News Weekly: Galaxy Watch FE launch, massive Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak and more

AC News Weekly

(Image credit: Android Central)

News Weekly is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the top stories of the week to keep you up to date with the latest technology news.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to place for a concise summary of the week's most important tech stories. Here we dive into the most important headlines showcasing the latest developments and innovations across the digital landscape.

This week is teeming with leaks as Samsung's Unpacked event could still be a few weeks away. We take a look at the Galaxy Watch FE launch, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Unpacked date leaks, Android adds protection against charging dock hacks, Pixel devices get feature updates, and Google updates its warranty policy.

The first Fan Edition Watch from Samsung is here

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE. — (Image credit: Samsung)

Read more Here.

On Thursday (June 10), Samsung announced its first budget Galaxy Watch FE, which the company says is both “stylish and durable” but has health monitoring features that consumers need.

The watch comes in a 40mm size and features a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display. The wearable is almost identical to the Galaxy Watch 4, except that it has sapphire glass. It also features a BioActive sensor that helps users keep track of their health and fitness data.

The company says the sensor provides “actionable” tips to stay active throughout the day. Other features include Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN), which alerts users to possible signs of atrial fibrillation, and an option to perform a quick ECG. The Galaxy Watch FE (Bluetooth) will be available on June 24 for $199.99, and the LTE variant will be available later this year for $249.99.

Spoiler alert: Samsung publishes leaks

Galaxy Z Fold 6 unfolded

(Image credit: @OnLeaks / Smartprix)

Read more about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak Here and the Unpacked event Here.

Samsung has been dropping hints about its upcoming Unpacked event, whether intentionally or not; Friday brought a series of leaks for the company. First, the full specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 have leaked, and Smartprix has revealed with screenshots revealing that the device will retain the 6.3-inch cover display like its predecessor, but will be wider in terms of aspect ratio (22:9) and resolution (2,376 x 968) on a potentially wider external screen.

The device will reportedly feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and retain 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The Z Fold 6's camera system also mirrors the Galaxy Z Fold 5's setup. The leak suggests that it will have the same triple rear camera setup: a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), a 12MP ultra-wide angle (f/2.2), and a 10MP telephoto lens (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom. The front cameras also appear to be unchanged, with a 10MP sensor (f/2.2) on the cover display and a 4MP sensor (f/1.8) under the internal display.

That's not all. We also got a look at the Unpacked event countdown. Leaker Evan Blass shared a GIF of what looks like an official Samsung countdown on his X account. It shows that the event is set for July 10 at 10 p.m. Korean Standard Time (KST). Since Samsung is a major sponsor of the Paris Olympics, the launch of the Galaxy foldables is expected to happen at the same time.

No more charging station hacks for Android 15 users

Android 15 logo

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Read more Here.

Google is adding a new feature to Android 15 that blocks data transfers at public charging stations.

Mishaal Rahman found a new Lockdown Mode security feature in the latest beta of Android 15. This feature protects your device from a hacker tactic called “juice jacking,” which uses USB charging cables to inject malware, execute unauthorized commands, install unwanted apps, or mess with your data.

Due to the widespread availability of USB charging ports, juice jacking is a risk that any Android user can face. This cyberattack exploits the phone's only port for power and data transfer. Through a compromised public port, hackers can install malware, steal personal data, or take complete control of your phone.

To enable this protection, beta users should hold down the power button and select “Lock” from the power menu (if your settings allow it). One tap activates a digital shield around your data.

Pixel devices receive new updates

The blue Google Pixel 8a on a tea tray with blue hydrangeas above

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Read more about the Pixel phone update Here and look Here.

This week saw a whole host of updates for Pixel devices. Google is bringing some useful user-focused features to its Pixels, such as DisplayPort support. Using a USB-C cable, Pixel users can now watch movies and shows on a larger, secondary display, similar to mirroring your screen.

Pixel users can now take advantage of Power Off Find through the Find My Device network, which allows users to locate their Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro devices even when they are turned off, for several hours, and out of the user's range. Next, users can go to the Recents tab in the Phone app to find that unknown caller, tap the number, and tap Find. From there, the search begins, providing all the relevant information users need about that unknown phone number.

As a Pixel user, you can also expect some camera improvements. The company says that this new feature will allow Pixel owners to find the “best moment from their photo in HDR Plus with just a single shutter button.” This is for users who want to choose the best shot.

Users will also receive an update that includes more detailed summaries for the Pixel Recorder app, and the Gemini Nano AI model appears as a developer option for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a.

The Pixel Watches didn't stay behind either; they received a few updates. The popular car crash detection feature that was only available on Pixel phones is now available on the Pixel Watch 2 with the latest feature. Pixel Watch 2 users can now call emergency services if they are involved in a serious car accident. Additionally, both Pixel Watch models can link their Paypal account to the Wallet app. Google is also bringing the Home app to smartwatches running Wear OS 3 and above. It allows users to access their smart home devices faster and easier from their wrist.

Google updates its warranty policy for screens

Google Pixel 8 in review

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Read more Here.

Google has announced a new extended warranty for Pixel 8 devices to address the vertical lines and flickering issues that emerged in November. The tech giant revealed on a Pixel phone help page that some Pixel 8 phones have display issues, which has prompted it to extend its warranty. If users experience an issue with their Pixel 8 screens, you'll be covered for three years from the date the device was purchased.

It's important to note, however, that not everyone is eligible for the extended warranty. Google or an authorized repair partner will run a diagnostic check using your device's serial number to determine if it's eligible. Pixel 8 owners whose devices don't qualify for the extended warranty may still be covered by Google's standard limited warranty if they have similar display issues.

These were some of the top stories this week. In the meantime, here are some other stories worth checking out:

News Weekly: Galaxy Watch FE launch, massive Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak and more

The first Fan Edition Watch from Samsung is here

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