This week in your world of Android: Sony’s Sirius leaked, developer Chainfire warned about upcoming trouble for root apps, Samsung’s Google Now-style UI sparked controversy, more S5 rumors surfaced, OnePlus teased its CM phone, Samsung got itself in hot water over accessory locking, and a red version of the Nexus 5 got our pulse racing.
These are the essential stories, the summary of an entire week in just a few phrases. It’s Android Weekly.
Ominous signs for root apps
Well-known Android developer Chainfire warned this week about changes possibly coming to the next version of Android that could spell trouble for apps that need root access to work. Read what’s happening here:
Sony’s KitKat will be coming with lots of extra treats
Sirius, the upcoming high-end device from Sony, leaked at the beginning of the week. Besides confirming its specs, the leak gave us a full look at the changes coming in the next version of Timescape UI, Sony’s Android implementation. The update shapes up to be the most substantial in Sony’s history.
- Sony’s Sirius Android 4.4 KitKat leaks in all its glory
- Rumor: Sony’s next flagship ‘Sirius’ to feature MSM8974AB CPU, 3GB RAM and a 5.2-inch 1080p display
Samsung’s familiar new UI
Samsung is said to be exploring a new UI for its smartphones, and its centerpiece might be a card-based contextual virtual assistant system. Does that remind you of something? Samsung is spicing up this Google Now-like system with social feeds, and the design certainly piqued our interest.
The obligatory GS5 rumors
Samsung is still the most popular Android phone maker, and its most popular phone is still the Galaxy S, hence the abundance of rumors and reports on the upcoming Galaxy S5. One noted insider ventured a prediction for the launch date, while Korean media reported that the device will feature a fingerprint scanner.
- Eldar Murtazin: Galaxy S5 to launch on February 23, at 6PM, in Barcelona
- Korea Herald: Iris scanner is out, fingerprint sensor is in on the Galaxy S5
OnePlus One
The OnePlus team has the difficult task of keeping the public’s interest alive for the One, the first pure CM smartphone. The device “will be built using only the best components and 2014 flagship specs, both inside and outside”. We’ll see what that means in a few months.
Smart covers rendered dumb
Note 3 users reported this week that their non-Samsung smart covers have stopped working following the KitKat update. Samsung denied any wrongdoing, but code shows the move was on purpose.
- Samsung, Spigen comment on smart cover incompatibility issue
- Third-party Note 3 smart covers no longer work following KitKat update, some users report
Red Nexus
A red version of the Nexus 5 may be coming next month, if a report that surfaced this week is accurate, while a bright yellow model could follow in the future. Color us interested!
What’s the biggest story in Android this week? Tell us in the comments.
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