Pixel 9a: A sneak peek at Google’s next budget-friendly phone
Key Points:
- Swirly Wallpapers: The Pixel 9a will feature stunning swirling flower wallpapers, similar to the Pixel 9 series.
- Early Launch: Google might release the Pixel 9a earlier than usual, possibly around Google I/O 2025.
- Last Samsung-Made Chip: The Pixel 9a will likely be the last Pixel phone to use a Samsung-made Tensor chip. Google is rumored to switch to TSMC for future Pixel devices.
Google is getting ready to unveil its next budget-friendly smartphone, the Pixel 9a. And while we don’t have all the details yet, we’ve got a sneak peek at what’s in store.
First up, the wallpapers. Just like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9a will feature beautiful swirling flower wallpapers. These wallpapers come in both light and dark modes, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.
As for when we can expect to see the Pixel 9a, it’s looking like it might be sooner than usual. Google typically releases its budget Pixel phones around Google I/O. However, there’s a chance we could see the Pixel 9a launch a bit earlier this year.
One thing is for sure: the Pixel 9a will be the last Pixel phone to use a Samsung-made Tensor chip. Google is rumored to be switching to TSMC for future Pixel devices. This means we can expect even more powerful and efficient phones from Google in the coming years.
While we still have a few months to wait for the official launch, we’re excited to see what Google has in store for the Pixel 9a.
Google Calendar is getting a fresh look with a new visual design. Along with the updated look, Google has added some handy new features to simplify managing your schedule.
One of the most noticeable changes is the return of the three buttons for creating new events. You can now quickly choose between making a regular appointment, a task, or a birthday event.
Birthday Reminders
For birthdays, you can set reminders for the day itself, a week before, or even further in advance. This is a great way to ensure you never forget a special occasion.
Google Photos Gets Smarter
Google Photos is also getting a significant upgrade with the introduction of “Ask Photos”. This new feature allows you to ask questions about your photos using natural language. For example, you could ask “When was the last time I went to the beach?” or “Who is that person in the photo?”
AI-Powered Search
Using artificial intelligence, Ask Photos can analyze your photos and provide relevant answers to your questions. While it’s still in its early stages, Google promises that Ask Photos will become even more powerful over time.
Quick Search Tips for Google Photos and Play Store
Google has also made it easier to search for apps and photos. You can now quickly access the search bar in both Google Photos and the Play Store by double-tapping the search icon. This eliminates the extra step of opening the search tab first.
These new features are a welcome addition to Google Calendar and Google Photos. They make it easier to manage your schedule and find the photos you’re looking for.
Google Photos is rolling out a powerful new feature called Ask Photos! This AI-powered tool lets you search your photo library with natural language questions. Gone are the days of clunky keywords. Now, you can ask things like “Show me Halloween costumes over the years” or “When did my child learn to swim?”
The feature is still in its early stages, but it shows great promise. It appears as a new tab in the Photos app, replacing the “Search” function. Initially, it focuses on recognizing people and places in your photos. It might not be perfect for events or objects yet, but it’s constantly learning.
Signing Up for Ask Photos:
While not available to everyone yet, Google opened a waitlist last month. If you signed up, keep an eye out for the update! For others, the waitlist is still open (US only for now).
A New Look for Google Shopping:
In addition to the exciting Photos update, Google Shopping is getting a makeover! It seems a new logo is on the way, replacing the familiar price tag icon. The new logo is a simplified shopping bag in Google’s signature colors, swirling together for a clean, modern look.
The website itself might also be getting a refresh. We spotted glimpses of a redesigned site with a user-friendly layout and helpful features like browsing recommendations and price comparisons.
What’s Next?
While official announcements from Google are likely forthcoming, these updates hint at exciting things to come for Google Photos and Shopping. Ask Photos has the potential to revolutionize how you search your memories, and the Google Shopping revamp promises a more streamlined shopping experience.
Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.
What’s New?
- Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
- Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.
When Will Car Media Be Available?
Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.
How to Get Android Auto 13.0
The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.
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