To take us into 2025, it solely appeared proper to look again at 2024 ultimately. Whereas 2024 was largely enterprise as standard for the trade, with little to get tremendous enthusiastic about, there have been some highlights, nearly all of which got here from Google’s finish. Certain, Samsung had its moments, however I’d name this an off yr for the largest in Android, and we positive hope they provide you with one thing contemporary for 2025 to search out their circulation once more. There’s additionally a second that introduced us a handshake between Apple and Android that positive appears to be a winner to this point.
All of that in thoughts, not every little thing was optimistic concerning the previous yr and that’s as a result of nearly each firm that sells us a service determined to as soon as once more elevate costs. Samsung fell off in updates too, a transfer that ought to not go unnoticed.
Let’s dive into 10 moments that stood out to me in 2024, with a handful of blunders to complete issues off.
10 Android tales to recollect from 2024
1. Pixel 9 Professional Launch: If we nonetheless did finish of yr awards, the Pixel 9 Professional is strolling away with a telephone of the yr trophy. Google went arduous this yr with the Pixel 9 collection, producing 4 units that ought to all be on no matter quick listing of units you’re contemplating on your price range. We bought a daily 9, two Professional fashions, after which a foldable, all of that are wonderful and sure one of the best of their class. The designs have all been refreshed in the very best methods and the specs upgrades are sufficient to take us into years and years of use. This lastly appears like Google has discovered its stride in telephone making, with even greater modifications across the nook.
We reviewed all of Google’s Pixel 9 collection, so be sure you learn as much as know why we are able to’t put down one of the best in Android. (Opinions: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold)
2. RCS involves iOS: Technically, that is extra of an iOS story than Android, however RCS coming to the iPhone is big for each events. RCS launched with iOS 18 and that has meant higher conversations between Android and iPhone customers. Certain, there are nonetheless blue bubbles and we nonetheless aren’t at some extent the place iMessage and RCS are near the identical, however we’re taking this as a win. Now that RCS works between iOS and Android, we get better media sharing, learn receipts and typing indicators, and improved group chats that needs to be much less damaged. We could even get encryption between the two before long.
3. Pokemon TCG Pocket is right here: Yeah, I’m placing a Pokemon sport on the listing of greatest moments from 2024. Pokemon TCG Pocket has already confirmed to be a large success and has discovered its method into our day by day lives as a key piece to our telephone routines. It even made it onto my dwelling display setup, a activity that nearly no app has managed in about 5 years. In the event you aren’t enjoying Pocket but and you want Pokemon, what are you doing? You get to gather Pokemon playing cards…without spending a dime. Who doesn’t love opening packs of Pokemon playing cards?
4. Google TV Streamer was so wanted: I ought to in all probability put collectively some ultimate phrases on the Google TV Streamer now that it’s on this listing (our first impressions tell the story mostly), however it lands right here as a result of it was so massively wanted. The Chromecast with Google TV was not an amazing product, it was merely an entry level at an affordable value. However that factor actually struggled in my home irrespective of the display I connected it to. It lacked severely in efficiency, had an obnoxious distant, and couldn’t go per week with out me needing to unplug it from energy to totally reboot it with a purpose to get it to be acknowledged by an HDMI port. I hate that factor.
The Google TV Streamer is right here because the substitute and it has correct upgrades. It’s speedy, fast besides, and added an inch to a distant that now appears to be nearly proper. Whereas the NVIDIA SHIELD TV continues to be largely a greater energy consumer system, the Streamer at $99 is a reasonably nice product.
5. Galaxy Watch Extremely is each ugly and superior: Samsung was probably rightfully mocked after they launched the Galaxy Watch Extremely as an Apple Watch Extremely clone, however after testing and sporting the system for quite a few weeks, I actually kind of like it. Actually, it’s nonetheless the Put on OS watch I’d inform most individuals to leap for if the worth is correct as a result of it has unimaginable battery life, efficiency, and all of the tech. This was Samsung permitting itself to be made enjoyable of, however it might need been a mandatory transfer to have the ability to additional enhance on the concept that Apple has made so widespread. I believe it’s solely up from right here for Samsung’s watches, assuming they don’t surrender on the Extremely thought after a single launch.
6. Extra Android updates are coming: We’ll by no means say “no” to extra Android updates and Google is bringing us greater than ever. 2024 didn’t end and we began testing Android 16. How cool is that? Google announced that it’ll launch two large updates in 2025, with Android 16 going secure in Q2, adopted by one other sizable replace to complete off the yr (Android 16.1?). We’re additionally nonetheless doing QPR builds in beta and seeing units obtain expanded assist (Pixel 6, 7, and Fold get 2 more years). In the event you personal a Pixel telephone and love enjoying with new software program, issues are solely getting higher for you.
7. Android XR really appears cool: Google and its companions are taking one other stab on the headset sport by their new Android XR platform. I’m not sometimes somebody who will get enthusiastic about but one other new platform from Google that the corporate has tried a few occasions, however Android XR could possibly be cool. There are two fashions to chase right here, one which’s extra of a VR/AR at-home headset (which Samsung ought to allow us to purchase shortly) and one other that would take form as a pair of normal-looking glasses you put on into the actual world. Google’s early demos of that second idea have to this point impressed the hell out of anybody who has been capable of expertise it and I can’t wait. Each Tim and I dove into the world of Meta’s Ray-Ban collab this yr and liked it. Android XR has discovered a fan in me.
8. Nest Thermostat (Gen 4) is so fairly: I’ve tried over time to make my dwelling as good as might be, however lately, few units have modified. The good house is a ache within the ass to improve and I’ve discovered that mine is in a spot the place it really works ok, in all probability to the purpose the place swapping out a tool and coping with the headache isn’t price it. However then the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) launched and the design completely impressed. This new good thermostat from Google is on my wall and I have a look at it each time I stroll previous as a result of it’s so rattling fairly. Not typically am I nearly speechless at a product’s design, however that is on an entire new stage that I hope bleeds into every little thing Google makes. Whoever designed this, put them in cost, Google.
It’s additionally good as hell, works effectively inside the Google Residence app, and was definitely worth the problem of putting in. Truly, it was straightforward to swap this one out and I’m so glad I did. Right here’s our Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) review.
9. Google Climate app for Pixel: Google lastly launching a stand-alone climate app for its Pixel units shouldn’t be a significant story, however it’s due to the truth that it took till 2024 for them to take action. As an alternative of that awkward climate expertise by Google Search, we now have an precise app that is named “Climate.” Like with Pokemon TCG Pocket, that is one more app that has made it onto my dwelling display as a result of I have a look at it so typically.
Google additionally made the app fairly nice. The main points on present and upcoming climate are pretty much as good as any app, the design meets present tendencies and appears beautiful, and this new immersive climate vibration factor, the place the app softly vibrates to climate happenings (like rain), is so freaking cool.
10. Samsung switching to vertical app drawer: This isn’t actually a narrative of the yr, however I can’t assist myself in acknowledging it once more after so a few years of begging Samsung to do it – sure, in Android 15, Samsung will finally bring a vertical app drawer to their phones. I nearly can’t consider it’s occurring.
1. Samsung delaying Android 15 till 2025: I’m undecided what’s occurring with Samsung, however the now-former “King of Android Updates” has misplaced a step. Quite than transport Android 15 as rapidly as doable, they delayed its launch and the subsequent model of One UI (One UI 7) till early 2025 when the Galaxy S25 ships. One UI 7 is actually a giant refresh from the corporate, however there looks like one thing extra occurring right here. That is certainly a significant delay that we aren’t used to from Samsung.
Once you mix the Android 15 delay with a struggle to maintain their Put on OS watches up-to-date for all of 2024, you must surprise how they’ll sustain with the newly introduced Android 16 schedule and if they will sustain going ahead. This all could possibly be a one-time setback with One UI 7 bringing such large modifications (full list of them), however we’ll actually be watching carefully. Please, Samsung, don’t bring us back to 2018.
2. No matter is going on between Google Assistant and Gemini: Google might need made a bunch of nice {hardware} this yr, however additionally they spent each different second behind a microphone speaking about Gemini and AI. It’s exhausting and annoying, partly as a result of their give attention to Gemini has led to probably the most awkward place for Google Assistant. Truthfully, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to make use of Assistant for anymore with Gemini being pressured onto my units with out matching the assistant-related duties from earlier than. Google ripped a bunch of powers away from Assistant to kick off 2024, pushed arduous for us to change to Gemini on every little thing we might, after which didn’t show to us that it was a worthy change. Like, I’m a 42 yr outdated who doesn’t want an AI assistant to do deep analysis on shit. I don’t must make a bunch of pretend AI-generated imagery for any cause. I don’t code, bro. Has anybody used the brand new AI search in Google Pictures? Holy shit is it dangerous and gradual. Who trusts AI to only plan a complete journey for them? What am I supposed to make use of these things for? I’m a traditional human, but additionally on this tech house, and I don’t know what AI stuff is for me.
Google Assistant was an assistant that did issues. It did the entire good dwelling controls and day by day stuff I wanted it to do within the easiest of the way. However now it’s purported to be Gemini, but the pitch isn’t touchdown. It’s all being pushed by who I’m assuming are the neatest folks within the room who can’t talk the significance for shit. I’d like to dive into AI if it might make my life simpler, however the folks answerable for telling me how that’ll occur are failing.
3. T-Cellular elevating costs on older plans: T-Cellular actually needed to raise the price of your older plan as a result of it wants to purchase again billions in shares for shareholders. $50 billion to be exact. It’s a plan they’ve been carrying on for a few years, whereas blaming rising prices for the necessity to stick it to their clients. Company greed and shareholders, what a pair.
4. Verizon slashing autopay reductions on older plans, elevating costs on older plans: Oh, talking of company greed, Verizon wasn’t going to let T-Cellular have all of the enjoyable and determined to make a few nasty strikes directed at long-time clients. They not solely cut 50% off the autopay discount when you’ve got an older plan, additionally they raised prices per line on older plans, all to get you on their newer, a lot shittier plans. Cool, guys!
5. YouTube TV and everybody else raises costs too: Keep in mind when YouTube TV launched for $35 per 30 days? Yeah, hah, it’s now $83 per month. Spotify raised prices. Disney raised prices, again. AT&T went crazy with older plan price increases. Even Twitch raised prices. Everybody raised costs this yr and I’m guessing none of them have been struggling to earn a living. They only need more cash from you.
What did I miss? What is going to you keep in mind from Android in 2024?
