company’s first blockchain game, Grit, later this year in its PC store.
• E3 is really, truly coming back in 2023, says ESA, will be both an in-person and virtual event.
• Finally: Steam Next Fest kicks off on Monday (June 13-20) with hundreds of playable demos.

Reviews

• Apple iPad Air (5th generation) review: Spec-tock-ular — “If you’re rocking any pre-2020 iPad and don’t want to go Pro, this is the one to get.”
• ZTE Axon 40 Ultra review: Hiding in plain sight — Powerful, long-lasting, and fast-charging, but lacks flagship polish and an update promise.
• OPPO Find X5 Pro review: Beautifully bespoke, both inside and out — “A technological showcase for OPPO’s custom charging and imaging hardware, encased in a unique chassis design that ensures the handset stands out from the crowd.”
• Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review: A clear winner — “It handles the basics well, and that’s what we expect out of a device at this price point.”
• Samsung Galaxy A03s review: Growing up, but slowly — “A fair pick for a starter smartphone, but it lacks power where it counts.”

Features

• Google Pixel Watch: Everything we know so far — From specs and features to price (Android Authority).
• How vivo and ZEISS are building smartphone cameras for the TikTok generation: “Co-dependence between phone and photography experts is key to pushing forward the next generation of imaging”  (Android Authority).
• How to buy a chicken sandwich in Shenzhen: “Livestream e-commerce is a $100 billion industry in China, with influencers selling everything from cosmetics to fast food” (Rest of World).
• The Race to Hide Your Voice: “Voice recognition — and data collection — have boomed in recent years. Researchers are figuring out how to protect your privacy” (Wired).
• Researchers made ultracold quantum bubbles on the Space Station: “NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory runs super-low-temperature experiments in near-zero gravity that would be impossible to accomplish on Earth (Wired).
• And something for Pride Month from Wired: 8 queer video games worth playing.

Weekly Wonder

Netflix’s second annual Geeked Week kicked off on Monday, running through Friday, with plenty on offer including panels and teasers. Here are some of the highlights!

Series Day (Monday)

We saw some teasers and trailers for lots of great new shows, including a new show from the creators of Dark and Netflix’s queer vampire romance First Kill. Catch up here or check out our picks below.

The Sandman

Commencing proceedings was a trailer for the adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s beloved comic book, landing on August 5.

Resident Evil

Netflix’s Resident Evil series arrives July 14 and we’re excited!

1899

New mystery series 1899 is from the creators of Dark and is a must on our to-watch list, though no release date yet.

The Midnight Club

We got a peek at Mike Flanagan’s The Midnight Club, drawn from Christopher Pike’s 1994 YA novel and coming October 7, so a while to wait yet.

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities

No date confirmed yet, but a first look at Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, an anthology series that will feature work from Del Toro himself alongside the directors of The Babadook, Mandy, Splice, and many more.

• We also got a look at new monster sci-fi The Imperfects.
• And we saw an exclusive clip for Netflix’s queer vampire romance First Kill, which landed Friday.
• There was a peek at Tim Burton’s Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega.
• And there were teasers for Warrior Nun season 2, and Locke and Key season 3.
• Plus, exclusive clips from the upcoming season 3 of The Umbrella Academy, landing June 22.

Need more shows to add to your Watch List? Check out these upcoming streaming shows and movies we’re excited for.

Film Day (Tuesday)

Day two was Film Day (catch up here) and here are some of our favorite moments, plus the full Netflix recap:

• Norwegian folklore-inspired action-adventure movie Troll looks like a fun ride.
• Jamie Foxx’s vampire action-comedy Day Shift’s got bite, and we got a peek behind the scenes.
• We saw a teaser for Spanish horror Killer Book Club.
• And got a first look at upcoming zombie apocalypse comedy Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (pictured above), a must for fans of All of Us Are Dead.
• Other highlights included a sneak peek at Zack Snyder’s science fantasy epic Rebel Moon, a teaser for best-selling book series adaptation The School for Good and Evil, and an exclusive clip for action movie The Gray Man.

Animation Day (Wednesday)

There was plenty to get excited about on the animation side of things and you can get the full recap here, but some highlights below:

• Kevin Smith’s returning to direct Masters of the Universe: Revolution, a sequel to 2021’s Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
• Inside Job‘s returning for a second season.
• There was a sneak peek at the fourth season of The Dragon Prince.
• We got a first look at Entergalactic, an adult animated project from rapper Kid Cudi, looks intriguing.
• New adult animated sci-fi comedy Farzar‘s coming July 15 (NSFW trailer).

Stranger Things Day (Thursday)

Thursday was Stranger Things Day, with Stranger Things Unlocked revealing behind-the-scenes info and gossip, presented by Felicia Day.

• We got a sneak peek of Season 4, Vol 2.
• And the Hellfire Club got together for a game of D&D!

Games Day (Friday)

Games Day was all about upcoming Netflix mobile games and series based on video games. Catch up on everything you missed on Games Day here or take a look at some highlights:

• We saw a trailer for new animation Dragon Age: Absolution, coming in December.
• There was a fresh look at Tekken: Bloodline.
• Narrative RPG Shadow and Bone: Destinies is based on the Netflix show and currently in development, expected 2023.
• Heist adventure game La Casa de Papel is set in the same universe as the show and looks intriguing.
• And retro-style vertical platformer Lucky Luna‘s coming this summer, plus Desta: The Memories Between, a new turn-based strategy game from the developers of Monument Valley.

Phew!

Tech Calendar

• June 12: Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase @ 12 PM CT
• June 13: Capcom digital showcase @ 3 PM PDT
• June 13-20: Steam Next Fest  (kicks off @ 6 PM BST/10 AM PT)
• June 20-23: Collision (Toronto)
• June 26-July 3: Summer Games Done Quick
• June 28: HTCLog In To The Future launch event (Metaverse phone?)
• July 5: ASUS ROG Phone 6 launch @ 8 AM ET
• July 12: Nothing Phone 1 launch @ 4 PM BST (11 AM ET)
• July 19: Stray lands on PS5, PS4, PC
• July 28: Pixel 6a launch
• August 10 (TBC): Samsung Unpacked? (new Galaxy foldables, Galaxy Watch 5 series?)

Tech Tweet of the Week

This is a pretty interesting deep dive…

Something extra: The return of cheese rolling as competitors in Gloucester, UK, threw themselves down a hill after a wheel of cheese…

Have an amazing week!

Paula Beaton, Copy Editor