I Want To Be a Bear (Specifically, a Hibernating One)

I know I sometimes use this newsletter as an excuse to blog about how tired I am, but boy, am I exhausted. The dense winter weather and shorter days have made waking up a total slog. I get why people in climates like Seattle and the Arctic drink so much coffee.

I'm complaining about it now, though I know I'll have a burst of energy when it's time to do the old end-of-year roundup posts. I would have done it this week, but we were bombarded with news instead. Samsung is putting its tri-fold smartphone on sale, for real this time. The second major Android 16 update turned out to be juicier than anticipated. And suddenly, Google's hosting a developer talk on Android XR with news for the rest of us on Dec. 8. Things are still happening even when we should be snoozing and prepping for a long sleep. It's honestly too bad I am not a bear.

There are things to look forward to and pull us out of the weary doldrums. Next week, we'll be launching the first-ever Android Faithful end-of-the-year awards! We haven't figured out a name yet, but we've been working behind the scenes over the past few weeks to get our readership, listenership, viewership, and however-you-consume-us-ship in on the action. You've been a fantastic community to us. Why not have you part of the vote?

Until then, get some rest, everyone.

💚 This Week on Android Faithful

Flo (wait, that's me!), Ron, and Mishaal host the show this week. Mishaal schools us all on the Android 16 update, and I earnestly try to sell you on why the Moto Buds Loop and Pixel Buds 2a are worthy gifts to give this holiday season.

Links to click (if you want!)

• The OnePlus 15 is now available for purchase in the United States, thanks to our venerable FCC (for now)
• The Steam Phone, you don't say?
• It feels like the end is nigh for the Mobvoi Ticwatch, at least according to the rumble on Reddit
• "I really wanted to recommend this Google-free phone, but it hasn't worked out that way at all"