3 new free channels in the Freebox TV package, a welcome new feature in Android Auto, this is the recap of the week

Discovery Science, Boomerang and CNN land on Freebox TV, Google is still updating Android Auto, Huawei could once again produce its 5G smartphones, this is the recap of the week.

Good news for subscribers to the Freebox TV package who benefit from three new free channels. To improve the autonomy of your Android, simply deactivate 5G on your smartphone. As Google rolls out the new version of Android Auto, Huawei could soon bypass the US embargo and end up producing its own 5G smartphones.

Freebox benefits from 3 new free channels

If you subscribe to Freebox TV, you will be happy to discover that 3 new free channels are now available on the platform. Discovery Science, Boomerang and CNN are now part of the TV package. Go to our dedicated news to discover the content of these three new free programs.

Read: Freebox: 3 new free channels are coming to the TV package

Gain autonomy by disabling 5G on your Android

While the majority of recent smartphones are not slowed down by 5G, some models still see their battery consumption reduced by this technology. Ookla shared a study where we discover the loss of autonomy according to the various chips for smartphones. If Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is doing well, this is not the case with the Tensor and Tensor G2. To improve the autonomy of your Android, we therefore advise you to deactivate the 5G networks.

Read: Android: deactivating this option allows you to considerably improve the autonomy of your smartphone

Fiber optics: an “e-intervention” tool to limit breakdowns

The operators have finally deployed the tool ” e-intervention which will reduce breakdowns and bad connections. This implementation comes after numerous reminders from Arcep and will facilitate communication between infrastructure operators and commercial operators.

Read: Fiber optics: this is how operators will put an end to breakdowns and bad connections

Huawei could soon produce 5G smartphones again

While Huawei has been under a US embargo for 4 years, Reuters reveals that the company has finally found a way to produce its own 5G chips via local companies. The manufacture of 5G smartphones could therefore resume thanks to the founder SMIC. It remains to be seen whether Huawei will manage to take its place in the global market for 5G smartphones.

Read: Huawei has found a way to circumvent the US embargo and can now produce 5G smartphones

Android Auto is getting even better

With the deployment of version 10.0 of its operating system, Google is perfecting its Assistant interface. A welcome design change that allows the driver to see the most important applications displayed simultaneously. This new integration could eventually allow homogenization between all the different versions of Android.

Read: Android Auto: Google brings a welcome novelty to the interface

Our tests of the week

Huawei Mate X3: very nice assets

The Huawei Mate X3 is very attractive, in particular thanks to its ultra-light and ultra-thin design. It is perfect if you travel often, because its autonomy lasts two days and its performance will allow you to work on the move. The audio experience is good and you will be satisfied with your shots, especially your portraits and self-portraits. Beware, the Mate X3 is not perfect. You’ll still be deprived of Google, the interface is loaded with pre-installed commercial apps and ads, and the minimum refresh rate is stuck at 60Hz.

Read: Huawei Mate X3 test: an extraordinary design… and the price that goes with it

Nothing Phone 2: a singular but sometimes disappointing smartphone

If we love its unique design which allows it to distinguish itself from other smartphones on the market, we regret the technical weaknesses that accompany the Nothing Phone 2. The photo part leaves something to be desired, and the heating in play or the layout of the buttons physics would be points to improve. That being said, it is a smartphone equipped with a powerful processor, a well thought out overlay and a good autonomy.

Read: Nothing Phone 2 test: a phone full of bright ideas

Volkswagen ID.3 (2023): some improvements but still some flaws

The driving part is still just as pleasant and the finish is clearly improving. Electrical management is also very good and has fewer bugs than the previous version. Ergonomics can still be improved, especially in terms of touch controls. We also regret that the menus of the infotainment system are not more intuitive.

Read: Volkswagen ID.3 (2023) test: life-saving makeover or failed reissue?