Android Circuit: Android 17 Arrives, Galaxy S27 Particulars, Shrinking Smartphone Market

The Subsequent Android Is Right here

Google has begun rolling out Android 17, with the up to date working system making its first appearance on Google’s own Pixel devices, with a rollout throughout the broader Android ecosystem to comply with. As anticipated, following Google I/O, there’s a big focus on security:

“Android 17 additionally brings new safety and security options. Now you can grant an app momentary entry to your exact location, and share solely particular contacts — as an alternative of your complete deal with guide — for extra management. An enhanced “Mark as misplaced” function in Discover Hub permits you to lock a lacking telephone along with your biometrics, so even when a thief has your passcode, they cannot entry data in your telephone or flip off monitoring.”

A Minimal Galaxy S27 Improve

Though a launch is just not on the playing cards until a minimum of January 2027, the design means of Samsung’s Galaxy S27 will likely be coming to an finish; there must be sufficient time for testing, analysis, prototype runs and all the opposite steps to deliver it to market. So don’t take it as gospel, however Sammobile suggests that the Galaxy S27 goes to be a small and iterative step up from the vanilla S26:

“The leak means that the dearth of display-related enhancements may very well be one of many causes Samsung is reportedly contemplating BOE over Samsung Show as a provider for the Galaxy S27’s display. If the show stays largely unchanged from that of its predecessor, Samsung might not want Samsung Show to develop a brand new panel and will as an alternative supply it from one other provider.”

Oppo Discover N6 Foldable Launched

The fascination with foldables drove the primary designs, however 2026 is proving to be the yr the class continues to mature when it comes to specs and capabilities. Subsequent up is Oppo’s Discover N6, and the team at NotebookCheck takes a closer look at what’s on offer:

“Total, the digicam is among the many finest within the foldable phase, with the principle and telephoto lenses impressing particularly, whereas the ultra-wide-angle lens is weaker. The show gives robust colors and good brightness, though it doesn’t attain the height values acknowledged within the datasheet. Factors of criticism stay the slightly weak audio system, the dearth of full dust-protection certification, and restricted repairability and sustainability data.”

A Smaller But Extra Costly Smartphone Market

The latest report from CCSS Insights seems on the international smartphone market. In addition to rising smaller by 4.4 % year-on-year, costs are persevering with to rise within the present financial circumstances:

“The organized secondary smartphone market is filling the hole. Gross sales of second-hand gadgets grew 4% year-on-year in 1Q26, constructing momentum at the beginning of a probably very important yr for the sector. FDM CCS Perception forecasts the worldwide organized secondary market to develop 15.4% in 2026.”

The Subsequent Frontier For Gemini Is In The Dwelling

Google has announced its next Google Home product, the Google Dwelling Speaker. It’s the primary to be constructed across the Gemini For Dwelling agent with a pure voice interface. Pre-orders at the moment are open, with UK pricing beginning at £99.99

“The Google Dwelling Speaker comes with Gemini for Dwelling voice assistant, which options superior pure language understanding and reasoning. As a substitute of getting to memorize inflexible command phrases, Gemini adapts to the way you communicate, making it simpler and extra intuitive to get the allow you to want.”

Honor Lifts Up The Battery Capability

Quietly reaching the Chinese language market is Honor’s newest mid-range Honor X mannequin, besides this one has a shock in its battery capability. Leveraging the brand new silicon-carbon know-how seen in its premium gadgets, the X70 Professional Max sports activities an 8,560 mAh Battery alongside the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Enhanced chipset. GSM Area has the complete spec sheet:

“The Honor X70 Professional Max comes with a 6.79-inch AMOLED show that has a decision of 2640×1200 pixels, a 120Hz refresh fee, as much as 6,000 nits of peak brightness, and 1.3mm slim and uniform bezels…. Honor has packed an 8,560mAh battery within the X70 Professional Max, which helps 90W wired charging.

And Lastly…

The smartwatch market continues to develop. Though the Apple Watch is likely one of the key drivers, the Chinese language market is ∂delivering for different producers. Counterpoint Research has more:

“The market progress was primarily pushed by continued international adoption of Apple’s latest portfolio and rising demand for premium gadgets with superior well being monitoring capabilities. Moreover, the expansion of the China market, led by Huawei’s ecosystem push and authorities subsidies, inspired shopper upgrades and strengthened general demand. “

Android Circuit rounds up the information from the Android world each weekend right here on Forbes. Don’t overlook to comply with me so that you don’t miss any protection sooner or later, and naturally, learn the sister column in Apple Loop! Final week’s Android Circuit could be discovered right here, and when you have any information and hyperlinks you’d wish to see featured in Android Circuit, get in contact!