News Weekly: The first Sonos headphones, Samsung's Unpacked product range leaked 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.

The new Ace from Sonos looks familiar, doesn't it?

I'm trying out the Sonos Ace headphones. — (Image credit: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)

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Earlier this week, Sonos launched its first-ever Ace headphones, which look a bit like Apple's AirPods Max. However, a unique feature is that the earcups are removable thanks to a proprietary design, making them easier to clean or swap out for new colors. These wireless Bluetooth headphones offer wired playback via the single USB-C port. Included are a USB-C to USB-C connector and a USB-C to 3.5mm connector for accessories that can be connected to the headphones.

Each earcup has 40mm drivers and four microphones that provide active noise cancellation (ANC) in “Aware Mode.” The headphones come with Dolby Atmos support and can stream spatial audio content from supported services, including head tracking where available. Later this year, Sonos plans to add “TrueCinema,” a new technology that maps the space around you and creates a virtual surround sound system that suits your room.

The Sonos Ace comes in two color options: black or soft white, which mirrors Sonos' more colorful Era speakers. The company says the battery lasts up to 30 hours and will be available for preorder starting May 21 for $449, with general availability starting June 5.

Pssst… Samsung's cat is out of the bag

According to a reliable list, these are the only notable SS products coming in the near future: Galaxy Book4 Edge, Galaxy Book4 Edge Pro, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch FEGalaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch7 Ultra, Q6/B6 https://t.co/5O3p2DNuu0May 20, 2024

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We may have a list of details on what consumers can expect from the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event this summer. According to Evan Blass on X, the Korean OEM is preparing to launch eight new products.

The list mentions the obvious Galaxy Ring, which we've caught several glimpses of this year, the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – Samsung's next wave of TWS (true wireless earbuds) – and three upcoming Samsung smartwatches: the Galaxy Watch 7, the recently leaked Watch 7 Ultra, and the Watch 7 FE. Blass briefly mentioned the Galaxy Book 4 Edge and Book 4 Edge Pro; however, those laptops have already launched.

There are only two months left until Samsung's summer launch and the lineup looks to be interesting. But all our eyes are on the Galaxy Ring. Recently leaked was the alleged price of the device, which is said to be between $300 and $350, similar to the Oura Ring 3, but with a Health app subscription service that may cost “under $10.”

Google quickly patches the Android 15 Beta 2 update

Android 15 home screen

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

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Google had to follow up Android 15 Beta 2 with another update because those who downloaded the beta had major problems with the Private Space feature.

When some users first tried this, they noticed that app icons were being deleted from the home screen. Google's issue tracker site also explains that this was brought to the company's attention and that beta 2.1, a “minor update,” was rolled out to all eligible Pixels on Monday (May 20).

The new version initially had a file size of 2.57 GB on one of their devices before downloading. However, users who had installed this update reported in a Reddit thread that the file size was between 11.30 MB and 12.12 MB when they restarted their devices.

Google says that only Pixel devices participating in the beta program will automatically be offered an over-the-air (OTA) update, which includes Pixel 8a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.

iFixit played the “It’s not you, it’s me” card with Samsung

Galaxy S20 Ultra iFixit Teardown

(Image credit: iFixit)

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On Thursday (May 23), iFixit announced that it would officially part ways with Samsung in June because the two companies' goals regarding device repairability “misalign.”

iFixit announced that it will end the partnership through its Repair Hub that began in 2022. It will no longer be a certified third-party partner for parts and tools to repair Samsung devices. The post said: “Despite our best efforts” to deliver a high standard of self-repair, “we were unable to deliver on that promise.”

iFixit adds that the company has tried to supply the necessary parts to local stores at reasonable prices, while “the design of Samsung's Galaxy devices is frustratingly glued together,” forcing the company to “pre-glue” batteries and screens in bundles, driving up repair costs for the consumer.

The company said its self-repair service will continue to sell replacement parts for Galaxy devices when possible, but the internal guides will no longer be available. Existing information on how to repair Samsung devices will not be removed, so users can still get help for older devices.

“Alexa, what would an AI upgrade sound like?”

Amazon Alexa on Pixel 6 Pro with Echo speakers

(Image credit: Chris Wedel/Android Central)

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Amazon is reportedly making the leap into AI to compete with OpenAI and Google. According to CNBC, Amazon plans to upgrade Alexa with generative AI features, but access to them will come with a monthly subscription fee.

Alexa has long been a handy tool for answering questions, setting reminders, and managing smart home devices, but with OpenAI and Google's multimodal models stealing the show, Amazon seems to be suffering a bit from FOMO (fear of missing out).

CNBC states that the upcoming Alexa update will make speech more conversational and incorporate cutting-edge generative AI. While Amazon hasn't set a price yet, it looks like this improved Alexa will require a separate monthly subscription in addition to the annual Amazon Prime fee of $139. A source close to the company told the publication that each generative AI query could cost around 2 cents, and there's talk of a possible $20 monthly subscription being discussed internally.

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

News Weekly: The first Sonos headphones, Samsung's Unpacked product range leaked and more

The new Ace from Sonos looks familiar, doesn't it?

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