Pixel 8a spec leak, Google’s AI shake-up, photo tidying up, Huawei’s Pura 70 mystery, OnePlus Pad Go and other nondescript new earbuds, a boring phone call from HMD, and more all over the Android world this week Take a look back at the news and headlines. .
Android Circuit is here to remind you of some of the many discussions surrounding Android over the past seven days. You can also read my weekly Apple news digest here on Forbes.
Pixel 8a specs leak
Google used the I/O developer conference to launch a mid-range version of its popular Pixel device. This year’s event will be held in May, with many anticipating the debut of the Pixel 8a. Extensive specifications suggest that the performance approach of previous phones will be followed this year as well.
“Don’t expect anything out of the ordinary when it comes to the Pixel 8a’s specs. Google’s Tensor G3 SoC looks like a lock. The company has yet to differentiate between the A-series and older processors. 8GB The Pixel 7a is built to bring the power of Google’s midrange lineup closer to the mainline series, adding a faster 90Hz refresh rate and 5W wireless charging. Recent rumors ahead of /O suggest a move to a 120Hz panel this year, along with a peak HDR brightness level of 1,400 nits.
(Android Police).
google pixel 7a
Google’s AI Shuffle
This week, Google reorganized many of its customer-facing teams and brought them under one name on the organization chart. We hope that grouping will improve the integration of AI into different product lines.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Thursday announced a major internal reorganization, including the creation of a new team called Platforms and Devices, which will oversee all of Google’s Pixel products, Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Photos, and more. The team will be managed by Rick Osterloh. ”
(The Verge).
extract images from photos
Google continues to update its Photos app to help you navigate the so-called clutter. Think about the screenshots, emails, and reaction gifs you carry around that are images but not photos. Removing these from your photo timeline will improve your experience and make everything a little easier. An upcoming release of Google Photos will do just that.
“According to a new report from software detective AssembleDebug, the latest version of the Google Photos Android app includes hidden text that references an unreleased “Hide clutter” feature. This long-awaited feature allows you to automatically exclude saved items such as screenshots, GIFs, and memes from your photo grid. These kinds of images can accumulate quickly, so you might want to keep them, but you might not want them to appear alongside your family photos or holiday snaps. ”
(Forbes).
The Huawei mystery at the heart of Pura 70
Following Huawei’s entry on the US Entity List, Chinese companies have been working hard to find solutions for the core system-on-chip needed for modern smartphones. The company is at a disadvantage because Qualcomm’s hardware and IP are no longer available. With the launch of his Pura 70 family this week, it looks like a solution has been found, but questions remain regarding the chipset.
“After eyebrows were raised over last year’s semiconductor breakthrough, Huawei has not revealed the central processing chip inside its devices. Several bloggers on Chinese social media said the phone had a Huawei-designed It has been suggested that a Kirin 9010 processor is used, but CNBC could not independently verify that.
(CNBC).
Two new releases from OnePlus
In addition to the OnePlus Watch 2’s “special style” with the OnePlus Watch 2 Lifestyle Edition, OnePlus also announced that the OnePlus Pad Go will also be released in Europe, following its launch in the South Asian market late last year. did. Pre-orders are now open and the full version will be released on April 23rd.
“OnePlus Pad Go is an affordable tablet that was launched in select markets last October. And now it’s coming to Europe. Specifically, it will be available on April 23rd. The price is Not sure, but you can order it.” For a very small deposit, you can get a slightly bigger discount on the OnePlus website. ”
(GSMArena).
no new earphones
Following one of their early product launches, Ear (1), Nothing Tech released Ear and Ear (a) this week. While the clear, angular design philosophy works well for the buds themselves, the case is a bit of a problem for Ben Schoon.
“First of all, I love the distinctive design of the Nothing. It’s great. Plus, the earbuds themselves fit my ears well. I’ve gone back and forth between earbuds with stems, but these are very But as for the case…I’m not too big and bulky and don’t fit in my pocket with other things like the pebble case for the Pixel Buds Pro, but a lot of other things. I can live with it considering the benefits. I don’t think anything will adopt something like Pixel Buds or AirPods. ”
(9to5Google).
And finally…
A new phone was launched this week and it’s boring… specs. HMD has partnered with Heineken and Bodega to release The Boring Phone ahead of Milan Fashion Week. This is a feature phone with a transparent case and is a very limited edition of only 5,000 units.
“The latest on-trend product is “The Boring Phone,” which was announced today ahead of Milan Design Week.The company that manufactures it is Human Mobile Devices (HMD), and through a licensing partnership it was launched under the Nokia brand in 2017. Well known as the company that manufactures mobile phones, the Boring Phones are cute, transparent, and retro. ”
(wired).
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