Android Circuit: Galaxy Z Fold 7 Reviews, Nothing Phone (3) Controversy, Epic's Google Play Victory

Forbes

3 days ago

Taking a look back at this week's news and headlines across the Android world, including Pixel 10 Pro pricing, Galaxy Z Fold 7 review, iPhone Fold's market impact, Nothing Phone (3)'s controversial redesign, Epic's Google Play victory, and Microsoft updates Windows 11's Android connectivity.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.
Pixel 10 And Pixel 10 Pro US Pricing
Google will launch the Pixel 10 family later this month. The evolutionary handsets look to have small tweaks to the design, but there's one area that's going to remain unchanged. Google is keeping to the same prices as the Pixel 9 family, albeit with one option missing from the line-up:
"As suspected, Google is dropping the 128 GB model for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. While it was not listed in European pricing, there was a question whether this was a regional quirk, but with European, US, and Canadian pricing all missing the 128 GB option, the higher starting price on the Pixel 10 Pro XL is because there's no 128 GB to 128 GB comparison possible. However, note that the 256 GB to 256 GB price is matched from the Pixel 9 Pro XL."
(Forbes).
Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review
Samsung's latest foldable brings several changes from last year's model, including upgraded hardware and software in the camera, a new OLED screen, a lower profile and weight reduction. And they all add up to something significant. For many reviewers, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now a practical if expensive option for consumers:
"For the first time, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels like a viable alternative to a flat phone, at least in terms of hardware. The new design is as thin and light as many flat phones, and the cover display is large enough to do anything you'd do on non-foldable devices. Plus, you have a tablet-sized display on the inside with serious multitasking chops. We lament the loss of S Pen support, but it was probably necessary to address the chunkiness of past foldables."
(Ars Technica).
The iPhone Fold And The Galaxy Z
Samsung has another advantage in the current crop of foldables… Apple's iPhone Fold. Tim Cook's move into the origami world, but the potential of this iPhone os going to boost the market this year:
"While the Galaxy handsets go on sale today, Apple's iPhone Fold is not expected until September 2026 at the earliest. If there's one thing that many who buy at the top end of the technology portfolios are known for, it's a magpie-like fascination with anything shiny and new. If it's there, they want it right now. There's no iPhone Fold right now, but there is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 that's ready for purchase."
(Forbes).
Nothing Phone (3)'s Controversial Changes
Nothing Tech's CEO Carl Pei is pushing back against the reviews of the Nothing Phone 3. Many are picking out the lower specification chipset and the stripping away of the unique design elements all taking price against a rising price and the perception of 'gimmick' additions to the interface:
"That encapsulates the Phone 3 as a whole. It's a fine Android phone, and one whose design stands out from the crowd. But flagship phones need to be great on all fronts. The Phone 3 is good enough at most things, but lacks a special trick that might set it apart from better-known smartphone competitors. The Glyph Matrix, at least in its current form, isn't that."
(Bloomberg).
Epic Wins Google Play Store Appeal
Google has lost an appeal in its ongoing legal battles with Epic Games and must change how it approaches partnerships between manufacturers and the Google Play Store ecosystem:
"The ruling by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday means the Google Play store will need to lift restrictions that prevent app developers from setting up rival marketplaces and billing systems. The injunction against Google has been on hold since last year during the appeal.
(Bloomberg).
And Finally...
Microsoft has updated its Windows 11 desktop app that links to your Android smartphone with more features and utility added to both sides of the connection:
We've reimagined the Link to Windows app as a connected PC experience hub — a central place where you can access, share, and control content between your Android phone and Windows PC. [Including] Recent activity, PC at a glance and Remote actions."
(Microsoft).
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don't forget to follow me so you don't miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week's Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you'd like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!