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On Pixel devices, there’s a service called Wallpaper & Style that gives you a lot of personalization control. Along with the usual smattering of default Android wallpapers, Google will sometimes load in Pixel-exclusive wallpapers that are only around for a short period of time. Today, we saw two new sets of Pixel wallpapers landing, both related to football teams (aka soccer) in the United Kingdom.

The Liverpool and Arsenal football clubs are represented here with eight wallpapers each, for a total of 16 new wallpapers. You can see all of them below. However, please don’t download the wallpapers from these galleries, as they have been heavily compressed and won’t look great on your phone. Instead, scroll down to the bottom of the article and find a button to download all of them in full quality.

Arsenal FC Pixel wallpapers

Liverpool FC Pixel wallpapers

Download these wallpapers for yourself

Don’t own a Pixel or haven’t seen the update yet? You can simply download these wallpapers for yourself and use them on any device you like. Click the button below to get them all in their high-resolution form.

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Google’s Pixel phones have been powered by semi-custom Tensor processors since 2021, but these chips have never really been a major threat to rival flagship processors in most benchmarks. Now, a Google executive has reportedly claimed that the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 series isn’t designed for benchmarks.

“When we are designing the chip, we’re not designing it for speeds and feats. We’re not designing it to beat some specific benchmark that’s out there. We’re designing it to meet our use cases,” Google Pixel product manager Soniya Jobanputra told the Financial Express.

The executive also noted that improving app launch speeds were a priority with the new chip:

We knew that we had a pain point with opening apps. And so as we built G4, we really focused on, okay, what do we need to do to make sure that experience is better for users.

Google Tensor: A history of AI over benchmarks?

This isn’t a new stance from Google, though. Company representatives have long asserted that the Tensor chips weren’t designed with raw horsepower in mind. Google Silicon executive Monika Gupta noted back in 2022 that the company was “comfortable” not winning benchmarks because the Tensor chips were built for AI features.

Fellow Google Silicon executive Phil Carmack also told Ars Technica back in 2021 that they opted for two big CPU cores in the original Tensor chip as it was the best solution for efficiency. He claimed that one big CPU core — seen in rival chips of the era — was only useful for winning single-thread benchmarks. So there’s a clear history of Google dismissing benchmarks as a consideration, subsequently lagging behind rivals in this category.

However, Google’s claim that it prioritizes efficiency and AI use cases does deserve closer scrutiny. For one, owners of Tensor-powered Pixels have complained about battery life for years, although the Pixel 8 series seemed like a step in the right direction. Furthermore, we’ve seen phones with non-Tensor chips offering impressive AI features too, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. So you clearly don’t need a Tensor-powered phone if you want nifty AI use cases.

There’s also evidence that the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 series was supposed to be a more ambitious chip. According to previous reports, Google initially wanted the Pixel 9 chip to be a fully custom design manufactured by TSMC instead of long-standing partner Samsung. However, these same reports suggest that Google missed a deadline for this ambitious chip and decided to go for a Tensor G4 chip that was an incremental upgrade over the Tensor G3. These claims seem to bear out as the Tensor G4 shares plenty in common with the Tensor G3 (i.e. GPU, media decode blocks, TPU), with the exception of the CPU and modem.

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Google Pixel phones were the first to offer an astrophotography mode, letting you take hitherto unprecedented images of the night sky. One notable downside is that you couldn’t actually activate this mode manually, but that’s changing this week.

The Google News Telegram channel spotted the ability to manually activate astrophotography mode in version 9.5.118 of the Pixel Camera app. Unfortunately, this update isn’t available on the Google Play Store just yet, but you can grab it via APKMirror as a split APK bundle. If you’re not experienced with sideloading then we suggest waiting for the updated app to arrive on the Play Store.

Nevertheless, activating astrophotography mode in the updated Pixel Camera app is pretty easy:

1. Launch the camera app and swipe to the Night Sight mode.
2. Tap the duration icon and then adjust the resulting slider from “auto” to the new “Astro” option (to the right of “Max”).
3. You’ll then have a five-second timer by default before the astrophotography mode starts capturing exposures.

In other words, you can now activate astro mode via the slider normally used to adjust the capture time for Night Sight images.

The five-second timer can be adjusted (to three seconds or 10 seconds) or even disabled by visiting the Night Sight settings page. It’s also worth noting that the old method of activating astro mode is still available. That means launching the Night Sight mode in the Pixel Camera app, placing your phone on a stable surface or tripod, and waiting for the shutter button to display a star icon.

We’re glad Google now offers a way to manually activate astrophotography mode, even if it’s still not a discrete mode in the Pixel Camera app. Nevertheless, I’d definitely like to see a handheld astro mode in the near future as this is already a thing on some Chinese flagship phones.

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Google says the Pixel 9 phones have better screens compared to the Pixel 8 series, and it specifically offers so-called Super Actua screens with LTPO technology for the Pro models. Unfortunately, the company’s own support page suggested that Pro and Pro XL phones in India, Malaysia, and Singapore lacked Super Actua displays and LTPO tech.

Now, a Google representative has clarified to Android Authority that all Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL models actually have Super Actua screens:

 I can confirm that both Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have Super Actua displays across all regions.

Google’s Super Actua branding debuted on the Pixel 8 Pro and refers to the screen’s ability to get incredibly bright without compromising color accuracy. So the lack of Super Actua branding on some Pixel 9 Pro series models would’ve implied that these devices have worse screens than variants in the US, Europe, and other markets. We’re, therefore, glad that Google has effectively confirmed that this was an error. For what it’s worth, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL tout 2,000 nits of HDR brightness and 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

The original spec sheet didn’t list LTPO screens for Pixel 9 Pro series phones in India, Malaysia, and Singapore. Google didn’t specifically tell us that these variants actually have LTPO tech, but the company’s spec sheet has since been updated to note as such. Check out the original spec listing and the updated listing below.

LTPO technology enables more granular screen refresh rates, down to 10Hz or even 1Hz. By comparison, phones without LTPO screens usually offer a minimum refresh rate of 60Hz. The ability to dip far below 60Hz opens the door to improved battery life, especially when reading, viewing pictures, or using an always-on display.

Either way, we’re glad Google has clarified this situation. So you don’t have to worry about getting an inferior phone if you’re in India, Malaysia, or Singapore.

If you didn’t already know, I like flip phones. I’ve been using the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 since they came out, and I’ve already theorized about what a flippable iPhone would look like. Now, it’s Google’s turn for my elevator pitch. I think it’s finally time for a Google Pixel Flip, but I think Google should probably wait until 2025 to launch it, and here’s why.

Finally, cooler under pressure

If you’ve ever used a flip phone, be it a Galaxy Z Flip 6, Razr, or even OPPO’s Find N3 Flip, you know that the form factor has its limitations. You end up searching for the perfect mix of battery capacity, a capable chipset, and ample cooling power and find that you can only choose two of the three. Add one of Google’s roasty, toasty Tensor chips to that mix, and you’ve got a recipe for a flip phone that’s dead by noon — at least for now. Alright, I’m exaggerating, but only by a little bit.

I think 2025 will be the perfect time to put that Tensor heat under some flip phone pressure, though, because Google is finally changing its process. After four generations of Samsung-made Tensor chips, all signs point to Google switching to TSMC for what should become known as the Tensor G5. And, if you remember what happened when Qualcomm did the same thing when it moved from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (made by Samsung) to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (made by TSMC), you’ll know that the change in process should come with much better thermal performance.

Qualcomm switched from Samsung to TSMC for better thermals, and it sounds like Google's next.

Of course, that change may or may not come with a boost to raw performance power, but we know that’s not really Google’s priority. The current Tensor lineup already benchmarks behind Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but we’re usually willing to give it at least somewhat of a pass because of all the AI features it has to power. Would I love to see the Tensor G5 bring a little more power to Pixel? Sure, but I’m happy to settle for better thermals in the meantime.

Once Google controls that heat, it will probably feel a bit more comfortable tackling the other limitations of the flip form factor. As soon as it settles on a chipset that doesn’t chew through the battery like it’s going out of style, it will be able to work out a battery capacity and cooling system that can fit within the pocket-friendly confines I’m looking forward to. And if Google is after a flip phone as thin as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it might be a true feat of engineering.

Third time’s the charm (seriously, though)

I’m also perfectly happy for Google to wait another year before launching its first Pixel Flip because that’s about when the best foldable phones hit their stride. It usually takes one or two tries before the hinge feels locked in and the crease begins to shrink. Think about it — the OnePlus Open is OPPO’s Find N3, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is when Samsung finally started using tougher materials, and we’re kind of on the third Motorola Razr redesign as long as we don’t count the 2022 model that only came to China.

So, in 2025, Google will also be developing its third generation of foldable phones. By then, I think it will have learned a thing or two (if it hasn’t already). We’ve already seen quite the design evolution from the first Pixel Fold to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and now all Google has to do is find a way to scale it down. Its revamped hinge is a solid improvement over the original, opening easier and settling flatter after just one year of development. Google has also swapped from the sizable top and bottom bezels on its first Pixel Fold to thin ones with a punch hole selfie camera on its second, bringing it in line with most other book-style foldables.

I was also somewhat worried about how Google would combine its signature camera bar with a compact flip form factor, but it seems to have handled that on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, too. The simple answer is that it’s not as married to the camera bar as I initially expected — which is good news for a flip phone. Instead of stretching its sensors across the back panel, it cut the camera bar in half and stacked two sensors on top of each other. So, if I had to guess, a Pixel Flip would then cut that modified camera bar in half again, giving us a two-camera setup similar to what is already on the Pixel 9 — complete with the excellent image processing that we already know it’s capable of.

Perhaps the biggest mystery after that is what Google would do with its cover screen (other than call it the Pixel Window, of course). It could either copy Samsung with an oddly shaped panel, mimic Motorola with one that stretches around the cameras (I doubt it), or follow OPPO with a narrower, phone-shaped display that sits next to the panels instead. I’m not sure which one I’d want, but I know that the revamped Pixel Weather widget would be a must-have, as would flexible app support — please don’t give me a Good Lock-like experience, Google.

Let’s face it: flip phones are just easier

On top of it all, flip phones (like blondes) have more fun. Whereas book-style foldables tend to get lumped in as super-expensive devices for power users, flip phones are usually more affordable and seen as fashion statements. I think Google’s clean, colorful flavor of Android falls into the latter more than the former. Material You is loaded with color-matching options, and its large, relatively simple widgets seem like they’d flow perfectly across a relatively compact cover screen. Oh, and Google’s straightforward Gmail, Google Photos, and Messages interfaces should be easy enough to scale down for a pocket-friendly experience.

The fact that flip phones are typically more affordable should help Google’s chances, too. Unless you’re committed to a book-style foldable, it’s probably impossible to imagine spending $1,800 on your next phone. Dropping around $1,000, on the other hand, is somehow much more acceptable. Google has already bumped the price of its Pixel 9 Pro (the smaller one) to a grand, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 now costs more than that at $1,100. So, if Google can ready up a Pixel Flip that undercuts Samsung, it might be onto something.

Google's Pixel UI and Gemini features are just the right kind of fun for a flip phone.

Even if Google launches a Pixel 10 Pro Flip (or some equally convoluted name) that matches the Galaxy Z Flip 7 dollar for dollar, I think it’ll be on the right track. Currently, Samsung’s expensive flip phone only really has to compete with the Motorola Razr Plus (2024), which it largely beats by offering longer software support, more reliable cameras, and a few Galaxy AI features ready ahead of the Moto AI rollout. Google can easily roll in with a matching seven years of updates, pack in its Magic Editor and Add Me features, and put Gemini in every last piece of Pixel UI. Once it does, Samsung will finally have to worry about someone not named Apple.

That is, of course, my dream for 2025. It feels like Google should be ready by then, and it all hinges on the switch from Samsung to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chip. If that happens and it works out like I think it will, I’ll carry a Google-branded flip phone for a long time to come.

Using generative AI to zoom in and enhance something is no longer the sole domain of Photoshop and bad CBS detective shows, it’s now on device in the two latest Pixel phones.

Being as this is Google, the option to use Zoom Enhance is rolling out and there’s no good way to force it to work. I highly suspect the role out is both anti-needs based, and based on who’s been a critic of Google in the past, because as with other updates it’s not on my device nearly a week after announcement.

Zoom Enhance was first detailed in an August 13th Google Blog post about the Pixel 9, and stated it’s rolling out that day, but after forcing updates to the current Google Photos version and even rebooting my phone it’s still locked behind a rollout schedule somewhere.

Once it rolls out it appears it will show under the Tools section of Google Photos.

On a side note I went to the Play Store, manage apps and devices and was assured there were no updates available and given no option to check for updates. Clicking Manage, then selecting Updates available allowed me to refresh and surprise surprise 19 updates were there. So don’t believe you’re completely up to date because Google is telling you you are.

I am highly looking forward to the horrors of Google’s AI Zoom Enhance – because you know it’s going to be as amusing as Photoshop’s generative fill failures.

[9to5Google]

Zoom Enhance (still) rolling out to Pixel 8 series by Paul E King first appeared on Pocketables.

Looking for an angry rant? Look elsewhere.

This year will see the release of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as well as a range of accessories involving new watches and earbuds.

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is eye catching, the price tag just hurts. The rest of the phones are, by specs, a decent upgrade from the 8 series, and the satellite SOS is a feature I’d love so have in my back pocket but man.

The zoom enhance looks like it’s going to be great, I could put that to use every day.

But here’s the kicker – it’s just not enough of an upgrade over my currently great Pixel 8 Pro to ease $1799 out of my hands (the Fold) even with an estimated $699 trade in on my phone.

They also include a Gemini Advance for a year and 2TB of storage… a 239 value… what… ok that intrigues me. $200 store credit on Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL. Which would lock me into their ecosystem further.

Man their larger phones are pricy this year and their biggest hurdle to me upgrading has been placed by Google by having a really good Pixel 8 experience (with Assistant).

Maybe once they have the Gemini experience not feel like a totally chopped up barely working Assistant I’ll look at it, but I generally felt the Tensor chips for AI purposes barely got used, and generally performed slower than my old Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

No hate, just not enough bait to lure me this time, and too many half finished Google projects sitting on the 8 that were rolled out half ready for me to be enthused at a hardware upgrade dedicated for Gemini and AI when it barely functions as an Assistant replacement.

A whole new generation of Pixel products is dropping, and I’ll probably skip this round by Paul E King first appeared on Pocketables.

Discover the dark and fascinating world of Inmost. Prepare for a compelling experience that may have you in tears by the end.

The post Inmost is an Emotional Rollercoaster I Couldn’t Put Down first appeared on Two Average Gamers.

The post Inmost is an Emotional Rollercoaster I Couldn’t Put Down appeared first on Two Average Gamers.

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The Google Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are less than two weeks away from release, and we’ve already seen a smorgasbord of leaked renders and real-world media. Now, a trusted source has posted some high-quality renders of the devices.

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The Google Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are less than two weeks away from release, and we’ve already seen a smorgasbord of leaked renders and real-world media. Now, a trusted source has posted some high-quality renders of the devices.

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Google will launch the Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in two weeks, and we’ve already seen a host of leaks. The claims aren’t stopping there, as we’ve now got more apparent details about the foldable phone’s dimensions.

Android Headlines reports that the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold measures 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5mm when folded and 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm when unfurled. That makes it thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (12.1mm) and the OnePlus Open (11.7mm). However, it still lags behind foldables from the likes of HONOR and vivo.

The outlet also notes that the Google foldable weighs 257 grams, which is lighter than the original model (283 grams) but still heavier than the Z Fold 6 (239 grams) and OnePlus Open (239 grams). In fact, the device is slightly heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (253 grams) too.

Android Headlines also posted some apparent screen details, claiming that the device has a 6.3-inch smartphone display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and an HDR brightness of 1,800 nits. Meanwhile, the folding display is said to be an 8-inch panel with 1,600 nits of HDR brightness. Most of these details broadly line up with our exclusive Pixel 9 Pro Fold display leak. We haven’t heard any leaks regarding peak brightness until now, though, but the outlet asserts that both screens have 2,700 nits of peak brightness.

In any event, we’re glad to see Google upping the foldable phone ante in some ways. But we really hope the Pixel 10 Pro Fold brings a much lighter design.

Android, an open-source and free operating system, is not fully immune to exploitation and vulnerabilities, even on its flagship phones. Despite Google's monthly security patches, the threat of malicious actors compromising user data and privacy remains significant. This means that every Android user, regardless of their device, could potentially be a target for such attacks.

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Google confirmed a while back that it would be shutting down its VPN By Google One service on June 20 (yesterday). Pixel owners received a replacement service, dubbed VPN by Google, from June 3. Unfortunately, it looks like there are issues with this replacement service for some users.

Several Pixel owners have chimed in on Reddit to note that the new VPN By Google service either isn’t working or isn’t showing up for them. That means these users don’t have access to the original VPN by Google One service or the replacement option, forcing them to use an alternative VPN service for their needs.

The issue seems to affect the Pixel 7 series (including the Pixel 7a) and the Pixel 8 range, but it will likely affect some Pixel Fold owners too.

In any event, some Redditors in the thread observed that their phones haven’t received the June update from their carriers yet. However, a few others chimed in to say they received the update but still don’t have access to the VPN By Google service.

We’ve asked Google for comment regarding this issue and will update the article if/when the company gets back to us.

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Most Android phones are able to keep themselves cool by intelligently regulating their own performance, but there are times when drastic measures need to be taken to prevent damage to internal components. If you’re using your phone outdoors under the hot sun, then naturally, your phone will heat up a lot more than if you were using it indoors. Combine that with the increased power draw from the display needing to ramp up its own brightness to remain visible and the power-hungry 5G modem needing to connect to distant towers, and it’s no wonder that overheating is a problem for some users.

Fortunately for Pixel users, Google has already baked in a couple of anti-overheating features to prevent damage to your phone. For example, Google says on a support page that Pixel phones intentionally limit some functions when they sense they’re too hot. These include throttling performance, slowing down charging speeds, turning off the camera’s LED flash, disabling camera capture, and partially or fully disabling the mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Google even warns that your phone may automatically turn itself off once it gets dangerously hot, a safety feature that’s quite common on consumer electronics.

There are only so many actions that your phone can take by itself to regulate its temperature when it’s overheating, though. No amount of performance throttling or feature disabling can combat the heat from a scorching sun, which is where you, the user, needs to step in. There are some simple yet very effective steps you can take to cool down your phone when it’s overheating, and thanks to the Pixel’s new “Adaptive Thermal” feature, you won’t need to open up a web browser to see what they are.

In the latest version of the Pixel’s Device Health Services app (version 1.27), we spotted some strings related to a new Adaptive Thermal feature. This feature consists of several components, including a notification that spawns a dialog and a battery temperature measurement service.

When the battery temperature reaches 49 degrees Celsius (~120 degrees Fahrenheit), the “pre-emergency” alert is triggered. This causes a notification to be posted that says your “phone needs to cool down.” The notification says you “may experience slower performance” and should “try avoiding direct sunlight or close any battery-intensive apps.” A single button to See care steps is included in the notification.

<string name="pre_emergency_notification_title">Phone needs to cool down</string>
<string name="pre_emergency_notification_content">You may experience slower performance. Try avoiding direct sunlight or close any battery-intensive apps.</string>
<string name="pre_emergency_notification_action_button">See care steps</string>

Tapping the See care steps button will spawn a dialog that shares more information on what steps the operating system is taking to cool down the device, such as temporarily limiting performance speed and disabling the 5G network. It also reiterates some tips on how you can help cool down your phone, such as avoiding direct sunlight, putting your phone in the open for better airflow, or closing any battery-intensive apps such as videos, games, and the camera. You can dismiss the dialog by tapping the Got it button or tapping Learn more, which opens the support page mentioned earlier.

<string name="pre_emergency_dialog_title">Phone needs to cool down</string>
<string name="pre_emergency_dialog_content">"Pixel will try to cool your phone down by temporarily limiting:

• Performance speed
• Disabling 5G network, and more

How to help cool down your phone:

• Try avoiding direct sunlight
• Put your phone in the open for airflow
• Close any battery-intensive apps such as videos, games, and the camera

Once your phone cools down, it will run normally again"</string>
<string name="pre_emergency_dialog_dismiss_button">Got it</string>
<string name="pre_emergency_dialog_action_button">Learn more</string>

Adaptive Thermal will sample the battery temperature every five minutes to see if the phone has cooled down. If the phone still hasn’t cooled down but instead reaches 52 degrees Celsius (~126 degrees Fahrenheit), Adaptive Thermal enters the “emergency” state. I don’t know what exactly happens in this state, but I’m assuming even more drastic actions are taken. If those actions don’t help to cool down the phone and it reaches a dangerous 55 degrees Celsius (~131 degrees Fahrenheit), then Adaptive Thermal will warn the user 30 seconds before it shuts down the phone to protect itself.

<string name="pre_shutdown_dialog_title">Phone will shut down in about 30 secs due to high temperature</string>

The flags for Adaptive Thermal aren’t enabled yet, but even after enabling them, I was unable to actually trigger the alert. This is mainly because I couldn’t get my phone hot enough to actually trigger it (the closest I got was 46 degrees Celsius, even while running an intensive benchmark under direct sunlight). Fortunately, Adaptive Thermal only alerts you about what the phone is already doing under the hood to protect itself, so you don’t need to worry about it not being available yet. So long as you follow some basic tips, you should be able to cool your phone down before it dangerously overheats.

Hopefully, future devices from Google — such as the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series — have better thermal regulation features to prevent overheating. The rumored shift to TSMC for next year’s Tensor G5 chipset could also help with efficiency, but we won’t know for quite a while. If you own a Pixel device, do you feel that it overheats often? Let us know in the comments!

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is urging everyone to update their Google Pixel phones. A recent security issue, called CVE-2024-32896, could let attackers ...

The post Google Pixel Users: Urgent Update Needed to Patch Security Hole appeared first on Gizchina.com.

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Earlier this year, Google announced the shutdown of its Google One VPN service, recently confirming that the service will cease to function on June 20, 2024. However, while “VPN by Google One” is going away, Google will continue to offer a virtual private network for Pixel owners. In preparation for that, the company has started rebranding its VPN service.

First spotted by 9to5Google, the app’s Play Store listing has been updated accordingly, reflecting the shift from “Pixel VPN by Google One” to “Pixel VPN by Google.” This change includes a fresh icon featuring a blue shield with a “G” at its center, replacing the previous Google One icon.

Galaxy Upgrade Program. Pixel Pass. These are just two examples of Android makers attempting to launch their versions of Apples iPhone Upgrade Program, but the worlds biggest companies consistently havent figured out how to do this. Google no longer promotes the Pixel Pass one of the most fleeting initiatives on the Killed by Google list and Samsung only offers the Upgrade Program in some countries.

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Google’s Tensor processors for its Pixel phones have long been developed in partnership with Samsung and manufactured by Samsung Foundry. We’ve previously heard reports that Google could switch things up with the Tensor G5 inside the Pixel 10 range, and another source has echoed this claim.

Leaker Revegnus posted on X that Tensor chipsets from the Pixel 10 series onwards will be manufactured by TSMC. The tipster also added that Google will use TSMC’s 3nm process (ostensibly for the Tensor G5, at the very least). They also added that Google was expanding its R&D facility in Taiwan and hiring more local semiconductor engineers in preparation for the switch to TSMC.

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Earlier today, Google rolled out the second beta release of Android 15. Android 15 Beta 2 brings a load of new features, many of which Android Authority previously revealed. However, the new release has some features that we didn’t anticipate, such as a new “adaptive vibration” feature that’s quietly gone live for many Pixel users.

Under Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics in Android 15 Beta 2, there’s a new adaptive vibration option. This setting appeared for multiple Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro users, so it doesn’t seem to be limited to just one model. According to its description, adaptive vibration “automatically adjusts your phone’s vibrations based on your environment.” It does this by using your phone’s “microphone and other sensors” to “determine sound levels and context.” To preserve privacy, “no data is recorded.”

Android includes a helpful animation on the adaptive vibration page that explains what the feature does. The animation shows that, when the feature is enabled, your phone’s haptics will vibrate more intensely when your phone is on a couch and less intensely when it’s on a table. This makes sense, since the cushions on a couch can dampen your phone’s vibrations, so it needs to vibrate harder to compensate. On the other hand, your phone’s vibrations can cause other objects on a table to rustle, so reducing the intensity of the haptic motor might be necessary.

It’s not clear what sensors other than the microphone are used to adjust your phone’s vibration intensity, but we’re hoping this feature works well because of its obvious benefits. Google didn’t mention adaptive vibration in any of its marketing material for Android 15 Beta 2, so it’s possible it didn’t intend for it to launch in this release. In fact, I saw strings for this feature in an earlier beta release but thought it wouldn’t go live before the launch of the Google Pixel 9 series.

If you’ve installed Android 15 Beta 2 on your Pixel phone, let us know if the adaptive vibration feature works for you and what you think of it!

Thanks to Telegram user Arseniy Graur for the tip!

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It’s a well-known fact that the majority of smartphone owners use a protective case of some kind. While some cases offer added functionality — such as a kickstand, a place to store credit cards, or magnetic charging — the number one reason people use cases is that phones are made of glass and break easily.

In a new interview with Inverse, Google Pixel design lead Claude Zellweger discussed how the company approaches phone design, specifically regarding case usage. Interestingly, Zellweger admits that, starting with the Pixel 8 series, Google has started designing phones with case usage in mind from the beginning.

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It’s a well-known fact that the majority of smartphone owners use a protective case of some kind. While some cases offer added functionality — such as a kickstand, a place to store credit cards, or magnetic charging — the number one reason people use cases is that phones are made of glass and break easily.

In a new interview with Inverse, Google Pixel design lead Claude Zellweger discussed how the company approaches phone design, specifically regarding case usage. Interestingly, Zellweger admits that, starting with the Pixel 8 series, Google has started designing phones with case usage in mind from the beginning.

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It’s a well-known fact that the majority of smartphone owners use a protective case of some kind. While some cases offer added functionality — such as a kickstand, a place to store credit cards, or magnetic charging — the number one reason people use cases is that phones are made of glass and break easily.

In a new interview with Inverse, Google Pixel design lead Claude Zellweger discussed how the company approaches phone design, specifically regarding case usage. Interestingly, Zellweger admits that, starting with the Pixel 8 series, Google has started designing phones with case usage in mind from the beginning.

The Google Pixel 8a is official, and it’s… pretty much exactly what we were expecting. Google’s new mid-range phone is virtually identical to the Pixel 8 in most respects, but Google cut a few corners in order to keep the starting price at $499, making the list price for the Pixel 8a $200 lower than the […]

The post Google Pixel 8a launches for $499 and up appeared first on Liliputing.

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The Google Pixel 8a is expected to launch this month, but we’ve already seen a ton of leaks so far. However, a long-time leaker has just dropped perhaps the biggest info dump yet.

Evan Blass posted a ton of screenshots from an apparent Pixel 8a product page. The images include machine-translated text overlaid on them, giving us a good (but not perfect) idea of what to expect. Check them out below.

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Recent Google Pixel phones come with a distinctive rear camera housing, featuring a glossy metal finish. What if you prefer the brushed metal look? Well, a Reddit user has taken matters into their own hands, although we’d caution users against trying this at home.

Redditor the_skinny_drummer decided to take Scotch Brite pads to the glossy rear camera bar on their Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. This resulted in what is effectively a brushed metal finish, as you can see in the images below.

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Many smartphone brands have their own camera testing setups, allowing them to fine-tune their photo and video experience. We seldom get a close look at these facilities, though, but Google has now peeled the curtain back on its lab setup.

CNET was allowed to tour Google’s camera testing facility for its Pixel phones, and the tech giant opted for a more practical approach to its camera sets. The company showed off cafe and living room sets which were used to test the Night Sight Video/Video Boost features on the Pixel 8 Pro versus the Pixel 7 Pro.

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Pixel phone users can expect a second April update with a fix for network and connectivity issues plaguing their devices. The update started rolling out to Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 devices on Verizon late last week. The carrier has also posted a changelog that confirms that the new April Pixel update “provides performance improvements for LTE call/data and network issues.”

A few weeks back, we investigated widespread reports of Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series owners complaining about network-related issues following the March 2024 update. Users said that their phones randomly missed calls and that text messages arrived in batches throughout the day. We reached out to Google multiple times to get an official response but didn’t receive an update from the company.

Now, Google is also reportedly sending emails to affected Pixel users acknowledging the network and connectivity issues and informing them about the upcoming fix.

“We’re starting to push an update to Pixel 7 and newer phones. This includes network stability and performance improvements. This update will roll out globally to the regions and carriers impacted over the coming weeks,” Google wrote in its email to a Reddit user.

According to Verizon’s changelog, the new April Pixel update once again includes the month’s security patch, which rolled out to Pixel phones a while back. It comes with software version AP1A.240405.002.B1. Verizon Pixel users who received the update are reporting that the new software has fixed the issue of missed calls and slow text messages.

“So far it has fixed the connectivity and reception issues that have been having recently,” said one user.

“I sideloaded it two days ago, for now no issues with recieving calls and messages. Fingers crossed it lasts,” said another.

If you haven’t received the new April update as an OTA on your Pixel devices yet, you can manually sideload the package from here. Our guide provides instructions on sideloading an OTA.

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Circle to Search, the handy Android phone function that lets users quickly search for something by circling an item on their screen, might be getting two new features. On top of that, it may also get a new look.

PiunikaWeb, in collaboration with AssembleDebug, has discovered that Google is developing two new features for Circle to Search. It appears we could soon see “Copy image” and “Share image” options when using the search feature.

Currently, Circle to Search simply allows the user to circle, scribble, highlight, or tap on anything displayed on the screen. It then brings up information about whatever is inside the selected area. However, these new options will give the feature a couple of new functions.

Just as it sounds, if you tap on “Copy image,” the selected area will be copied as a screenshot. In addition to the snapshot, an image editor will open up and allow the user to add annotations or perform other touch-ups. After this is done, the user can copy the edited image is share the screenshot on supported apps.

As for “Share image,” this option is a more direct way to share. When this option is tapped, it turns the selected area into a screenshot and allows you to immediately share it with supported apps.

These new additions to Circle to Search should help users save some time. Instead of having to take a full screenshot and then go into editing to crop out the unnecessary part, the cropping part is already taken care of.

In addition to the new options, it appears the UI may get a slight makeover. In the example above, you can see what the current version looks like on the left and the look on the right.

Earlier this month, Google brought Circle to Search to the Pixel Fold. The feature is currently available on the Pixel 8 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 7a, and the Pixel 6a. It can also be found on select Samsung phones including the Galaxy S24 range, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

Google recently rolled out the April 2024 security patch for Pixel phones, focusing on fixing an annoying camera bug on the Pixel 8 and addressing ...

The post Google Pixel camera and connectivity issues now fixed with the April update appeared first on Gizchina.com.

Google Pixel devices are best known for their camera capabilities. Take a look at DxOMark’s smartphone camera rankings. You will notice that the latest device ...

The post Inside Google’s Secret Lab: How Google Pixel Phone Cameras Are Tested appeared first on Gizchina.com.

Since Android 11, Pixel phones can suggest recently used apps in the app drawer and home screen. This feature can help you quickly find a recently closed app, but if you want total control over your phone's app layout, you may want to turn off this feature. We show you how to turn off Pixel app recommendations on the Pixel Tablet or any Pixel phone running Android 11 or later, including the latest Pixel 8 series. If you just picked up the Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, change these settings immediately after turning off app recommendations.

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Circle to Search, the handy Android phone function that lets users quickly search for something by circling an item on their screen, might be getting two new features. On top of that, it may also get a new look.

PiunikaWeb, in collaboration with AssembleDebug, has discovered that Google is developing two new features for Circle to Search. It appears we could soon see “Copy image” and “Share image” options when using the search feature.

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Google’s video conferencing platform, Google Meet, might be making a play to become a bigger part of our daily mobile communication. While it started primarily as a business-focused tool, it’s become a popular option for 1-on-1 video calls as well. Now, it appears Google is testing a new feature that could further increase its use — a way to easily switch from a regular phone call to a video call with just a tap.

iPhone users have long enjoyed easy video calling through Apple’s FaceTime feature built directly into the iPhone dialer. Now Android users could have a similar experience with this integration of video calling into the phone app.

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Google has released two new and exclusive wallpapers for Pixel fans and they are all about minty fresh beaches.

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Google today released Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel devices. This update continues the cycle of Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs) that bring improvements and bug fixes to the Android 14 platform.

While not introducing any new features, QPR3 Beta 2 focuses on squashing a significant number of user-reported bugs. Pixel users had earlier got access to the Circle to Search feature with Beta 1 of QPR3.

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Fairphone, the Dutch phone manufacturer known for its focus on sustainability and repairability, has announced the indefinite suspension of its phone subscription service, Fairphone Easy.

Launched in 2022 as a pilot program in the Netherlands, Fairphone Easy offered users a way to access a Fairphone smartphone through a subscription model, with guaranteed repairs, replacements, and proper end-of-life recycling included. The program also incentivized users to hold onto their phones for longer, with decreasing subscription costs for existing customers. This longer lifespan aimed to reduce electronic waste, as Fairphone would refurbish and recycle returned devices at the end of their lease.

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It turns out that Google’s Pixel phones are growing in popularity in Japan. In fact, the brand reached second place for shipments in Q1 2023, according to Counterpoint Research.

It looks like Pixels are continuing to grow in the market, as the IDC’s Q4 2023 figures show that shipments grew by 527% compared to a year ago. In fact, Google was the only smartphone brand to grow during this quarter.

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The March 2024 Pixel Feature Drop brought several new features to the Pixel ecosystem, including broader availability of Circle to Search, Ultra HDR support for Instagram, and more. But for all the good it added, the update also removed an essential feature for no reason.

Reddit user ntwrkmntr spotted that Google removed the battery cycle count and other battery information stats from the Pixel 8 with the new March 2024 Pixel Feature Drop update. The information existed at Settings > About Phone > Battery Information and can no longer be spotted in that location.

On the Google Pixel feature drop of December, the Pixel 8 Pro got the power of Gemini Nano. It’s the smallest AI model that Google ...

The post Google Pixel 8 Confirmed Not to Get Support for Gemini Nano Despite Having the Same SoC as the Pro appeared first on Gizchina.com.

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Even before its launch, Google confirmed it would bring satellite communication support to Android 14. Since then, we’ve seen plenty of evidence that the tech firm is working on an emergency SOS feature that would use this satellite connectivity. Now a recent update to the “Adaptive Connectivity Services” app shows that Google may be getting ready to add the feature to Pixel phones.

As spotted by Google News on Telegram, version p.2024.08 of the Adaptive Connectivity Services app appears to pave the way for a new “Satellite SOS” feature. This feature would allow you to send messages to emergency services over satellite if you are unable to connect to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.

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Update: March 1, 2024 (12:08 PM ET): Android Authority has been informed by a spokesperson for Google that while Photo Sphere does not appear in the Pixel 8 series, the mode did not previously disappear from older Pixel models.

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Original article: February 29, 2024 (11:00 AM ET): It wasn’t that long ago, but Pixel phones used to have a Google Camera app feature called Photo Sphere. Although Google took the feature away after the launch of the Pixel 8 series, it appears the feature has come back.

First spotted by Reddit user PourJarsInReservoirs, it appears the latest update to the Google Camera app (version 9.2.113.604778888.19) has brought back Photo Sphere mode for some Pixel owners. Specifically, Pixel owners who have devices that previously supported the camera feature.

Android Authority can confirm that Photo Sphere is indeed back. Some of our team members have reported seeing the mode on their Pixel 7 Pro. The feature has also reemerged on my own Pixel 6 Pro.

Seeing as the feature was removed with the launch of the Pixel 8 series, Google’s latest smartphones never had the feature. Unfortunately, that means Photo Sphere is not showing up on Pixel 8 devices.

It appears Google has made no changes to the mode during its brief hiatus. The feature still works the same way it did before, requiring users to carefully move their camera around to avoid poorly stitched images. It also has the five different types of shots: vertical, wide angle, fish eye, 360, and horizontal.

It’s hard to believe this mode that allows users to create 360-degree images has been around since 2012. Although the feature probably isn’t used as often as it once was, it’s nice to see it back.

News of Android 14 supporting satellite communication sparked anticipation for an emergency SOS feature on Google Pixel phones. Now, evidence suggests this feature might be ...

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