Android Central Podcast
The Android podcast for everyone. A weekly show about Android, Google, and the best of mobile technology.

The prog rockers of Android expertise: Daniel Bader, Andrew Martonik, and Jerry Hildenbrand, discuss app permissions that allow developers to read your emails. More importantly, they provide information on how to prevent it from happening.

LG G7 ThinQ is a good phone that will appeal to relatively few people — and a big reason for that is lack of availability and carrier support. The crew also talk about Android P Beta 3. New features have been added as the OS marches closer to release.

In other news, ZTE is being temporarily operate in the U.S. until August 1st, although it's likely they'll reach a longer term agreement with the government before then. Plus, OxygenOS Open Beta brings Project Treble and an all-new UI to the OnePlus 5/5T. Additionally, the gang go hands-on with Moto Z3 Play, an affordable mid-range flagship most people will unfortunately ignore.

In the final act of this episode, Galaxy Note 9 is being teased for an August unveiling, while Galaxy 10 and Galaxy X rumored for 2019. So crack open an ice cold LaCriox and settle in for another packed show!

Show Notes and Links:

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Direct download: androidcentral388.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:41pm EDT

Android Central's resident music streaming expert, Ara Wagoner, joins Daniel Bader and Jerry Hildenbrand to talk about YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and what features they provide.

They also discuss AT&T's purchase of Time Warner for $85 billion and the potential for abuse by controlling the content and the pipe.

Show Notes and Links:

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  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.

 

Direct download: androidcentral387.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

We're back to our regular format with Andrew Martonik, Jerry Hildenbrand, and Daniel Bader at the helm for a detailed look at Android Messages, and efficiency of the hardware keyboard on BlackBerry KEY2.

Next, they tackle blatant "inspiration" the Vivo NEX takes from iOS. But it, along with the OPPO Find X, address customer demand for huge screens and no bezels by incorporating pop-up cameras. In a world of solid-state slabs, this is almost a throwback to the days of slider phones. Pull up an earbud or speaker and join us!

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  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.

 

Direct download: androidcentral386.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:39pm EDT

Daniel Bader, Andrew Martonik, Russell Holly, and Michael Fisher gather in New York City for a look at the BlackBerry KEY2 and its glorious hardware keyboard. It's a safe upgrade from the original, but features a faster processor, more RAM, dual cameras, a stronger frame, and larger keys.

As an aperitif to the main course, they chat about Moto's Z3 Play. It's a solid, mid-range phone that will be available unlocked in the U.S for $499, but through only two carriers — Sprint and US Cellular. Amazon will also be selling it as a Prime Exclusive Phone, likely at a discount.

Show Notes and Links:

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Direct download: androidcentral385.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:56pm EDT

Daniel Bader, Andrew Martonik, and Russell Holly host the backdoor pilot for AC Foodcast as they talk about the GDPR Hall of Shame, OnePlus 6, and its $69 companion Bluetooth earbuds, Bullets Wireless.

Essential Phone 2 is reportedly canceled, and founder Andy Rubin is considering selling the company. Some people have gotten hands-on time with RED Hydrogen One, but release of the product is still a little ways off. In addition, BlackBerry is teasing the KEY2, which will have dual rear cameras. Rounding out the new phone chat, HTC U12+ is a beautiful device that can only be purchased directly from HTC — No carriers, no retailers.

Lastly, and most importantly: You put sweet on savory, NOT sweet on sweet.

Show Notes and Links:

Sponsors:

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  • GameStash: Hundreds of awesome games on your Android phone. Try it free for 14 days!

 

Direct download: androidcentral384.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44am EDT

Daniel Bader, Alex Dobie, and Jerry Hildenbrand talk about the perceived smoke and mirrors behind the demonstration of Google Duplex last week, and the real world implications of the technology. They also take another look at Android P beta, especially the new gestures it supports.

From there, it's a deep dive into OnePlus 6. With flawlessly smooth performance, it offers 90% of the quality of its competitors for 75% of the price. Finally, President Trump is working to get ZTE back into business. But will the company be held accountable for violating U.S. sanctions?

Show Notes and Links:

Sponsors:

  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.
  • GameStash: Hundreds of awesome games on your Android phone. Try it free for 14 days!

 

Direct download: androidcentral383.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:31pm EDT

Let those in glass boxes cast the hottest of takes! Daniel Bader, Andrew Martonik, Alex Dobie, and Russell Holly are joined by special guest Igor Bonifacic of MobileSyrup.com. No stone or announcement from Google I/O 2018 goes unturned in this analysis of Google Duplex, Android P, and everything else in between. Second Burger King to the right, and straight on 'til morning!

Show Notes and Links:

Sponsors:

  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.
  • GameStash: Hundreds of awesome games on your Android phone. Try it free for 14 days!

 

Direct download: androidcentral382.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:37pm EDT

Daniel Bader is back from South Korea, and he has plenty of insight to share with Andrew Martonik and Jerry Hildenbrand about the (finally official) LG G7 ThinQ. But first, Sprint and T-Mobile are merging to become a Voltron of cellular service in the United States. They discuss the business rationale behind this alliance; as well as pros and cons of this news from a customer perspective.

The crew also look ahead with a preview of Google I/O 2018 and new Google Assistant features on Wear OS. Put this show in your earholes now!

Show Notes and Links:

Sponsors:

  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.
  • GameStash: Hundreds of awesome games on your Android phone. Try it free for 14 days!
Direct download: androidcentral381.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:31am EDT

With Daniel Bader on a secret mission, Russell Holly steps in as guest host to chat about the week's news with Andrew Martonik and Jerry Hildenbrand. Motorola has sold over 70 million Moto G devices since 2013, and their phones are omnipresent in Brazil. Now they're looking to expand their growth around the globe.

The fun doesn't stop there! Development of eSIM technology has been halted because Verizon and AT&T can't get along. Amazon has announced the Echo Dot Kids Edition, and they want to deliver packages into the trunk of your car. Google is keeping pretty quiet about sales figures for Pixel 2, but it's clear their hardware focus is bigger than ever. Six months in, Google Lens is still lackluster but showing signs of improvement. The massive redesign of Gmail is now live, and Google Tasks has a dedicated app for Android and iOS.

In a final slurp of alphanumeric soup, LG G7 ThinQ is getter even closer to being real thanks to some new renders — and One Plus 6 will be announced on May 16 in London. Join us!

Show Notes and Links:

Sponsors:

  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.
  • GameStash: Hundreds of awesome games on your Android phone. Try it free for 14 days!

 

Direct download: androidcentral380.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07pm EDT

The power trio of Daniel Bader, Russell Holly, and Jerry Hildenbrand talk about ZTE being banned from using U.S.-based hardware or software in their products as a consequence of selling products into North Korea and Iran. Could this put an end to their smartphone business? Also, Google is set to announce 'Chat', a messaging client intended to unify chat across all Android devices and eliminate the need for SMS in most situations.

But wait, there's more! The gang also discuss rumors that LG's G7 will have a dedicated Google Assistant button, Huawei punts on the U.S. market, Xiaomi gets on the analog stick with a gaming-focused phone in China. Plus, Moto continues to lead the way with some new, cheap phones.

Show Notes and Links:

Sponsors:

  • Thrifter.com: All the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more, fussily curated and constantly updated.
  • GameStash: Hundreds of awesome games on your Android phone. Try it free for 14 days!

 

Direct download: androidcentral379.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:56am EDT