Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes the latest Galaxy S23 details, Pixel 7 Pro price leaks, where the Pixel 6a belongs, Nokia X30 5G going on sale, Nothing’s new wireless buds, wearable market slowing down, and Google cancels another innovative Android project.

Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many things that have happened around Android in the last week (and you can find the weekly Apple news digest here).

Meet The New Galaxy, Same As The Old Galaxy

Thanks to the leaking of CAD renders, it is possible to have a closer look at the upcoming Galaxy S23 family of handsets. Just as Apple is taking an iterative approach, so is Samsung (and many other manufacturers, truth be told). While the insides are still up for grabs (a 200-megapixel camera on the S23 Ultra is being suggested) the outside looks to be another slab of Galaxy S:

“Changes are minimal compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, as the new model retains the same camera cutout configuration, with minor exceptions — one of which being that the depth sensor and laser autofocus module might not protrude as much next year.

Pixel 7 And Pixel 7 Pro Price Leaks

With Amazon listings showing up briefly online for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. And the prices? They match the launch prices of the Pixel 6 at $599 and the Pixel 6 Pro at $899. Which, from a hardware point of view, does make sense, but the economy has shifted since late 2021:

"Google's choice to keep the same price points is a little curious when you consider that the specs leaks suggest these phones are virtually unchanged from their predecessors. You're buying year-old tech for the same price as before...: $599 might be the same number in 2022 as it was in 2021, but with the changing global climate, like wars and flailing currencies and cost of living crises, it's a very different amount of money."

The Pixel 6a Finds A Home

Of course, there’s another new (ish) Pixel in town, and that’s the Pixel 6a. While many look at this as the final phone in the 6 family (which is, cardinally, correct), it’s probably better to pitch it in with the Pixel 7 family, as I explained earlier this week:

"While it is remarkably late to the Pixel 6 family, arriving in late July compared to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro’s launch nine months previously, it will be on sale as the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 are fully launched and hit the shelves. With the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro presumably retiring from the product line, Google is going to have a solid ‘stepped’ profile of a smaller device in the 6a, the regular device in the Pixel 7, and the flagship in the Pixel 7 Pro. "

The Eco Nokia Arrives In The UK

Announced in early September, HMD Global’s Nokia X30 5G handset is now on sale in the UK. Prices start at £399, or it is available on HMD Globals ‘Circular’ subscription scheme that promotes the handset's green credentials for £22 per month (plus a £30 set up fee):

“...built from a 100% recycled aluminium frame and a 65% recycled plastic back, Nokia X30 5G is our most eco-friendly smartphone yet, right through to the box it comes in. Less plastic, fewer chemicals, more good stuff. The reduced packaging size – made possible by our decision to remove chargers from X-series to tackle e-waste - saves on transportation CO2 emissions.

A New Sound In Town

Nothing Tech has launched its second audio product. Following on from last year’s Ear (1) true wireless buds, the UK-based company has revealed the Ear (Stick) Earbuds. We’ve got a good look at the case, and a glance at the buds, but as with the Ear (1) and Phone (1), except the details to become clear over time through various events and marketing moments:

"Nothing has confirmed that the Ear Stick will be an entirely new product with distinct charging case and bud designs. The lipstick-shaped charging case is said to be inspired by classic cosmetic silhouettes to easily slide in and out of pockets, and buds are advertised as supremely comfortable, ergonomic, and molded to your ears. From the side profile, the initial images seem to tease splashes of red through the transparent top cover, offering an extra dash of color as opposed to the classic monochrome black/white design synonymous with the brand"

With Google set to debut a Pixel Smartwatch, the market hunger for it may be weakening. As households’ disposable budgets shrink, the wearables industry is seeing a slowing of demand for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and their ilk. A recent report from CCS Insights shows a fall in shipments of seven per cent this year, with new and replacement sales expected to be lower in 2023 for the same reasons:

"Despite a negative short-term outlook, CCS Insight expects some recovery in 2024 as the economic picture improves. From 2024, the smartwatch market is expected to return to growth, leading to sales of 224 million units in 2026. Advanced economies are forecast to maintain a strong lead in smartwatch adoption rates, but as low-cost smartwatches and developments in Wear OS devices provide more options for Android users, smartwatch demand in developing countries is set to blossom."

Google has a habit of cancelling projects after a short run unless they find epoch-making success. So it is with Google Stadia. The streaming game service will close on January 18, 2023. It might be so long, and thanks for all the fish, but Google will refund you your fishes:

"We’re grateful to the dedicated Stadia players that have been with us from the start. We will be refunding all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, and all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia store. Players will continue to have access to their games library and play through January 18, 2023 so they can complete final play sessions."

(Google Blog via 9to5Google).

Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!