## A Summary of the Major Google/Android News Highlights from This Week
Greetings to **Android Central’s News Weekly**, your reliable destination for a succinct recap of the week’s most pivotal tech updates. From innovative smartphone designs to revolutionary AI breakthroughs, this week has been brimming with developments that influence the tech landscape. Here’s a recap of the prominent stories that caught attention.
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### 1. **The Galaxy S25 Ultra Appears to Be Quite Flat**
This week, Samsung’s anticipated **Galaxy S25 Ultra** made waves with leaked images indicating a noteworthy design transformation. The Ultra variant, which is typically recognized for its curved screen, is now likely to showcase a flat design, resembling more closely the entry-level Galaxy S24 models. According to **OnLeaks** leaks, the device will possess a flat display, frame, and back surface, featuring slightly curved corners.
Although the **S Pen** was absent from the leaked images, it is still anticipated to be included in the final version. The foundational **Galaxy S25** also had its design exposed, revealing a similar flat look with a 6.2-inch screen and a camera setup akin to that of the **Galaxy Z Fold 6**. Both devices are expected to debut in **January 2025**.
**Read more:** [Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leaked renders](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-leaked-renders-reveal-flat-design)
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### 2. **Huawei Mate XT: The Pinnacle of Foldable Design**
Huawei has advanced foldable smartphones with the introduction of the **Mate XT**, the first commercially accessible **tri-fold phone** in the world. While brands like TECNO have showcased tri-fold ideas, Huawei is the pioneer in making one available to consumers. The Mate XT features a 6.4-inch display when folded and can unfold twice to unveil a substantial 10.2-inch tablet-like interface.
Equipped with the **Kirin 9010** chipset, this device also offers 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of memory, and a triple camera system with 50MP. Nevertheless, the Mate XT is priced at around **$2,800** and is presently only offered in China.
**Read more:** [Huawei Mate XT launch details](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/huawei-mate-xt-ultimate-design-launch)
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### 3. **Gemini Live Now Accessible for Free**
Google’s **Gemini Live**, a conversational AI capability previously available exclusively for **Google One** subscribers, is now open to all Android users at no cost. This feature, which was introduced with the **Pixel 9**, facilitates more fluid interactions with AI, serving as a practical tool for idea generation, discovering new subjects, or even compiling grocery lists.
While not flawless, Gemini Live has demonstrated effectiveness in managing different tasks, and it’s now obtainable through the **Gemini app** for Android.
**Read more:** [Gemini Live free for Android](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/gemini-live-is-available-for-free-on-android-phones)
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### 4. **OpenAI Grants Its AI More Time to “Reflect”**
In an unexpected turn, **OpenAI** is easing up the pace with its latest AI model, **OpenAI o1**, which is created to take additional time to “reflect” before delivering responses. This methodology has been shown to enhance accuracy, particularly in intricate fields like science and mathematics. For example, the model successfully answered **83%** of the **International Mathematics Olympiad** queries correctly, marking a significant enhancement over earlier versions.
This innovative AI model is currently in the preview stage and could transform the way we engage with AI in more reflective and precise manners.
**Read more:** [OpenAI o1 preview](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/openai-o1-lets-ai-think-before-answering)
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### 5. **Google Strengthens Sideloading Restrictions**
Google is tightening its grip on sideloading applications on Android with the launch of its new **Google Play Integrity API**. This API conducts assessments to ascertain whether applications were obtained from the Play Store or sideloaded. If it’s determined that the app was sideloaded, developers can compel users to install the official Play Store variant, complicating any attempts to circumvent this requirement.
Although sideloading provides added flexibility, it carries security dangers as apps installed outside the Play Store bypass the same security protocols.
**Read more:** [Google’s new sideloading restrictions](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/google-is-making-it-harder-to-sideload-apps-on-android)
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### Additional Stories to Keep Up With:
– **Samsung encourages a switch to Google Messages**: [Read more](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/samsung-wants-you-to-move-to-google-messages-and-its
