I’m C. Scott Brown from Android Authority, and in this quick roundup I cover three things you need to know this week: a stunning new dual-screen Android handheld called the AYN Thor, Google’s new Gemini for Home announcement alongside the Pixel 10 launch (and why it might cost you), and the ever-strange saga of the Trump T1 phone that seems to have undergone a mysterious glow-up.
AYN Thor: dual-screen retro gaming, but make it gorgeous
Dual-screen Android handhelds used to be a niche curiosity. Lately, though, more companies are pushing bold designs, and AYN’s new Thor might be the most eye-catching yet. From the teaser it looks almost like a slab of glass with two large displays in a classic Nintendo 3DS layout — top and bottom screens, offset analog sticks, and every button you’d expect for retro and modern emulation alike.
Key visual highlights:
- Two large displays in the traditional handheld clamshell layout.
- Offset inset analog sticks and a full complement of buttons for both retro and modern games.
- Extras like a headphone jack, USB-C, and what appears to be an SD card slot.
Hardware details are scarce, but the trailer includes the Qualcomm logo — which strongly suggests a Snapdragon-based SoC. That opens two likely possibilities: the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 (Qualcomm’s top gaming handheld chip) or the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 (a slightly less premium variant). Either way, because the Thor runs Android on a Snapdragon chipset, it’ll likely sit well below the price of Windows-based handhelds while offering excellent emulation performance.
The current competition to watch is Aya Neo’s Pocket DS, priced around $400. If AYN prices the Thor similarly, it could be a strong mid-range pick — though price may climb if AYN opts for the higher-end Snapdragon G3 Gen 3. In short: beautiful design, promising hardware hints, and a price-to-watch. Time will tell which Snapdragon ends up inside this thing (and frankly, Qualcomm: your chip names remain a delightfully confusing mess).
Gemini for Home: smarter speakers, but some features may be behind a paywall
Google’s Pixel 10 launch came with a subtitle: Gemini is moving out of phones and into your home. The new Gemini for Home will replace Google Assistant on existing Home speakers and displays, bringing more flexible voice commands and conversational interactions.
What’s different with Gemini for Home?
- Natural language understanding — you can use relaxed phrasing instead of exact commands. Example: say “play the song of the year winner from 1996” and Gemini should understand you mean “Seal’s Kiss from a Rose.”
- Multi-request handling — combine commands like “dim the lights and set the temp to 72 degrees” in one utterance.
- Context-aware and slightly vague requests — commands like “turn off the lights everywhere except my bedroom” should be parsed correctly.
- Gemini Live conversational interactions — a more back-and-forth, natural voice experience with your smart speaker.
But there’s a catch. Google’s press release explicitly said:
“Over time, Gemini for Home will replace Google Assistant on existing speakers and displays with free and paid versions.”
That reads as: the basic Gemini experience will likely be free, while more advanced features may require a subscription. That’s notable because Google Assistant has always been free — charging for assistant functionality on home devices marks a shift in approach. We’ll be watching for which features end up behind a paywall and how Google differentiates the free vs paid tiers.
One more tease: rumors point to new Google Home hardware later this year. If you’re invested in the Google smart home ecosystem, Gemini for Home could change how your devices respond and interact — but keep an eye on potential subscription details.
The Trump T1 phone: did this thing ever really exist?
Two months ago the Trump T1 appeared as a gold-colored Android phone marketed by Trump Mobile. It looked like a cheaply made iPhone knock-off, likely produced in China. Fast forward to the latest marketing materials and two very different images are being shown: one looks like that original clone, the other looks suspiciously like a genuine iPhone mockup in promotional imagery.
Other changes are more than skin-deep. The product page initially claimed the phone was “proudly designed and built in the United States.” Now the wording has shifted to “designed with American values in mind.” That’s not just marketing polish — those two statements mean very different things, and the change reads like a retreat from any claim of US-based manufacturing.
Personally, I pre-ordered a unit to see what would happen. In two months I haven’t received shipping info or even a follow-up email. That radio silence, combined with shifting visuals and wording, raises red flags. Is this a bait-and-switch? A marketing bluff? Or something worse? At this point I’m leaning toward skepticism — and if you’re considering a purchase, buyer beware.
Wrap-up
This week’s headlines show a tech landscape that’s equal parts exciting and odd. The AYN Thor could be a fresh, beautiful entry in the dual-screen Android handheld space. Gemini for Home promises smarter, more conversational smart speakers — but potentially at a cost. And the Trump T1 remains a baffling example of marketing smoke and mirrors.
If you want to dig deeper into any of these stories, keep an eye on Android Authority coverage for hands-on impressions, specs, and follow-ups. I’ll be watching the AYN Thor’s specs and price, tracking Google’s rollout and pricing model for Gemini for Home, and waiting (not-so-patiently) to see if that Trump phone ever actually lands on anyone’s doorstep.
See you next roundup.
