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Practical. Functional. Different. Those are the ways we’ve typically described Google’s Pixel smartphones since they debuted in 2016. Google was always less concerned about making its phones look as cool as competitors — instead, its focus has been on unique camera tech and early AI capabilities. Since 2021’s Pixel 6, their cases have also been dominated by a massive rear camera bar, something that allows for large sensors but is undoubtedly polarizing. You either love it as an example of Google going against the grain, or you hate it.

Photo by Google

Now with the Pixel 9, which debuted today at the company’s 2024 Made By Google event, the company is finally trying to make the camera bar a bit less ugly. You could dare call it stylish. The new camera bar loses the edges of the old rectangular iterations and looks more like a wide pill box (it’s almost as if Google is trolling Apple for its Magic Island). Together with a thinner design, a glass rear cover and satin metal edges, the Pixel 9 finally looks like a phone that can sit beside Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices or an iPhone without shame. Those good looks will cost you though: The Pixel 9 starts at $799, $100 more than the Pixel 8.

Photo by Google

Beyond the facelift, the Pixel 9 also includes a slew of hardware upgrades that should make it more capable for AI tasks. There’s Google’s new Tensor G4 chip and 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB on the Pixel 8. The battery is slightly larger than before, and it can charge up to 55 percent in 30 minutes. And the screen has been upgraded as well: Google’s 6.3-inch Actua OLED display is slightly larger than before as well as 35 percent brighter, reaching up to 2,700 nits.
The Pixel 9’s cameras have also been totally revamped. In addition to the 50 megapixel main lens, there’s also a new 48 megapixel ultrawide (up from a 12MP ultrawide last year) that can take Macro Focus shots. The 10.5MP front camera also gets auto focus this year — something that was surprisingly left out in the past. At least you won’t have to worry about blurry selfies as much.

Photo by Google

As you’d expect, Google is touting the Pixel 9 as the perfect vessel for its Gemini AI. The phone also comes with a year’s worth of the Google One AI Premium plan, which typically costs $20 a month. In addition to generating images or text on demand, the Pixel 9 will also be able to remember information via Pixel Screenshots. It’s an on-device AI feature that sounds similar to Microsoft’s Recall, but instead of relying on constant monitoring of your device, it’s only going off of the screenshots you take. You could, for example, take a picture of a party invitation and then ask Gemini to recall it for you. Add Me, another on-device AI feature, will let you take a picture of friends and add yourself in later.
The Pixel 9 starts at $799 with 128GB of storage, but you can also upgrade to 256GB. It’s available in a slew of colors: Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony and Obsidian.
Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/googles-pixel-9-is-a-sleeker-and-more-powerful-flagship-built-for-gemini-ai-170026004.html?src=rss

Practical. Functional. Different. Those are the ways we’ve typically described Google’s Pixel smartphones since they debuted in 2016. Google was always less concerned about making its phones look as cool as competitors — instead, its focus has been on unique camera tech and early AI capabilities. Since 2021’s Pixel 6, their cases have also been dominated by a massive rear camera bar, something that allows for large sensors but is undoubtedly polarizing. You either love it as an example of Google going against the grain, or you hate it.

Now with the Pixel 9, which debuted today at the company’s 2024 Made By Google event, the company is finally trying to make the camera bar a bit less ugly. You could dare call it stylish. The new camera bar loses the edges of the old rectangular iterations and looks more like a wide pill box (it’s almost as if Google is trolling Apple for its Magic Island). Together with a thinner design, a glass rear cover and satin metal edges, the Pixel 9 finally looks like a phone that can sit beside Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices or an iPhone without shame. Those good looks will cost you though: The Pixel 9 starts at $799, $100 more than the Pixel 8.

Beyond the facelift, the Pixel 9 also includes a slew of hardware upgrades that should make it more capable for AI tasks. There’s Google’s new Tensor G4 chip and 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB on the Pixel 8. The battery is slightly larger than before, and it can charge up to 55 percent in 30 minutes. And the screen has been upgraded as well: Google’s 6.3-inch Actua OLED display is slightly larger than before as well as 35 percent brighter, reaching up to 2,700 nits.

The Pixel 9’s cameras have also been totally revamped. In addition to the 50 megapixel main lens, there’s also a new 48 megapixel ultrawide (up from a 12MP ultrawide last year) that can take Macro Focus shots. The 10.5MP front camera also gets auto focus this year — something that was surprisingly left out in the past. At least you won’t have to worry about blurry selfies as much.

As you’d expect, Google is touting the Pixel 9 as the perfect vessel for its Gemini AI. The phone also comes with a year’s worth of the Google One AI Premium plan, which typically costs $20 a month. In addition to generating images or text on demand, the Pixel 9 will also be able to remember information via Pixel Screenshots. It’s an on-device AI feature that sounds similar to Microsoft’s Recall, but instead of relying on constant monitoring of your device, it’s only going off of the screenshots you take. You could, for example, take a picture of a party invitation and then ask Gemini to recall it for you. Add Me, another on-device AI feature, will let you take a picture of friends and add yourself in later.

The Pixel 9 starts at $799 with 128GB of storage, but you can also upgrade to 256GB. It’s available in a slew of colors: Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony and Obsidian.

Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/googles-pixel-9-is-a-sleeker-and-more-powerful-flagship-built-for-gemini-ai-170026004.html?src=rss

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With the new Pixel 9, Google is continuing its push for more AI-powered features while also developing a more durable design and addressing one of my longest-running requests: the addition of a more compact Pro model.
The new Pixel 9 family
Unlike previous generations, the Pixel 9 line will now be divided across three handsets. There’s the base Pixel 9 which features a 6.3-inch screen, the 6.7-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL and the newest member of the family: the Pixel 9 Pro, which has all the same features as the Pro XL but in a smaller chassis with a 6.3-inch screen. In essence, the P9 Pro is for everyone who always wanted the extra telephoto camera you got on previous top-tier Google phones, but without the need to upgrade to a physically larger device.

The standard Pixel 9 will be available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, wintergreen and peony.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

All three models are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip. However, when compared to the regular Pixel 9, while it has the same size screen, the P9 Pro’s display sports a slightly higher resolution (1,280 x 2856 versus 1,080 x 2,424) and better peak brightness (3,000 nits vs 2,700 nits). It also gets more storage size options (up to 1TB) and 16GB of RAM instead of 12GB like on the base model. However, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature the same 4,700 mAh batteries, so longevity should be quite comparable.
Updated styling
Now that we got that out of the way, we can look at the line’s updated design. Every model features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in front and back along with a boxier frame that Google claims is twice as durable as the previous generation. There are also a few small cosmetic differences such as a different color options (the most notable is peony on the Pixel 9 and rose quartz on the Pro and Pro XL) and a matte satin finish on the base model versus a shiny, polished treatment for the more expensive Pro phones.
From the front, it almost looks like Google is stealing a page out of Apple’s playbook, as both the Pixel 9 and iPhone 14 have similar silhouettes with flat sides and rounded corners. But everything changes when you flip the phone around. Gone is the camera bar that recent Pixels had become known for and in its place is a tall pill-shaped module that looks kind of like a visor. It’s almost like what an Among Us character would look like if you made one into a phone.

For 2024, Google’s top-tier phone will be split into two models: the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro (left) and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL (right).

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

But more importantly, Google has upgraded the Pixel 9 line’s camera sensors with a new 50-MP main camera, a 48-MP ultra-wide that can also shoot macros and, for the Pro and Pro XL, a third 48-MP cam with a 5x telephoto zoom. Unfortunately, it was hard to get a good sense of how much image quality has improved during my short hands-on session, but I’d argue the biggest improvements are some of Google’s new camera features anyway.
This includes the debut of Zoom Enhance, which was originally teased back during the launch of the Pixel 8 but hadn’t been officially released until now. It takes soft blurry images and uses AI to increase both detail and sharpness. But the most impressive thing is that it seems to deliver on the TV show magic from series like CSI, where you can just press a button and suddenly a blurry pic becomes clear as day.
New software and camera features
In Google’s Magic Editor, there are two additions called Autoframe and Reimagine. The former relies on machine learning to analyze existing shots and recompose them to better highlight the subject or their surroundings while filling in the blanks similar to how the Content-Aware Fill tool works in Photoshop. Meanwhile, the latter can add new elements to a photo (it works best on foregrounds and backgrounds) simply by typing something in the prompt box. During our session, I replaced a road with a raging river with surprisingly good results.
There’s also the Add Me tool, which uses augmented reality guides to help you shoot two group shots with different people holding the phone before merging everything together. This means that everyone can be in the final image without needing to ask a stranger for help. And as an expansion of last year’s Video Boost tool, you can now shoot videos with up to 20x zoom or clips with up to 8K resolution.
But perhaps the most intriguing new software is two new exclusive standalone apps: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. Pixel Screenshots is very straightforward as it uses AI to analyze and search through all your saved screenshots so that you can easily retrieve information like reservations, things mentioned in a text or anything else. That said, unlike Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11, the Pixel 9 doesn’t create screenshots and save screenshots automatically, you have to do that on your own. This potentially sidesteps some of the more pressing security concerns, especially as everything in the Pixel Screenshots app happens on device.

The new Pixel Screenshots app on the Pixel 9 uses on-device AI to help search and organize all your screencaps.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Alternatively, for people who want to create brand new images, the Pixel Studio app uses AI to generate pretty much anything you can think of. You can even make custom stickers with your friends’ faces and combine them with other materials to create things like invitations.
Elsewhere, the Pixel Weather app features new AI-generated summaries of the day’s conditions, while updates to Clear Calling and the new Call Notes feature allow you to better hear and transcribe what’s being said. Finally, for more adventurous folk, Google’s Satellite SOS feature will allow you to text emergency services for help even when your phone doesn’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The service will be free for the first two years, though it remains to be seen how much it will cost after that.
Early impressions

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

All in all, the new Pixel 9 family isn’t a major departure from last year’s phones. That said, I think Google’s revamped designs look great and there are a ton of individual features and tools that seem quite powerful. So even if you might not have plans for all of them, stuff like Satellite SOS, Add Me or the Pixel Studio could make or break certain situations. Then you combine that best-in-class image quality, great screens with top-notch brightness. But the biggest ongoing development is how Google continues to build out its library of class-leading software and services. The Pixel is already home to powerful features like the Pixel Recorder, Call Screener and more, and now it’s getting support for Satellite SOS plus apps like the Pixel Studio, which is essentially a self-contained alternative to services like Midjourney. Year by year, it feels like Google is continuing to grow its lead in AI and software.
The standard Pixel 9 starts at $799 and will be available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, wintergreen and peony. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL start at $999 and $1,099 respectively, and will be available in obsidian, porcelain, hazel and rose quartz. Pre-orders go live today with official sales beginning on August 22.
Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-and-9-pro-hands-on-a-smart-evolution-and-a-smaller-pro-model-170015733.html?src=rss

With the new Pixel 9, Google is continuing its push for more AI-powered features while also developing a more durable design and addressing one of my longest-running requests: the addition of a more compact Pro model.

The new Pixel 9 family

Unlike previous generations, the Pixel 9 line will now be divided across three handsets. There’s the base Pixel 9 which features a 6.3-inch screen, the 6.7-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL and the newest member of the family: the Pixel 9 Pro, which has all the same features as the Pro XL but in a smaller chassis with a 6.3-inch screen. In essence, the P9 Pro is for everyone who always wanted the extra telephoto camera you got on previous top-tier Google phones, but without the need to upgrade to a physically larger device.

The standard Pixel 9 will be available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, wintergreen and peony.

All three models are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip. However, when compared to the regular Pixel 9, while it has the same size screen, the P9 Pro’s display sports a slightly higher resolution (1,280 x 2856 versus 1,080 x 2,424) and better peak brightness (3,000 nits vs 2,700 nits). It also gets more storage size options (up to 1TB) and 16GB of RAM instead of 12GB like on the base model. However, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature the same 4,700 mAh batteries, so longevity should be quite comparable.

Updated styling

Now that we got that out of the way, we can look at the line’s updated design. Every model features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in front and back along with a boxier frame that Google claims is twice as durable as the previous generation. There are also a few small cosmetic differences such as a different color options (the most notable is peony on the Pixel 9 and rose quartz on the Pro and Pro XL) and a matte satin finish on the base model versus a shiny, polished treatment for the more expensive Pro phones.

From the front, it almost looks like Google is stealing a page out of Apple’s playbook, as both the Pixel 9 and iPhone 14 have similar silhouettes with flat sides and rounded corners. But everything changes when you flip the phone around. Gone is the camera bar that recent Pixels had become known for and in its place is a tall pill-shaped module that looks kind of like a visor. It’s almost like what an Among Us character would look like if you made one into a phone.

For 2024, Google’s top-tier phone will be split into two models: the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro (left) and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL (right).

But more importantly, Google has upgraded the Pixel 9 line’s camera sensors with a new 50-MP main camera, a 48-MP ultra-wide that can also shoot macros and, for the Pro and Pro XL, a third 48-MP cam with a 5x telephoto zoom. Unfortunately, it was hard to get a good sense of how much image quality has improved during my short hands-on session, but I’d argue the biggest improvements are some of Google’s new camera features anyway.

This includes the debut of Zoom Enhance, which was originally teased back during the launch of the Pixel 8 but hadn’t been officially released until now. It takes soft blurry images and uses AI to increase both detail and sharpness. But the most impressive thing is that it seems to deliver on the TV show magic from series like CSI, where you can just press a button and suddenly a blurry pic becomes clear as day.

New software and camera features

In Google’s Magic Editor, there are two additions called Autoframe and Reimagine. The former relies on machine learning to analyze existing shots and recompose them to better highlight the subject or their surroundings while filling in the blanks similar to how the Content-Aware Fill tool works in Photoshop. Meanwhile, the latter can add new elements to a photo (it works best on foregrounds and backgrounds) simply by typing something in the prompt box. During our session, I replaced a road with a raging river with surprisingly good results.

There’s also the Add Me tool, which uses augmented reality guides to help you shoot two group shots with different people holding the phone before merging everything together. This means that everyone can be in the final image without needing to ask a stranger for help. And as an expansion of last year’s Video Boost tool, you can now shoot videos with up to 20x zoom or clips with up to 8K resolution.

But perhaps the most intriguing new software is two new exclusive standalone apps: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. Pixel Screenshots is very straightforward as it uses AI to analyze and search through all your saved screenshots so that you can easily retrieve information like reservations, things mentioned in a text or anything else. That said, unlike Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11, the Pixel 9 doesn’t create screenshots and save screenshots automatically, you have to do that on your own. This potentially sidesteps some of the more pressing security concerns, especially as everything in the Pixel Screenshots app happens on device.

The new Pixel Screenshots app on the Pixel 9 uses on-device AI to help search and organize all your screencaps.

Alternatively, for people who want to create brand new images, the Pixel Studio app uses AI to generate pretty much anything you can think of. You can even make custom stickers with your friends’ faces and combine them with other materials to create things like invitations.

Elsewhere, the Pixel Weather app features new AI-generated summaries of the day’s conditions, while updates to Clear Calling and the new Call Notes feature allow you to better hear and transcribe what’s being said. Finally, for more adventurous folk, Google’s Satellite SOS feature will allow you to text emergency services for help even when your phone doesn’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The service will be free for the first two years, though it remains to be seen how much it will cost after that.

Early impressions

All in all, the new Pixel 9 family isn’t a major departure from last year’s phones. That said, I think Google’s revamped designs look great and there are a ton of individual features and tools that seem quite powerful. So even if you might not have plans for all of them, stuff like Satellite SOS, Add Me or the Pixel Studio could make or break certain situations. Then you combine that best-in-class image quality, great screens with top-notch brightness. But the biggest ongoing development is how Google continues to build out its library of class-leading software and services. The Pixel is already home to powerful features like the Pixel Recorder, Call Screener and more, and now it’s getting support for Satellite SOS plus apps like the Pixel Studio, which is essentially a self-contained alternative to services like Midjourney. Year by year, it feels like Google is continuing to grow its lead in AI and software.

The standard Pixel 9 starts at $799 and will be available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, wintergreen and peony. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL start at $999 and $1,099 respectively, and will be available in obsidian, porcelain, hazel and rose quartz. Pre-orders go live today with official sales beginning on August 22.

Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-and-9-pro-hands-on-a-smart-evolution-and-a-smaller-pro-model-170015733.html?src=rss

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Google just announced a whole bunch of new products at the Made by Google event, including a trio of Pixel 9 smartphones. The phones look cool and stuffed to the gills with high-tech features. Each of the four new models will also be able to use a long-requested safety tool. That’s right. Satellite-based SOS calling is coming to the Pixel 9 series.
This allows people to access emergency services even when they’re off the grid and have no access to cellular or Wi-Fi signals. This feature not only connects to emergency service providers, but can also share a location with contacts so someone can come scoop you up. It’s not 100-percent fool-proof, as the phone must have access to a satellite, but nearly every corner of the globe has access to one satellite or another. In other words, consider it 99-percent fool-proof.
While this is the first time a dedicated SOS mode is showing up on an Android phone, Apple has been offering the feature for a couple of years now. Apple typically allows for two years of free access to the service upon activation of a new iPhone 14 or higher. It’s assumed that, at some point, the company will begin charging for SOS calls, but Apple has yet to make this official.
Google’s adopting a similar method here. Pixel 9 owners get two free years of SOS calling, but the company hasn’t said what the price would be when that timeframe passes. The feature is only available in the US, for now, and Google says “connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions and other factors.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-announces-satellite-sos-calling-for-pixel-9-phones-170013392.html?src=rss

Google just announced a whole bunch of new products at the Made by Google event, including a trio of Pixel 9 smartphones. The phones look cool and stuffed to the gills with high-tech features. Each of the four new models will also be able to use a long-requested safety tool. That’s right. Satellite-based SOS calling is coming to the Pixel 9 series.

This allows people to access emergency services even when they’re off the grid and have no access to cellular or Wi-Fi signals. This feature not only connects to emergency service providers, but can also share a location with contacts so someone can come scoop you up. It’s not 100-percent fool-proof, as the phone must have access to a satellite, but nearly every corner of the globe has access to one satellite or another. In other words, consider it 99-percent fool-proof.

While this is the first time a dedicated SOS mode is showing up on an Android phone, Apple has been offering the feature for a couple of years now. Apple typically allows for two years of free access to the service upon activation of a new iPhone 14 or higher. It’s assumed that, at some point, the company will begin charging for SOS calls, but Apple has yet to make this official.

Google’s adopting a similar method here. Pixel 9 owners get two free years of SOS calling, but the company hasn’t said what the price would be when that timeframe passes. The feature is only available in the US, for now, and Google says “connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions and other factors.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-announces-satellite-sos-calling-for-pixel-9-phones-170013392.html?src=rss

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Google just officially revealed the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL smartphones at its latest Made by Google event. These offer some major improvements when compared to the standard Pixel 9, which was also announced today.
First of all, it’s important to note that the Pro and Pro XL are essentially the same phone. The XL has a bigger screen, at 6.8-inches, and can charge up a bit quicker, but that’s it. So which one you choose should depend entirely on whether or not you want that added screen real estate. I personally like gigantic screens, even if the phones tend to be a bit cumbersome. 

Google

The specs here are excellent, and should give Samsung’s latest high-end handsets a run for their money. The Pixel 9 Pro line features the brand-new Tensor G4 processor and an astounding 16GB of RAM. This RAM is pretty much required to simultaneously power all of the AI software that’s running underneath the hood. These phones are designed to handle a vast array of AI tasks, with Gemini baked into chats, photos, note-taking and more. To help seal the AI deal, the company’s packing in a one-year subscription to the Google One AI Premium Plan. This gives unlimited access to everything Gemini has to offer.
Another huge update is the camera system. Google phones are widely known for having some of the best cameras in the business, and the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL look to be keeping this tradition alive. The front camera has been upgraded to a 42 MP dual-pixel autofocus system. The triple rear camera system has also been enhanced, with a 50 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide sensor and 48 MP telephoto sensor.

Google

The camera software has also gotten a boost to take advantage of the aforementioned specs. Video footage can be automatically enhanced to 8K, with the option for Super Res Zoom. There’s a macro focus tool and night sight capabilities. Users will also have access to all of the aforementioned AI bells and whistles, including stuff like Magic Eraser and Magic Editor.
Now onto the display. The standard Pixel 9 Pro includes a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 495 PPI, a variable refresh rate (up to 120Hz) and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. It’s also covered by ultra-durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so it should be able to take a licking and keep on ticking. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts the exact same display specs, but with a 6.8-inch screen.
Both of these phones are available in four colors, including black, white, hazel and rose quartz. The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $1,000 and Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,100, with pre-orders available now. Each model ships with 16GB of RAM, and that’s the only available option. Customers can add internal storage, however, with drives ranging from 128GB to 1TB.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-just-announced-the-nearly-identical-pixel-9-pro-and-pixel-9-pro-xl-170006200.html?src=rss

Google just officially revealed the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL smartphones at its latest Made by Google event. These offer some major improvements when compared to the standard Pixel 9, which was also announced today.

First of all, it’s important to note that the Pro and Pro XL are essentially the same phone. The XL has a bigger screen, at 6.8-inches, and can charge up a bit quicker, but that’s it. So which one you choose should depend entirely on whether or not you want that added screen real estate. I personally like gigantic screens, even if the phones tend to be a bit cumbersome. 

The specs here are excellent, and should give Samsung’s latest high-end handsets a run for their money. The Pixel 9 Pro line features the brand-new Tensor G4 processor and an astounding 16GB of RAM. This RAM is pretty much required to simultaneously power all of the AI software that’s running underneath the hood. These phones are designed to handle a vast array of AI tasks, with Gemini baked into chats, photos, note-taking and more. To help seal the AI deal, the company’s packing in a one-year subscription to the Google One AI Premium Plan. This gives unlimited access to everything Gemini has to offer.

Another huge update is the camera system. Google phones are widely known for having some of the best cameras in the business, and the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL look to be keeping this tradition alive. The front camera has been upgraded to a 42 MP dual-pixel autofocus system. The triple rear camera system has also been enhanced, with a 50 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide sensor and 48 MP telephoto sensor.

The camera software has also gotten a boost to take advantage of the aforementioned specs. Video footage can be automatically enhanced to 8K, with the option for Super Res Zoom. There’s a macro focus tool and night sight capabilities. Users will also have access to all of the aforementioned AI bells and whistles, including stuff like Magic Eraser and Magic Editor.

Now onto the display. The standard Pixel 9 Pro includes a 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 495 PPI, a variable refresh rate (up to 120Hz) and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. It’s also covered by ultra-durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so it should be able to take a licking and keep on ticking. The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts the exact same display specs, but with a 6.8-inch screen.

Both of these phones are available in four colors, including black, white, hazel and rose quartz. The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $1,000 and Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,100, with pre-orders available now. Each model ships with 16GB of RAM, and that’s the only available option. Customers can add internal storage, however, with drives ranging from 128GB to 1TB.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-just-announced-the-nearly-identical-pixel-9-pro-and-pixel-9-pro-xl-170006200.html?src=rss

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One size never did fit all, especially not for a device as personal as a wearable. The fact that the first two generations of the Pixel Watch were only available in one size was one of my biggest complaints about it. The good news is, that changes with the company’s latest smartwatch launched at this year’s Made By Google event: The Pixel Watch 3 is finally available in more than one size.
If you prefer something bigger than the original, which had a 41mm case, this year is your first chance to consider Google’s smartwatch. While last year’s sophomore effort focused on improving sensors, processor and fitness-tracking features, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers a bigger size, bigger screen and bigger promises on battery life. It also brings a new “loss of pulse detection” feature that Google says is the first of its kind.

The Pixel Watch 3 brings loss-of-pulse detection
Despite being slightly awkwardly worded, “loss of pulse detection” does basically what it describes. Using the Pixel Watch 3’s heart rate and other sensors, it’ll notice if the wearer has a pulse. Since the device is sampling your pulse at the rate of once every second, which is one of the most frequent in the mainstream smartwatch space, it’ll notice quite quickly if your heart’s stopped. Then, it’ll look for other signs like whether you’re still moving, and whether it’s still on your wrist. With all this data, it’ll determine whether you’re having a “loss of pulse event” like cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning.
When it identifies loss of pulse, the Pixel Watch 3 will then check in with you and call emergency services if you don’t respond. At launch, Google said this will be available in various countries in Europe (including the UK) and that it’s “working with regulatory bodies to make the feature available in more countries.” Speaking with Engadget, Google’s senior director of product management for Pixel Wearables Sandeep Waraich said there was nothing to announce yet on US availability. “But our desire is to help as many people [as possible],” he said, adding “even saving one life through this would be tremendous.”
Once the heart-rate sensor, in its continuous sampling, detects a “probability that there is loss of pulse,” Waraich explained, “It then kicks into red LEDs.” This brings about an “even higher capture of the event,” he added. If there continues to be no pulse detected, the motion sensing kicks in to see if there is any “purposeful motion,” before the system will determine that there is a high likelihood a loss of pulse event is happening, leading it to prompt the user and start emergency outreach.
This feature unfortunately wasn’t available to preview at Google’s recent hands-on event, so I wasn’t able to check it out. Plus, unless I had a legitimate cardiac arrest, it wasn’t something I can easily test. Loss of pulse detection appears to be one of those safety features that’s there for peace of mind, but not something reviewers can easily evaluate.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Hands-on impressions of the Pixel Watch 3
The things I was able to see at the hands-on were the new larger displays and bigger model. I strapped on both the 41mm and 45mm versions of the Pixel Watch 3 and frankly, the difference isn’t huge. Given the original already sat quite comfortably on my relatively small wrist, I found the new versions fit similarly. The bigger option did look a lot more at home on the other people at this event who had bigger wrists, and less out of place than the first two generations did.
On both sizes, the Pixel Watch 3’s display is roomier than before. Google said it was able to cut the bezels down by 16 percent, which opened up some space on the 41mm model. Meanwhile, that, together with the larger panel on the 45mm variant, translated to a 40 percent increase in screen space compared to the older 41mm models. Side by side, I could see one more tile on the 45mm on certain cards, and an additional ring around the watch face. On some pages, I could see up to three more icons on the 45mm device compared to the smaller Pixel Watch 3.
That’s quite a lot gained in exchange for not much added bulk. Both sizes of the Pixel Watch 3 still looked similar to their predecessors, with a round, shiny case that twinkled when it caught the light at certain angles. The dial on the right protrudes slightly like before, and rotating it made for smooth, intuitive scrolling through the watch’s interface.
This year, Google also used the Actua displays it launched on the Pixel 8 flagships on the new Pixel Watch 3 lineup. That means the new watches can go up to 2,000 nits of brightness and down to 1 nit when you don’t want your retinas scorched. The Pixel Watch 3 also has an adaptive refresh rate of between 1Hz and 60Hz, and being able to get down to just 1Hz can help Google save some power.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The Pixel Watch 3’s battery life
In fact, with the new smartwatches running Wear OS 5 that promises greater battery life, as well as their dual chip architecture, the more power-efficient screens can help make the Pixel Watch 3 last longer than their predecessors. At least, that’s the hope.
Google says you should be able to get 24 hours of use with a full charge, and an improved Battery Saver mode that should extend runtime to 36 hours without sacrificing “health, fitness and safety features.” It’s worth noting that the 45mm model has a 35 percent larger battery than the Pixel Watch 2, though it also has a larger display to support.
Once you hit 15 percent on your watch, Battery Saver will automatically kick in to get you a few more hours. Google’s fine print states the usual warning about how use of different features may result in shorter battery life, and has told Engadget that the 36-hour claim is if you start the clock with Battery Saver turned on.
Adding to the power-saving suite of features is a new auto bedtime mode that is activated when the Pixel Watch 3 detects when you’ve fallen asleep. It’ll turn off the Always On Display and disable notifications when you’ve dozed off, then automatically go back to normal when it senses you’ve awoken. Not only does this reduce disruptions when you’re resting, but it also helps conserve battery. Importantly, bedtime mode does not turn off sleep-tracking, so you’ll still get to see how much time you spent in the REM or deep stages the next day.
I’ll need to test a review unit to gauge the Pixel Watch 3’s battery life for sure. For now, it’s heartening to note that the Pixel Watch 3 will charge faster than its predecessors. The 41mm model charges 20 percent faster than the Watch 2, meaning it gets fully charged 15 minutes faster than before.
As it is with most smartwatch launches, it’s hard to really get a sense for the Pixel Watch 3 with what limited hands-on time I had. I can tell you it’s light and comfortable in either size, and that I remain obsessed with the soft stretchy band (called “Stretch band”) that Google makes, which is easy to slip on and off.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The Pixel Watch 3’s new features for running workouts
I was also able to get a demo of some upcoming features baked into the software, including the new running workout experience. With the Pixel Watch 3, Google is adding the ability for you to design specific running workouts that you can launch on your wrist. These can comprise segments for warm-ups, cooldowns and blocks of time set to pace, distance, time or heart-rate targets.
A Google rep at the event showed me a quick workout that involved a ten-second warmup, followed by two sequences of sprinting and resting for 8 seconds each. During the “sprint” windows, the Pixel Watch 3 had audio and haptic prompts to tell the wearer to run faster.
After your run, you’ll see a breakdown of things like your cadence, stride and vertical oscillation in addition to the usual duration, distance and calories burned. For the avid or beginner runner, this can be a helpful tool, though it’s worth pointing out that Samsung and Apple both already offer similar coaching in their smartwatches. Like its competition, too, Google has updated activity tracking layout so that your media playback controls are just a swipe away within the workout interface.
Though the bulk of the Pixel Watch 3’s exercise-related updates are for runners, the device is capable of tracking 40 different exercise modes. With every activity that counts towards your cardio, you’ll give Google data for a new stat it calculates called Cardio Load. It’ll look at how hard you worked the day before and set a target load for the day ahead so you don’t overtrain. Your daily target rings will adjust based on your readiness and cardio metrics, too, much like Apple’s adaptable progress rings on watchOS 11. Together with your daily readiness score, which used to be a Fitbit Premium feature for previous Pixel watches, this should help you better manage your activity.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

A new direction for Fitbit Premium
That’s right, I said “used to be a Fitbit Premium feature.” Alongside the launch of the Pixel Watch 3, the daily readiness score that used to require a monthly subscription is no longer paywalled. It will be available to compatible Fitbit devices, as well as the Pixel Watch 1 and 2. “That makes the Fitbit Premium proposition very easy to understand,” Waraich said.
If you pay the $8 a month for Fitbit Premium, you’re still getting some bonuses. For instance, the custom run workouts I described earlier can also be generated by Google’s AI — for Premium users. The AI can look at your previous runs and general readiness score to come up with suggested running workouts and surface them at the top of your exercise list. You’ll also continue to have access to video and guided workout content from providers like Alo Moves, Les Mills, Calm and more.
Other updates to the Pixel Watch 3
Some other features coming to the Pixel Watch 3 that I didn’ get to check out at the hands-on event include a new daily morning brief that shows your readiness and cardio scores, in addition to weather and calendar updates at the start of your day. Google is also integrating more of its ecosystem by making live feeds from Nest security cameras viewable from the Pixel Watch 3. You can also use a remote tile to control your compatible TV, or have the watch unlock your Pixel phone or select cars. At launch, some models from BMW and Mini will support the ultra wideband unlock feature, though more companies may get added to the list in future.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

I’m most excited by the addition of Pixel phone features to the Pixel Watch 3, like Call Assist and the Recorder app. The latter will let me start a voice recording from my wrist, and though the watch itself won’t be doing any transcribing, the audio will sync with a paired Pixel phone where the transcript will appear.
Pixel Watch 3 pricing and colors
The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349 for the 41mm model and $399 for the 45mm option. The smaller version comes in four case and band colors, while the larger only comes in three — the pink variant is not available in the bigger size. That’s sad, but not a dealbreaker since the other three colors (black, white and hazel) aren’t ugly and you can always buy yourself a nicer strap. Plus, what’s more important is that the Pixel Watch 3 actually delivers on the battery life and performance claims, which I’ll have to wait for a review unit to find out.

Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/pixel-watch-3-hands-on-a-bigger-size-bigger-screen-and-bigger-battery-promises-200003046.html?src=rss

One size never did fit all, especially not for a device as personal as a wearable. The fact that the first two generations of the Pixel Watch were only available in one size was one of my biggest complaints about it. The good news is, that changes with the company’s latest smartwatch launched at this year’s Made By Google event: The Pixel Watch 3 is finally available in more than one size.

If you prefer something bigger than the original, which had a 41mm case, this year is your first chance to consider Google’s smartwatch. While last year’s sophomore effort focused on improving sensors, processor and fitness-tracking features, the Pixel Watch 3 delivers a bigger size, bigger screen and bigger promises on battery life. It also brings a new “loss of pulse detection” feature that Google says is the first of its kind.

The Pixel Watch 3 brings loss-of-pulse detection

Despite being slightly awkwardly worded, “loss of pulse detection” does basically what it describes. Using the Pixel Watch 3’s heart rate and other sensors, it’ll notice if the wearer has a pulse. Since the device is sampling your pulse at the rate of once every second, which is one of the most frequent in the mainstream smartwatch space, it’ll notice quite quickly if your heart’s stopped. Then, it’ll look for other signs like whether you’re still moving, and whether it’s still on your wrist. With all this data, it’ll determine whether you’re having a “loss of pulse event” like cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning.

When it identifies loss of pulse, the Pixel Watch 3 will then check in with you and call emergency services if you don’t respond. At launch, Google said this will be available in various countries in Europe (including the UK) and that it’s “working with regulatory bodies to make the feature available in more countries.” Speaking with Engadget, Google’s senior director of product management for Pixel Wearables Sandeep Waraich said there was nothing to announce yet on US availability. “But our desire is to help as many people [as possible],” he said, adding “even saving one life through this would be tremendous.”

Once the heart-rate sensor, in its continuous sampling, detects a “probability that there is loss of pulse,” Waraich explained, “It then kicks into red LEDs.” This brings about an “even higher capture of the event,” he added. If there continues to be no pulse detected, the motion sensing kicks in to see if there is any “purposeful motion,” before the system will determine that there is a high likelihood a loss of pulse event is happening, leading it to prompt the user and start emergency outreach.

This feature unfortunately wasn’t available to preview at Google’s recent hands-on event, so I wasn’t able to check it out. Plus, unless I had a legitimate cardiac arrest, it wasn’t something I can easily test. Loss of pulse detection appears to be one of those safety features that’s there for peace of mind, but not something reviewers can easily evaluate.

Hands-on impressions of the Pixel Watch 3

The things I was able to see at the hands-on were the new larger displays and bigger model. I strapped on both the 41mm and 45mm versions of the Pixel Watch 3 and frankly, the difference isn’t huge. Given the original already sat quite comfortably on my relatively small wrist, I found the new versions fit similarly. The bigger option did look a lot more at home on the other people at this event who had bigger wrists, and less out of place than the first two generations did.

On both sizes, the Pixel Watch 3’s display is roomier than before. Google said it was able to cut the bezels down by 16 percent, which opened up some space on the 41mm model. Meanwhile, that, together with the larger panel on the 45mm variant, translated to a 40 percent increase in screen space compared to the older 41mm models. Side by side, I could see one more tile on the 45mm on certain cards, and an additional ring around the watch face. On some pages, I could see up to three more icons on the 45mm device compared to the smaller Pixel Watch 3.

That’s quite a lot gained in exchange for not much added bulk. Both sizes of the Pixel Watch 3 still looked similar to their predecessors, with a round, shiny case that twinkled when it caught the light at certain angles. The dial on the right protrudes slightly like before, and rotating it made for smooth, intuitive scrolling through the watch’s interface.

This year, Google also used the Actua displays it launched on the Pixel 8 flagships on the new Pixel Watch 3 lineup. That means the new watches can go up to 2,000 nits of brightness and down to 1 nit when you don’t want your retinas scorched. The Pixel Watch 3 also has an adaptive refresh rate of between 1Hz and 60Hz, and being able to get down to just 1Hz can help Google save some power.

The Pixel Watch 3’s battery life

In fact, with the new smartwatches running Wear OS 5 that promises greater battery life, as well as their dual chip architecture, the more power-efficient screens can help make the Pixel Watch 3 last longer than their predecessors. At least, that’s the hope.

Google says you should be able to get 24 hours of use with a full charge, and an improved Battery Saver mode that should extend runtime to 36 hours without sacrificing “health, fitness and safety features.” It’s worth noting that the 45mm model has a 35 percent larger battery than the Pixel Watch 2, though it also has a larger display to support.

Once you hit 15 percent on your watch, Battery Saver will automatically kick in to get you a few more hours. Google’s fine print states the usual warning about how use of different features may result in shorter battery life, and has told Engadget that the 36-hour claim is if you start the clock with Battery Saver turned on.

Adding to the power-saving suite of features is a new auto bedtime mode that is activated when the Pixel Watch 3 detects when you’ve fallen asleep. It’ll turn off the Always On Display and disable notifications when you’ve dozed off, then automatically go back to normal when it senses you’ve awoken. Not only does this reduce disruptions when you’re resting, but it also helps conserve battery. Importantly, bedtime mode does not turn off sleep-tracking, so you’ll still get to see how much time you spent in the REM or deep stages the next day.

I’ll need to test a review unit to gauge the Pixel Watch 3’s battery life for sure. For now, it’s heartening to note that the Pixel Watch 3 will charge faster than its predecessors. The 41mm model charges 20 percent faster than the Watch 2, meaning it gets fully charged 15 minutes faster than before.

As it is with most smartwatch launches, it’s hard to really get a sense for the Pixel Watch 3 with what limited hands-on time I had. I can tell you it’s light and comfortable in either size, and that I remain obsessed with the soft stretchy band (called “Stretch band”) that Google makes, which is easy to slip on and off.

The Pixel Watch 3’s new features for running workouts

I was also able to get a demo of some upcoming features baked into the software, including the new running workout experience. With the Pixel Watch 3, Google is adding the ability for you to design specific running workouts that you can launch on your wrist. These can comprise segments for warm-ups, cooldowns and blocks of time set to pace, distance, time or heart-rate targets.

A Google rep at the event showed me a quick workout that involved a ten-second warmup, followed by two sequences of sprinting and resting for 8 seconds each. During the “sprint” windows, the Pixel Watch 3 had audio and haptic prompts to tell the wearer to run faster.

After your run, you’ll see a breakdown of things like your cadence, stride and vertical oscillation in addition to the usual duration, distance and calories burned. For the avid or beginner runner, this can be a helpful tool, though it’s worth pointing out that Samsung and Apple both already offer similar coaching in their smartwatches. Like its competition, too, Google has updated activity tracking layout so that your media playback controls are just a swipe away within the workout interface.

Though the bulk of the Pixel Watch 3’s exercise-related updates are for runners, the device is capable of tracking 40 different exercise modes. With every activity that counts towards your cardio, you’ll give Google data for a new stat it calculates called Cardio Load. It’ll look at how hard you worked the day before and set a target load for the day ahead so you don’t overtrain. Your daily target rings will adjust based on your readiness and cardio metrics, too, much like Apple’s adaptable progress rings on watchOS 11. Together with your daily readiness score, which used to be a Fitbit Premium feature for previous Pixel watches, this should help you better manage your activity.

A new direction for Fitbit Premium

That’s right, I said “used to be a Fitbit Premium feature.” Alongside the launch of the Pixel Watch 3, the daily readiness score that used to require a monthly subscription is no longer paywalled. It will be available to compatible Fitbit devices, as well as the Pixel Watch 1 and 2. “That makes the Fitbit Premium proposition very easy to understand,” Waraich said.

If you pay the $8 a month for Fitbit Premium, you’re still getting some bonuses. For instance, the custom run workouts I described earlier can also be generated by Google’s AI — for Premium users. The AI can look at your previous runs and general readiness score to come up with suggested running workouts and surface them at the top of your exercise list. You’ll also continue to have access to video and guided workout content from providers like Alo Moves, Les Mills, Calm and more.

Other updates to the Pixel Watch 3

Some other features coming to the Pixel Watch 3 that I didn’ get to check out at the hands-on event include a new daily morning brief that shows your readiness and cardio scores, in addition to weather and calendar updates at the start of your day. Google is also integrating more of its ecosystem by making live feeds from Nest security cameras viewable from the Pixel Watch 3. You can also use a remote tile to control your compatible TV, or have the watch unlock your Pixel phone or select cars. At launch, some models from BMW and Mini will support the ultra wideband unlock feature, though more companies may get added to the list in future.

I’m most excited by the addition of Pixel phone features to the Pixel Watch 3, like Call Assist and the Recorder app. The latter will let me start a voice recording from my wrist, and though the watch itself won’t be doing any transcribing, the audio will sync with a paired Pixel phone where the transcript will appear.

Pixel Watch 3 pricing and colors

The Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349 for the 41mm model and $399 for the 45mm option. The smaller version comes in four case and band colors, while the larger only comes in three — the pink variant is not available in the bigger size. That’s sad, but not a dealbreaker since the other three colors (black, white and hazel) aren’t ugly and you can always buy yourself a nicer strap. Plus, what’s more important is that the Pixel Watch 3 actually delivers on the battery life and performance claims, which I’ll have to wait for a review unit to find out.

Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/pixel-watch-3-hands-on-a-bigger-size-bigger-screen-and-bigger-battery-promises-200003046.html?src=rss

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It’s hard not to be awed by Framework’s commitment to its original 13-inch modular laptop, which it has been updating every year since it launched. When a new Intel (or AMD) chip rolls around, it builds new mainboards that can be swapped in to keep your machine on the cutting edge. And it’s done plenty of work to ensure that the still-working mainboards that you no longer use can have a second (or third) life.
This year, the company is bringing Intel’s new Core Ultra (Series 1) processors to its mainboards with the Ultra 5 125H, Ultra 7 155H and the Ultra 7 165H all available. These offer more efficient power use, better thermals and the option to add up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM. To accompany the new silicon, the company has launched a second-generation webcam and display.
Given the need to fit into an existing template, the mainboards are almost identical to their predecessors. Except for the fact the thermal system has been tweaked to hopefully keep things cooler without as much noise. Intel’s new Core Ultra Chips are meant to be a little more gentle with their power consumption and how much heat they kick out. Existing Framework machines are notorious for spinning their fans to full whenever they get the slightest amount of workout.
Sadly, I haven’t had the upgrade in long enough to make any serious benchmarks, but it does appear to be a lot faster than its predecessor. The company says you should expect to see improvements in power efficiency, battery life and video and gaming performance. As for the fan noise, it’s a bit quieter than the previous model, especially when running games — which it can now do quite easily. You’ll still hear the fan when playing a game like Grand Theft Auto V, but it won’t sound like a jet engine taking off.
I have fewer meaningful things to say about the 2,880 x 1,920, 120Hz display. The only really notable difference is that while the original display had a peak brightness of 400 nits, this one will go all the way up to 500. The extra backlight is a mercy, especially in bright weather, but I’m less whelmed by the extra resolution.
Framework’s first-generation webcam was no slouch but even that is subject to the whims of time’s ceaseless march. The space constraints of laptop lids means it’s only now we can see better sensors, like the sort we see in phones, shrinking to the point of fitting in that gap. The OXO8X is a 9.2-megapixel sensor with backside illumination and pixel binning: the former allowing for better low-light performance; the latter crunches the 9.2-megapixel picture to get a higher-quality 1080p image than we’ve seen before. In front of the sensor is a five-element, f/2.0 lens with an 87-degree field of view, again with the promise of better picture quality.
Installation of the webcam — and everything else — is, as usual, a breeze. But while putting the new module in is fine enough, the image you get out the other end isn’t a massive improvement. The colors are still pretty muted and I’m not sure, apart from some better detail, that I can see enough of a difference between both models to consider upgrading. And while the pixel binning does make the picture sharper, it’s not a night and day shift. While new buyers will get the new module as a matter of course, those with existing Framework Laptop 13s shouldn’t feel like they’re missing out.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/framework-nips-and-tucks-its-13-inch-laptop-160053383.html?src=rss

It’s hard not to be awed by Framework’s commitment to its original 13-inch modular laptop, which it has been updating every year since it launched. When a new Intel (or AMD) chip rolls around, it builds new mainboards that can be swapped in to keep your machine on the cutting edge. And it’s done plenty of work to ensure that the still-working mainboards that you no longer use can have a second (or third) life.

This year, the company is bringing Intel’s new Core Ultra (Series 1) processors to its mainboards with the Ultra 5 125H, Ultra 7 155H and the Ultra 7 165H all available. These offer more efficient power use, better thermals and the option to add up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM. To accompany the new silicon, the company has launched a second-generation webcam and display.

Given the need to fit into an existing template, the mainboards are almost identical to their predecessors. Except for the fact the thermal system has been tweaked to hopefully keep things cooler without as much noise. Intel’s new Core Ultra Chips are meant to be a little more gentle with their power consumption and how much heat they kick out. Existing Framework machines are notorious for spinning their fans to full whenever they get the slightest amount of workout.

Sadly, I haven’t had the upgrade in long enough to make any serious benchmarks, but it does appear to be a lot faster than its predecessor. The company says you should expect to see improvements in power efficiency, battery life and video and gaming performance. As for the fan noise, it’s a bit quieter than the previous model, especially when running games — which it can now do quite easily. You’ll still hear the fan when playing a game like Grand Theft Auto V, but it won’t sound like a jet engine taking off.

I have fewer meaningful things to say about the 2,880 x 1,920, 120Hz display. The only really notable difference is that while the original display had a peak brightness of 400 nits, this one will go all the way up to 500. The extra backlight is a mercy, especially in bright weather, but I’m less whelmed by the extra resolution.

Framework’s first-generation webcam was no slouch but even that is subject to the whims of time’s ceaseless march. The space constraints of laptop lids means it’s only now we can see better sensors, like the sort we see in phones, shrinking to the point of fitting in that gap. The OXO8X is a 9.2-megapixel sensor with backside illumination and pixel binning: the former allowing for better low-light performance; the latter crunches the 9.2-megapixel picture to get a higher-quality 1080p image than we’ve seen before. In front of the sensor is a five-element, f/2.0 lens with an 87-degree field of view, again with the promise of better picture quality.

Installation of the webcam — and everything else — is, as usual, a breeze. But while putting the new module in is fine enough, the image you get out the other end isn’t a massive improvement. The colors are still pretty muted and I’m not sure, apart from some better detail, that I can see enough of a difference between both models to consider upgrading. And while the pixel binning does make the picture sharper, it’s not a night and day shift. While new buyers will get the new module as a matter of course, those with existing Framework Laptop 13s shouldn’t feel like they’re missing out.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/framework-nips-and-tucks-its-13-inch-laptop-160053383.html?src=rss

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Paramount is laying off 15 percent of its US workforce, according to reporting by Deadline. This follows a lean second quarter earnings report in which total revenue fell short from an expected $7.21 billion to $6.81 billion. The layoffs will impact around 3,000 people.
“The industry continues to evolve, and Paramount is at an inflection point where changes must be made to strengthen our business,” company CEOs wrote in a staff memo.
Paramount representatives say these cuts will happen in three stages, with layoffs beginning today and 90 percent of all cuts being completed by the end of September. The layoffs will primarily impact employees involved in marketing and communications, though the company’s legal and finance arms will also face cuts.
Paramount already laid off three percent of its workforce back in February, and this was after a three percent increase in revenue growth that was largely credited to its streaming and film businesses. So, a three percent increase of revenue translated to a three percent reduction of Paramount’s workforce and missing revenue expectations by around four percent is leading to layoffs accounting for 15 percent of company employees. Workers can’t catch a break.
All of these layoffs are likely being used to clear the runway, so to speak, for the forthcoming merger with Skydance. The merger was announced back in June and will soon head to the regulatory review process. Paramount has also been raising prices for its streaming service and, of course, deleting whole libraries of content for reasons that make a lot of sense to corporate executives but not so much to regular people.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/paramount-laying-off-another-15-percent-of-its-us-workforce-153119425.html?src=rss

Paramount is laying off 15 percent of its US workforce, according to reporting by Deadline. This follows a lean second quarter earnings report in which total revenue fell short from an expected $7.21 billion to $6.81 billion. The layoffs will impact around 3,000 people.

“The industry continues to evolve, and Paramount is at an inflection point where changes must be made to strengthen our business,” company CEOs wrote in a staff memo.

Paramount representatives say these cuts will happen in three stages, with layoffs beginning today and 90 percent of all cuts being completed by the end of September. The layoffs will primarily impact employees involved in marketing and communications, though the company’s legal and finance arms will also face cuts.

Paramount already laid off three percent of its workforce back in February, and this was after a three percent increase in revenue growth that was largely credited to its streaming and film businesses. So, a three percent increase of revenue translated to a three percent reduction of Paramount’s workforce and missing revenue expectations by around four percent is leading to layoffs accounting for 15 percent of company employees. Workers can’t catch a break.

All of these layoffs are likely being used to clear the runway, so to speak, for the forthcoming merger with Skydance. The merger was announced back in June and will soon head to the regulatory review process. Paramount has also been raising prices for its streaming service and, of course, deleting whole libraries of content for reasons that make a lot of sense to corporate executives but not so much to regular people.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/paramount-laying-off-another-15-percent-of-its-us-workforce-153119425.html?src=rss

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Several months after a hacking group claimed to be selling nearly 3 billion records stolen from a prominent data broker, much of the information appears to have been leaked on a forum. According to Bleeping Computer, the data dump includes 2.7 billion records of personal info for people in the US, such as names, Social Security Numbers, potential aliases and all physical addresses they are known to have lived at.
The data, which is unencrypted, is believed to have been obtained from a broker called National Public Data. It’s said that the business assembles profiles for individuals by scraping information from public sources and then sells the data for the likes of background checks and looking up criminal records. (A proposed class-action suit was filed against National Public Data over the breach earlier this month.)
In April, hacking collective USDoD attempted to sell 2.9 billion records it claimed was stolen from the company and included personal data on everyone in the US, UK and Canada. The group was looking for $3.5 million for the whole 4TB database, but since then chunks of the data have been leaked by various entities.
Previous leaks included phone numbers and email addresses, but those reportedly weren’t included in the latest and most comprehensive dump. As such, you won’t be able to check whether your information has been included in this particular leak by punching your email address into Have I Been Pwned?
The data includes multiple records for many people, with one for each address they are known to have lived at. The dump comprises two text files that amount to a total of 277GB. It’s not really possible for any independent body to confirm that the data includes records for every person in the US, but as Bleeping Computer points out, the breach is likely to include information on anyone who is living in the country.
The publication states that several people confirmed the information that the dump has on them and their family members (including some dead relatives) is accurate, but in other cases some SSNs were associated with the wrong individuals. Bleeping Computer posits that the information may have been stolen from an old backup as it doesn’t include the current home address for the people whose details its reporters checked against the data.
In any case, it’s worth taking some steps to protect yourself against any negative repercussions from the leak, such as fraud and identity theft. It’s worth being extra vigilant against scammers and phishing attacks that look to obtain access to your online accounts. Keep an eye on credit reports to see if there has been any fraudulent activity on your accounts and inform credit bureaus Experian, Equifax and TransUnion if so. You can ask the bureaus to put a freeze on your credit files to stop anyone else opening a bank account, taking out a loan or obtaining a credit card under your name.
You can sign up for services that offer identity fraud protection and remove your personal information from the public web to reduce the chances that you’ll be negatively impacted. However, such services often charge a fee.
Be sure to use two-factor authentication wherever possible (preferably with you obtaining codes from an authenticator app rather than SMS). And, as always, we highly recommend using a password manager, never reusing the same login credentials for different services and regularly changing the password on your most sensitive accounts.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/hackers-may-have-leaked-the-social-security-numbers-of-every-american-150834276.html?src=rss

Several months after a hacking group claimed to be selling nearly 3 billion records stolen from a prominent data broker, much of the information appears to have been leaked on a forum. According to Bleeping Computer, the data dump includes 2.7 billion records of personal info for people in the US, such as names, Social Security Numbers, potential aliases and all physical addresses they are known to have lived at.

The data, which is unencrypted, is believed to have been obtained from a broker called National Public Data. It’s said that the business assembles profiles for individuals by scraping information from public sources and then sells the data for the likes of background checks and looking up criminal records. (A proposed class-action suit was filed against National Public Data over the breach earlier this month.)

In April, hacking collective USDoD attempted to sell 2.9 billion records it claimed was stolen from the company and included personal data on everyone in the US, UK and Canada. The group was looking for $3.5 million for the whole 4TB database, but since then chunks of the data have been leaked by various entities.

Previous leaks included phone numbers and email addresses, but those reportedly weren’t included in the latest and most comprehensive dump. As such, you won’t be able to check whether your information has been included in this particular leak by punching your email address into Have I Been Pwned?

The data includes multiple records for many people, with one for each address they are known to have lived at. The dump comprises two text files that amount to a total of 277GB. It’s not really possible for any independent body to confirm that the data includes records for every person in the US, but as Bleeping Computer points out, the breach is likely to include information on anyone who is living in the country.

The publication states that several people confirmed the information that the dump has on them and their family members (including some dead relatives) is accurate, but in other cases some SSNs were associated with the wrong individuals. Bleeping Computer posits that the information may have been stolen from an old backup as it doesn’t include the current home address for the people whose details its reporters checked against the data.

In any case, it’s worth taking some steps to protect yourself against any negative repercussions from the leak, such as fraud and identity theft. It’s worth being extra vigilant against scammers and phishing attacks that look to obtain access to your online accounts. Keep an eye on credit reports to see if there has been any fraudulent activity on your accounts and inform credit bureaus Experian, Equifax and TransUnion if so. You can ask the bureaus to put a freeze on your credit files to stop anyone else opening a bank account, taking out a loan or obtaining a credit card under your name.

You can sign up for services that offer identity fraud protection and remove your personal information from the public web to reduce the chances that you’ll be negatively impacted. However, such services often charge a fee.

Be sure to use two-factor authentication wherever possible (preferably with you obtaining codes from an authenticator app rather than SMS). And, as always, we highly recommend using a password manager, never reusing the same login credentials for different services and regularly changing the password on your most sensitive accounts.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/hackers-may-have-leaked-the-social-security-numbers-of-every-american-150834276.html?src=rss

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Opera One, the browser with a focus on generative AI features that Opera launched for desktop last year, is now available for iOS devices. It retains its desktop counterpart’s cleaner look, but it comes with a full screen interface and features specifically designed for mobile use. The company said it experienced a 63 percent growth in new users across the European Union after the Digital Markets Act was implemented, and now it has “embraced the opportunities presented by the new regulatory landscape.”
Users will be able to move their search bar to the bottom of the screen if that will make it easier to type in queries on the go, especially if they’re only using one hand. They can also activate the search bar simply by swiping down in the same way they’d swipe down to look for apps on their phone, as well. In addition, the browser’s updated search function can make it faster to look up information: As soon as they start typing, a set of predictive chips will show up right above their keyboard with several possible options, including complete URLs for websites they may want to visit. The colors of the browser’s top bar and bottom search bar change to blend in with the website the user is visiting, and both bars disappear when the user starts browsing.
And since Opera One has a focus on generative AI features, it comes with the company’s Aria built-in browser assistant. Aria now has voice input, so users can speak queries out loud. Plus, users will be able to ask Aria to generate images using Google’s Imagen2 image generation model. Finally, since Opera puts a focus on security, the One iOS browser comes with a built-in ad blocker and free VPN.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/operas-ai-focused-web-browser-one-is-now-on-ios-130013697.html?src=rss

Opera One, the browser with a focus on generative AI features that Opera launched for desktop last year, is now available for iOS devices. It retains its desktop counterpart’s cleaner look, but it comes with a full screen interface and features specifically designed for mobile use. The company said it experienced a 63 percent growth in new users across the European Union after the Digital Markets Act was implemented, and now it has “embraced the opportunities presented by the new regulatory landscape.”

Users will be able to move their search bar to the bottom of the screen if that will make it easier to type in queries on the go, especially if they’re only using one hand. They can also activate the search bar simply by swiping down in the same way they’d swipe down to look for apps on their phone, as well. In addition, the browser’s updated search function can make it faster to look up information: As soon as they start typing, a set of predictive chips will show up right above their keyboard with several possible options, including complete URLs for websites they may want to visit. The colors of the browser’s top bar and bottom search bar change to blend in with the website the user is visiting, and both bars disappear when the user starts browsing.

And since Opera One has a focus on generative AI features, it comes with the company’s Aria built-in browser assistant. Aria now has voice input, so users can speak queries out loud. Plus, users will be able to ask Aria to generate images using Google’s Imagen2 image generation model. Finally, since Opera puts a focus on security, the One iOS browser comes with a built-in ad blocker and free VPN.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/operas-ai-focused-web-browser-one-is-now-on-ios-130013697.html?src=rss

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Water exists on Mars, according to a team of geophysicists, and not just as ice on its poles or as vapor in its atmosphere. The scientists have found evidence of liquid water deep in its outer crust, based on their analysis of data provided by NASA’s Mars Insight Lander. Specifically, they analyzed four years’ worth of ground motions recorded by the lander’s seismometer. By looking at seismic velocities, or how fast seismic waves travel on the planet, they were able to determine the materials that the waves moved through. What they found was that Mars’ mid-crust has fractured igneous rocks saturated with liquid water. 
One of the scientists involved in the study, Prof Michael Manga from the University of California, Berkeley, told the BBC that they implemented the same techniques used “to prospect for water on Earth, or to look for oil and gas.” He said his group’s findings can answer the question of where all the water on Mars had gone, because features on the planet’s surface showed that it had lakes and rivers around three billion years ago. While there’s a theory that most of that water was lost to space, scientists have challenged that idea in recent years. One study by Caltech and NASA JPL published in 2021 found data that most of that water is still trapped in the planet’s crust. 
The scientists involved in this newer study, published in PNAS, were only able to analyze seismic velocity data taken from underneath the lander. However, they believe that similar underground water reservoirs exist all over the planet, and they estimate that there’s enough liquid water under the surface to form a layer across Mars that’s half a mile deep. Manga told the the BBC that “much of our water is underground and there’s no reason for that not to be the case on Mars too.”
While the team’s findings could be taken as good news for space agencies and private companies looking to visit and even form human colonies on the planet, it won’t be easy reaching Mars’ water reservoirs. They’re located around 7 to 12.5 miles below the surface, which won’t be easy to reach even on our planet. “Drilling a hole 10km (6 miles) deep on Mars — even for [Elon] Musk — would be difficult,” Manga said, adding that “without liquid water, you don’t have life.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/scientists-find-evidence-of-liquid-water-deep-underneath-the-martian-surface-120054729.html?src=rss

Water exists on Mars, according to a team of geophysicists, and not just as ice on its poles or as vapor in its atmosphere. The scientists have found evidence of liquid water deep in its outer crust, based on their analysis of data provided by NASA’s Mars Insight Lander. Specifically, they analyzed four years’ worth of ground motions recorded by the lander’s seismometer. By looking at seismic velocities, or how fast seismic waves travel on the planet, they were able to determine the materials that the waves moved through. What they found was that Mars’ mid-crust has fractured igneous rocks saturated with liquid water. 

One of the scientists involved in the study, Prof Michael Manga from the University of California, Berkeley, told the BBC that they implemented the same techniques used “to prospect for water on Earth, or to look for oil and gas.” He said his group’s findings can answer the question of where all the water on Mars had gone, because features on the planet’s surface showed that it had lakes and rivers around three billion years ago. While there’s a theory that most of that water was lost to space, scientists have challenged that idea in recent years. One study by Caltech and NASA JPL published in 2021 found data that most of that water is still trapped in the planet’s crust. 

The scientists involved in this newer study, published in PNAS, were only able to analyze seismic velocity data taken from underneath the lander. However, they believe that similar underground water reservoirs exist all over the planet, and they estimate that there’s enough liquid water under the surface to form a layer across Mars that’s half a mile deep. Manga told the the BBC that “much of our water is underground and there’s no reason for that not to be the case on Mars too.”

While the team’s findings could be taken as good news for space agencies and private companies looking to visit and even form human colonies on the planet, it won’t be easy reaching Mars’ water reservoirs. They’re located around 7 to 12.5 miles below the surface, which won’t be easy to reach even on our planet. “Drilling a hole 10km (6 miles) deep on Mars — even for [Elon] Musk — would be difficult,” Manga said, adding that “without liquid water, you don’t have life.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/scientists-find-evidence-of-liquid-water-deep-underneath-the-martian-surface-120054729.html?src=rss

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