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Android 15 tipped to get a video stabilization upgrade that could catch up with iPhones

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Android 15 looks set to bring in improved video stabilization for third-party camera apps, and could be the key to making some of the best Android phones true video competitors to the best iPhones. 

Android Authority code-diver Mishaal Rahman found that Android 15 looks set to get a new ‘Eyes Free’ feature added to the Android’s existing Camera2 API that allows third-party camera apps to access extensions phone makers have implemented into their devices. In the case of Eyes Free, that means bringing in the first Android camera extension that can be used in video capture. According to the description of Eyes Free, it “aims to lock and stabilize a given region or object of interest”. 

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Get up to $450 off a Google Pixel Tablet when you trade in your old iPad or Android slab

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Google has an offer for iPad owners who are curious about the Pixel Tablet. The company has a trade-in promotion that covers at least the cost of the Pixel Tablet for iPad owners — if not more, depending on which model you have. It works with Samsung tablets as well, but those trade-in values are lower. The Pixel Tablet costs $399 (without deals) for 128GB storage and no charging speaker dock.

Google

Get the Pixel Tablet for free with an eligible trade-in.

with trade-in of an eligible tablet

$399 at Google Store

The promo works with iPads as old as the sixth-generation model from six years ago. For that, Google will give you a surprising $399 — matching the Pixel Tablet’s base cost. That iPad model only cost $329 in 2018, so Google is overpaying by a lot for that one.

However, Google balances that with much worse offers for modern, high-end iPads. For example, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2 chip (2022) only nets $450. Until this week (when the company launched a new iPad Pro and iPad Air), Apple sold that model for $1,099, so we don’t recommend that trade-in price. If you’re done with a high-end iPad from the last few years, you can likely sell it on places like eBay, Craigslist or Swappa for significantly more.

View of the Pixel Tablet on a shelf next to books and oddities.View of the Pixel Tablet on a shelf next to books and oddities.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The Pixel Tablet stands out from its Android-running competitors by working with a charging speaker base that lets the device double as a smart display, making it much more versatile. Engadget’s Cherlynn Low thought that part overshadowed its core functionality as a tablet. “As a smart display, the Pixel Tablet mostly shines. It has a useful dashboard, an easy-to-read interface and impressive audio quality,” she wrote in our full review.

The tablet has a 10.95-inch display with a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution (276 PPI) and runs on a Google Tensor G2 chip. It weighs slightly over a pound and is lighter than Android rivals like the Galaxy Tab S8 and OnePlus Pad. Its back has a nano-ceramic coating that gives it a premium, glass-like feeling that you may not expect from a $399 device.

Accessories are where the Pixel Tablet stands out the most. Google’s Pixel Tablet Case, sold separately for $79, has a built-in kickstand that makes the slate more versatile. “What I love about the kickstand-hanger-combo is that it allows you to place the Tablet pretty much anywhere,” Low wrote in Engadget’s review. “So when I want to hang it off a kitchen cabinet to follow along with a recipe video or keep watching Love Is Blind for example, I can. And though the 2,560 x 1,600 LCD panel isn’t as vibrant as the OLED on Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, it still produced crisp details and colorful images.”

The star accessory is Google’s $129 charging speaker dock, which you can use without removing the kickstand case. This product transforms the tablet into a smart display, potentially voiding the need for other smart home control hubs. The speaker has impressive sound for its size, making it easier to hear its responses if you aren’t right next to it.

Google’s fine print notes that the trade-in value will be finalized after receiving the tablet, and it could be lower if it determines the condition doesn’t match what you selected during the trade-in process. The refund will be processed on the credit card you used to buy the Pixel Tablet (or through Google Store credit if you return your purchase during that time).

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.



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Android 15 could bring better third-party camera apps to Galaxy phones

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While Android is more open than iOS and iPadOS, there is one area where Android apps have always lagged: third-party camera apps. The Android ecosystem has struggled because third-party apps can’t access some camera features. However, that can change with Android 15, as Google has added a new feature that allows third-party camera apps to perform better while recording videos.

Third-party camera apps on Android can now record smoother videos using Camera2 API

Almost all Android smartphones use the Camera2 API to capture images and videos. This API offers extensions used by smartphone brands to third-party camera app developers. In Android 14, the Camera2 API has five extensions: Auto, Bokeh, Face Retouch, HDR, and Night. However, not all smartphone brands use all these extensions. For example, Samsung has used all these extensions for the cameras on its phones, but Google has only used the Night extension. Moreover, these extensions are only used for camera previews and the capture of still images. They can’t be used for recording videos.

Android 15 Camera2 API Eyes Free Videography Extension Developer Settings

With Android 15, Google is adding a new Camera2 extension called Eyes Free Videography (spotted by Mishaal Rahman). As its name suggests, this extension can be used to record videos. This API “aims to lock and stabilize a given region or object of interest” and could point to electronic image stabilization for videos. Third-party camera apps that use the Camera2 API (like Snapchat) can use this extension to record smoother videos.

While basic stabilization is already offered to third-party camera apps, advanced EIS implemented by Android smartphone brands is locked or changes from one brand/model to another. So, it is tough for third-party app developers to offer the same performance on smartphones from different brands. This new Eyes Free Videography extension should bring better video stabilization on most Android phones.

The story continues after the video below, where you can watch some advanced video recording features implemented by Samsung on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Hopefully, Android smartphone brands like Samsung and Xiaomi will use this new extension in their camera apps. If they do, third-party camera apps on Android will be able to offer similar-quality video recording, which should narrow the gap with third-party camera apps on iOS and iPadOS.

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Third-party apps may be able to integrate Digital Wellbeing with Android 15

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Last updated: May 8th, 2024 at 10:52 UTC+02:00

Google introduced the Digital Wellbeing feature in Android to improve people’s screen usage habits. It can help them limit their screen time by changing settings things like screen brightness and colors, notifications, and ring modes. However, only the Digital Wellbeing app can change screen settings, but that could change soon.

Android 15 opens up Digital Wellbeing to third-party apps

According to a new report from Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman, Google will allow third-party apps to control screen settings via Digital Wellbeing integration. With Android 15, there is a new public API (ZenDeviceEffects API) that third-party app developers can use to control the screen options managed by Google’s Digital Wellbeing app. These options include Always On Display, Minimize Color Saturation (Grayscale), Night Mode (Dark Mode), Suppressing Ambient Display, and Wallpaper Dimming.

One of the best automation apps available on Android, Tasker, has already implemented this new API. You can use it to create advanced Bedtime Mode routines. For example, you can trigger Bedtime Mode routines by tapping an NFC tag beside your bed. Maybe Samsung will integrate those APIs into its Modes & Routines app.

Google introduced this new API with Android 15 Developer Preview 2. The company may add even more screen options (like Adaptive Brightness and Tap To Wake) or tweak it before releasing the stable version of Android 15 in the next few months. Samsung has already started developing the One UI 7.0 update internally, and it would be great if Modes & Routines and SmartThings apps got some integration options with Digital Wellbeing.

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Samsung sold more high-end phones than any other Android rival in Q1 2024

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Samsung sells more high-end smartphones than any other Android smartphone brand. Despite reaching its highest-ever smartphone average selling price (ASP) in Q1 2024, it has a lot of catching up with Apple regarding ASP and revenues. Samsung earns 3x more revenue from its smartphones than any other Android OEM.

Samsung earns 3x revenue than any other Android smartphone brand

According to Counterpoint Research’s latest report, Samsung captured 20% share of the global smartphone market in Q1 2024. It defeated Apple, which won the smartphone shipments crown in Q4 2023. Samsung also recorded its highest-ever smartphone ASP during the quarter, thanks to strong sales of the Galaxy A54 and the Galaxy S24. Its ASP was $336 during Q1 2024, a lot behind Apple’s ($900). The global smartphone ASP during the period was $370. The revenue of the overall smartphone market increased by 7% year-over-year.

Samsung Smartphone Sales ASP Market Share Q1 2024 Counterpoint Research

Samsung’s revenue share during the first quarter of the year was 18%, while Apple’s was 41%. Other smartphone brands, including OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi, earned 6% or less in that market. Xiaomi’s market share was 14%, while that of OPPO’s and Vivo’s was 8% and 7%, respectively. Xiaomi’s and OPPO’s revenue share was 6%, while that of Vivo was 4% during the quarter.

Counterpoint Research’s Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “Growth is expected to be slow but steady in the near term. However, revenues are expected to grow faster as the ongoing premiumization trend is likely to persist, especially with the rise of newer form factors and capabilities such as foldables and GenAI. More than 10 OEMs have launched over 30 GenAI-capable smartphones so far. We estimate that GenAI’s share of overall smartphone shipments will reach 11% by 2024.”

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Google is working on a faster Android setup process that uses Wi-Fi and a cable

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Setting up your Android phone might become much faster in the near future. Industry insider Assemble Debug recently dove into the code of Google’s Data Restore Tool and shared his findings with Android Authority. He found evidence within the files of a potential tool referred to as “MultiTransportD2dTransport” as well as a line of text that reads “Copying using cable and Wi-Fi for fastest speed”. 

Putting two and two together, it appears Google could one day allow users to move data from an old phone to a new one using a Wi-Fi and cable connection simultaneously. Doing so would make the transfer process much faster – at least in theory. We don’t know exactly how much faster data transfers will become when using a wired and wireless connection simultaneously. Assemble Debug couldn’t find a whole lot of information in the files. 

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The best Android phones for 2024

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There’s one clear perk that Android has over iOS and that’s variety when it comes to the phones you have to choose from. Apple has made the iPhone is the only game in town for iOS, but with Google’s operating system, there are dozens of choices out there from manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and others. But that also means it can be difficult to decide which device is best for you when it comes time to upgrade, or if you want to switch from iPhone to Android in the new year. If you’re looking for a new phone and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with a selection of the best Android phones for every budget.

Editor’s note (5/7/24): Google has announced the Pixel 8a, its latest midrange smartphone. The 6.1-inch handset starts at $499 and, as expected, takes many of its cues from last year’s flagship Pixel 8 series. We’ll have a full review in the coming days and will update this guide accordingly. For now, you can check out our hands-on preview for more details on what to expect. Google says it’ll continue to sell the Pixel 7a, our current budget pick, at a reduced price, so it may continue to be worthwhile. Most should hold off until we put the new Pixel through its paces, though.

When it comes to picking our favorite Android phones, the main things we look for are pretty straightforward: good performance (both compute and AI), a nice display, solid design, sharp cameras, long battery life and a significant commitment to ongoing software support. For performance, not only do we look at benchmarks and other metrics, but we also evaluate phones based on responsiveness. Regardless of whether you’re reading, text messaging, scrolling through social media or playing a game, no one wants a gadget that feels sluggish.

While the specs haven't changed much from last year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is still easily one of the best smartphone screens on the market. While the specs haven't changed much from last year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is still easily one of the best smartphone screens on the market.

Sam Rutherford/Engadget

When it comes to displays, we generally prefer OLED panels that can produce rich, saturated colors with at least 600 nits of brightness, though many of our top mid-range and high-end phones can hit 1,000 nits or more. And more recently, most of our favorite devices also support screens with fast refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz, which adds an extra level of smoothness and fluidity.

Now we will admit there is a bit of subjectivity when deciding which phones look the best, but there are other design aspects like dust and water resistance or screen durability that can make a big difference to long-term survival. It’s also important to consider things like support for wireless charging, power sharing (aka reverse wireless charging) and UWB connectivity, which can have an impact on how your phone interacts with your other devices.

Obviously, for photos we’re looking for sharp, colorful shots in both bright and low-light conditions. And we want video clips with high dynamic range, rich audio and smooth image stabilization. Extra cameras for ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are a plus. The best cameras should also include features like dedicated night modes, support for various video recording resolutions, and additional photo modes like timelapse, slow motion and more.

Finally, in terms of longevity, we’re looking for all-day battery life on devices that also delivered great results on our local video rundown test (at least 16 hours on a charge, but more is obviously better). Wireless charging capabilities have become almost ubiquitous over the past few years, and most of our top picks have this extra perk. Fast-charging is available on some Android phones, too. Finally, with people holding onto their phones longer than ever, we like to see companies commit to at least three years of software support, upgrades and regular security updates.

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Google Tensor G3 | Display: 6.7-inch Super Actua, up to 120Hz | Cameras: Rear array (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto), 10.5MP front camera | Battery: 5,050mAh

Read our full review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

Thanks to the Tensor G3 chip, updated sensors and a host of new AI-powered features, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have even more to offer for both photography and everyday use. The new Magic Editor on Pixel phones makes it astonishingly easy to remove distracting objects from your pics, while the Audio Magic Eraser cuts down on annoying ambient sound in videos. And for all those group photos, Best Take ensures that everyone looks their best, even if they weren’t smiling during the first shot. On top of that, Google’s Call Screen has gotten smarter while Assistant features, like being able to summarize or real articles aloud make it easy to stay on top of news however you want. Add to that a more refined design, brighter displays, better battery life and improved performance, and Google’s latest flagship phones might be the most well-rounded Android phones on the market.

$900 at Amazon

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Google Tensor G2 | Display: 6.1-inch FHD+, up to 90Hz | Cameras: Rear array (64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide), 13MP front camera | Battery: 4,385mAh

Read our full review of the Google Pixel 7a

The $500 Pixel 7a delivers everything we look for in a great, affordable Android phone (if you have less money to spend, check out our best cheap phones guide). New features include a faster Tensor G2 chip, a smoother 90Hz display and for the first time on one of Google’s A-series phones: support for wireless charging. And with a refreshed design with IP67 water resistance, it looks and feels like the standard Pixel 7 but for $100 less. You also get great support thanks to five years of security updates and at least three years of software updates. The Pixel 7a’s only shortcomings are rather small and include a lack of a dedicated zoom lens and no support for mmWave 5G (unless you purchase a slightly more expensive $550 model from Verizon).

$442 at Amazon

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED QHD+, up to 120Hz | Cameras: Rear array (200MP, Dual Pixel AF, Digital Zoom 100x, 50MP Macro, 12MP UW), 12MP front camera | Battery: 5,000mAh

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

For its latest super-premium phone, Samsung gave the S24 Ultra a more durable titanium frame, faster performance thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a much longer battery life. The company also tweaked its longest telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom so it’s more usable in a wider range of situations. But the biggest upgrade is a new full suite of AI tools, which includes the ability to proofread texts, edit images and transcribe recordings. And when you tack on the best display available on a phone today and a built-in stylus, you have a very compelling flagship handset. Unfortunately, starting at $1,300, the S24 Ultra is a bit too expensive to recommend to anyone without deep pockets.

$1,300 at Amazon

Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Display: 6.2-inch HD+ front display (up to 120Hz), 7.6-inch QXGA+ main display (up to 120Hz) | Cameras: Rear array (50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto), 10MP (Cover) + 4MP UDC (Main) front camera | Battery: 4,400mAh

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Despite increased competition from the Pixel Fold, for people who want to maximize their mobile productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is still the best big foldable phone on the market. On the latest model, not only has Samsung added two new gestures for launching into side-by-side multitasking or switching from a full screen to a windowed app, it has also increased the number of recent apps you can see on the taskbar from two to four. The Z Fold 5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset also delivers faster performance than on the Pixel Fold, and even though this Samsung phone has a smaller power cell (4,400 mAh vs 4,800 mAh), it has better battery life, too. But the biggest change for this generation is Samsung’s new Flex Hinge, which allows the phone to close completely flat and makes it thinner to boot. Unfortunately, its camera system is largely unchanged from last year, and with prices starting at $1,800, the Z Fold 5 isn’t even remotely close to being affordable.

$1,920 at Amazon

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Gemini, Android 15 and more

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It’s almost that time again, folks: we’re about to find out about some of Google’s big ideas for the year ahead at its . Most of the big news will come from the opening keynote on May 14, which will almost certainly give us more info on Android 15 as well as a whole bunch of AI updates.

There will surely be some surprises, though we’ll more than likely need to wait until the fall to get the full lowdown on the company’s latest flagship hardware.

As always, the rumor mill has been churning away with a number of reports highlighting what Google is likely to discuss at I/O. To that end, here’s what to expect from the Google I/O 2024 keynote:

Starting at $1,799, the Pixel Fold is Google's first attempt at making a flagship flexible phone. Starting at $1,799, the Pixel Fold is Google's first attempt at making a flagship flexible phone.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

I/O is a developer conference first and foremost. This is always where Google gives third-party devs the full lowdown on the next major Android version so they can start working on apps for it or modify their existing products.

The first Android 15 betas are already out in the wild. Among are an updated Privacy Sandbox, partial screen sharing (so you can record or share a certain app window instead of the entire screen) and to free up space. There’s also improved satellite connectivity, additional in-app camera controls and a new power efficiency mode.

However, Google is saving the bulk of the Android 15 announcements for I/O. The company has confirmed satellite messaging is coming to Android, and we could find out more about how that works. Lock screen widgets may be a focus for tablets, while Google might place an onus on an At a Glance widget for phones. A status bar redesign may be in the offing, and it may at long last be easier for you to monitor battery health.

Wake words may once again be in the offing for third-party assistants such as Alexa and even ChatGPT. there may be a feature called Private Space to let you hide data and apps from prying eyes.

A photo of a phone screen and a computer screen showing the Gemini chatbot on their displays.A photo of a phone screen and a computer screen showing the Gemini chatbot on their displays.

Google

If you drop a dollar into a jar every time someone mentions AI during the keynote, you’ll probably stash away enough cash for a vacation. The safe money’s on Google talking about , which may end up replacing Assistant entirely. If that’s the case, we could find out some of the details about the transition at I/O.

Back in December, that Google was working on an AI assistant called Pixie as an exclusive feature for Pixel devices. Pixie is said to be based on Gemini and may debut in the Pixel 9 later this year, so it would make sense for the company to start discussing that at I/O.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to learn about generative AI updates for key Google products such as Search, Chrome, and G Suite. AI-driven and may be in the offing too. Meanwhile, with Google once again its plan to kill off third-party cookies in Chrome, it may see AI as and spill the beans on any plan for that at I/O.

Google display on compatible carsGoogle display on compatible cars

Google

The offers some insight into what else Google will discuss, even if those products and services won’t necessarily get airtime in the keynote.

Google has on the future of Wear OS, which will include details on “advances in the Watch Face Format,” so expect some news about its smartwatch operating system. There will also be on Google TV and Android TV.

Meanwhile, Google’s quantum computing team will talk about what’s feasible in the space and attempt to separate fact from fiction. An is on the schedule too, hinting at developments for multi-display and casting experiences.

A medium shot of the blue Pixel 8 Pro, focusing on its camera bar and the temperature sensor in it.A medium shot of the blue Pixel 8 Pro, focusing on its camera bar and the temperature sensor in it.

Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

It would be a major surprise for Google to reveal a Pixel 9 or a new Pixel Fold this early in the year. The company is probably going to save those details for the fall ahead of those devices going on sale around that time. However, it did formally at I/O last year, so we could get a glimpse of some hardware — especially if it wants to get out ahead of the leakers and control the narrative.

On the other hand, Google recently consolidated its Android and hardware teams under Rick Osterloh. His team may want a little more prep to make sure new devices are ready for primetime under the latest regime. As such, any hardware news (including anything to do with Nest or wearables) could be a little farther out.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was world’s best-selling Android phone in Q1 2024

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The Galaxy S24 series received positive reviews, which have converted into sales. The Galaxy S24 series broke pre-order records in several countries, and sales numbers are showing up in the charts. The Galaxy S24 Ultra was the world’s best-selling Android phone at the start of this year.

Galaxy S24 Ultra was the world’s best-selling Android phone, ranking below four iPhones

Market research firm Counterpoint Research has released a list of the top ten best-selling phones worldwide. In that list, the iPhone 15 Pro Max ranked first (4.4%), the iPhone 15 ranked second (4.3%), the iPhone 15 Pro ranked third (3.7%), and the iPhone 14 ranked fourth (1.9%). The Galaxy S24 Ultra ranked fifth, with a 1.9% share of sales.

World's Best Selling Smartphones Q1 2024 Top 10 Counterpoint Research

The Galaxy A15 5G ranked sixth, while the Galaxy A54 ranked seventh. The base Galaxy S24 ranked ninth and the Galaxy A34 ranked tenth.

Compared to last year, Samsung’s performance seems to have improved. In Q1 2023, the best-selling Android phone was the entry-level Galaxy A13. This year, though, it is one of the priciest Android phones in the world, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Last year, no other phone from the Galaxy S23 series apart from the Galaxy S23 Ultra made it to the top ten list. This year, the Galaxy S24 has made it to the list.

You can watch our in-depth Galaxy S24 Ultra review in the video below.

Author’s Note: Overall, more pricier Galaxy phones have made it to the top ten list this year. Interestingly, like last year, no smartphone from any of the Chinese brands has appeared in the top ten list dispute being more value-for-money and better-specced compared to Galaxy devices. That really shows the extent of Samsung’s reach and popularity.

Most Chinese brands don’t ship their phones to nearly as many countries as Samsung. Moreover, their marketing is nowhere near as effective as Samsung’s. On top of that, the geopolitical tensions between China and the western countries don’t help Chinese firms either.

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Android could make data transfer much faster during new phone setup

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Android has always been great with files and file sharing. One of the most critical times when you need access to files is switching from one device to another. Android has a built-in tool to migrate data from an old phone to a new one, and Samsung has its own data migration tool called Smart Switch, and it could get better in the future.

Android to get better and faster when setting up a new device

Google seems to be working on a new solution that merges two kinds of data migration/transfer methods to make new device setup much faster. Right now, there are three ways to import data when setting up a new phone: importing data from a Google account (cloud), importing data wirelessly, and importing data using a wired connection.

According to an Android Authority report, Google is working on a new data transfer method, ‘ MultiTransportD2dTransport,’ which can use Wi-Fi and USB cable to transfer data simultaneously using both connections. This will accelerate the data transfer mechanism and speed up the new device setup process.

Google Android Restore Tool Restore Anytime Leak

X user Assemble Debug spotted this new feature in the latest version (1.0.624892571) of Google’s Data Restore Tool app.

Moreover, Google is finally bringing a feature Samsung phones have had for years. The feature called ‘Restore Anytime’ will now allow users to transfer data from one device to another anytime. Earlier, users could transfer data from one device to another only after performing a factory reset on one of the devices. New data will get merged with old data on the phone.

In classic Google fashion, there is a limitation on that feature as well. You can only continue importing data from the device that you used previously for importing data.



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