According to Forbes, Google’s Pixel 10 series saw a massive 28% year-over-year sales jump in September, setting a new record for the Pixel lineup led by the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 family launch has been delayed to late February 2026, though it will still precede Mobile World Congress, with San Francisco potentially hosting the Unpacked event to highlight AI advancements. Epic and Google reached an out-of-court settlement where Google will reduce its standard fee to 20% or 9% and create a new program for alternative app stores through June 2032. Google Maps is getting Gemini AI integration for natural-language navigation queries, reporting accidents, and route planning, rolling out in coming weeks. Meanwhile, Google released a Wicked For Good movie-themed pack for Pixel customization, and the Niagara launcher added ten new artistic themes.
Pixel’s Moment Finally Arrives?
That 28% sales jump for the Pixel 10 series is genuinely significant. Google‘s been playing the long game with its hardware division for years, and this might finally be their breakthrough moment. The focus on “deep Gemini integration” seems to be paying off – people are actually responding to Google’s AI pitch. But here’s the thing: can they sustain this? One hot month doesn’t make a trend, especially when you’re competing against Samsung’s marketing machine. Still, Counterpoint’s data suggests Google might finally be figuring out how to sell phones at scale.
Samsung’s Chip Comeback and Calendar Shift
The Exynos vs Snapdragon battle is getting really interesting. For years, Exynos was basically the chip you settled for if you didn’t live in a Snapdragon region. But those benchmark scores – Exynos 2600 hitting 4217 single-core versus Snapdragon’s 3800 – that’s not just closing the gap, that’s potentially leaping ahead. Now, benchmarks aren’t everything, and real-world performance is what matters. But if Samsung can actually deliver a competitive Exynos chip, that changes their entire supply chain dynamics. The February 2026 delay? Probably smart – gives them more time to optimize both the hardware and their Galaxy AI platform. Choosing San Francisco for Unpacked makes perfect sense too – they’re planting their flag right in AI’s backyard.
Epic vs Google: The Aftermath
So Epic and Google finally called a truce. The reduced fees – down to 20% or 9% depending on the transaction – and the new program for alternative app stores sounds like a win for developers. But I’ve got questions. How exactly will these “Registered App Stores” work in practice? And what about Google’s requirement that Android developers register directly with them? There’s going to be so much devil in these details. The six-and-a-half-year timeframe through June 2032 gives everyone some stability, but this feels like just the opening round in a much longer battle over Android’s soul.
Google’s AI Invasion Continues
Gemini coming to Google Maps navigation is one of those features that sounds obvious in retrospect. Using natural language to report “I see an accident” or “Looks like flooding ahead” could actually make driving safer. Google’s announcement positions this as a hands-free assistant upgrade, and it makes sense – if you’re going to have AI in your phone, why not put it where you actually need help? The rollout starting in coming weeks on Android and iOS, with Android Auto coming later, shows they’re thinking about the entire ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Niagara launcher’s artistic theme update proves that even minimalist apps are embracing customization and personality. Basically, everyone’s doubling down on making our phones feel more personal and helpful – whether through AI or aesthetics.
