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Google Pixel 9 series to launch on Aug 13: Price to specs, what to expect

Google Pixel 9 series to launch on Aug 13: Price to specs, what to expect

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Technology


4 min read Last Updated : Jul 15 2024 | 2:28 PM IST


Google is set to unveil the Pixel 9 series smartphones at the “Made by Google” event scheduled for August 13. While the company has not revealed any details of the smartphones, prices of the upcoming Pixel 9 devices have reportedly surfaced on the web. According to a report by GSMArena, the series will consist of four models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with the standard model priced at 899 euros for the 128GB storage variant in Europe.


Pixel 9 Series: What to expect


Unlike the past few years, Google might introduce more than two smartphones in the Pixel 9 series this year. Alongside the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, the series could be joined by the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold phone. According to news reports, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are likely to have displays of the same size, but the XL model will feature a larger screen. Google is also expected to incorporate the Pixel Fold book-style foldable smartphone into the flagship number series, rebranding it as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.


The Pixel 9 series smartphones are anticipated to bring a major design overhaul. Suggested by the preview shown by Google in a teaser video, the Pixel 9 will likely feature a flat frame design and a floating island-style camera module, which will be disconnected from the frame, unlike the camera visor design on the Pixel 8 series.

The Google Pixel 9 series is also expected to introduce three new Pixel smartphone exclusive AI features, including an “Add Me” feature, which is likely a more polished version of the Best Take feature. The smartphones will also receive a new “Studio” app or service, which could be an all-in-one AI image generator and editor, similar to Apple’s recently announced Image Playground. However, the highlight feature is expected to be the new “Pixel Screenshots” feature. This feature is said to offer Microsoft’s Recall-like concise timeline but will include only the screenshots the user takes and permits the feature to use.

Also Read: Google eyes largest-ever deal, in talks to buy cybersecurity firm Wiz


Pixel 9 Series: Expected pricing and variants


Pixel 9


The standard Pixel 9 smartphone will reportedly be available in four colours: Obsidian (Black), Porcelain (White), Cosmo (Pink), and Mojito (Green). According to the report, the 128GB storage variant will be priced at 899 euros, while the 256GB variant will be priced at 999 euros in the European market.


Pixel 9 Pro


The Pro model of the Pixel 9 smartphone, which is expected to be of the same size as the standard model, will likely be priced at 1,099 euros for 128GB storage, 1,199 euros for 256GB storage, and 1,329 euros for the 512GB on-board storage variant. However, the smartphone is expected to be offered in two colours only: Obsidian (Black) and Hazel.


Pixel 9 Pro XL


The Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is expected to be the larger screen-sized model of the Pixel 9 Pro, will likely be priced at 1,199 euros for 128GB storage, 1,299 euros for 256GB, 1,429 euros for 512GB, and 1,689 euros for 1TB.


The 1TB version of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is expected to be available in Obsidian colour only. The 128GB and 512GB storage variants are expected to include Porcelain and Hazel colour options along with Obsidian. The 256GB storage variant is expected to add the pink Cosmo colour option as well.


Pixel 9 Pro Fold


The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is said to be the successor of the Pixel Fold book-style foldable smartphone, is expected to come in two storage variants only: 256GB and 512GB, priced at 1,899 euros and 2,029 euros respectively. Additionally, the smartphone is expected to be available in Obsidian and Porcelain colours.

First Published: Jul 15 2024 | 2:27 PM IST



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Marshall Major V on-ear headphones launched in India: Check price, features

Marshall Major V on-ear headphones launched in India: Check price, features

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Jul 15 2024 | 2:20 PM IST

British audio company Marshall on July 15 launched the Major V on-ear headphones in India. The company said that the new headphones offer enhanced comfort, longer battery life and improved audio listening experience. Additionally, the on-ear headphones come with a customisable button that will offer one-tap access to functionalities such as Spotify tap, EQ switching and voice assistant.


Marshall Major V: Price and availability


Priced at Rs 14,000, the Marshall Major V headphone is now available for pre-order on the company’s official website.


Marshall Major V: Features


Marshall said that the Major V on-ear headphones deliver “Marshall signature sound”, which has now been improved to reduce distortion and enhance audio clarity. The company also stated that the headphones are Bluetooth LE Audio ready, which will increase the streaming range and improve audio sync for videos. With the “M-button”, the headphones open-up Spotify Tap by default. The button is reconfigurable through the Marshall Bluetooth app for more options such as to access EQ presets or voice assistant.


The company stated that the new Major V headphones offer up to more than 100 hours of music playback time on a single charge. The headphones also support wireless charging.


As for the headphone’s design, the company said that it features the classic Marshall look and gets a more rugged build that will enable it to withstand everyday wear and tear. Additionally, with a foldable design the headphones are easy to pack and carry along.


Marshall Major V: Details


  • Drivers: 40 mm, dynamic


  • Driver sensitivity: 106 dB SPL (100 mV at 1 kHz)


  • Driver Impedance: 32 ohms


  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz


  • Weight: 186 g


  • Playtime: 100+ hours


  • Charging time: 3 hours with USB-C


First Published: Jul 15 2024 | 2:20 PM IST



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Apple allows PC OS emulator on iPhone, iPad: What are these, how these work

Apple allows PC OS emulator on iPhone, iPad: What are these, how these work

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Technology


UTM SE PC emulator on iPhone

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 15 2024 | 12:19 PM IST

After allowing retro gaming console emulators on iPhones, Apple has now approved UTM SE PC emulator app for distribution on iPhones through the App Store. The operating system emulator app, the first of its kind on iPhones and iPads, allows users to emulate older versions of Windows and MacOS on iPhones to run classic software and retro PC games.


Earlier this year, Apple had updated its App Store guidelines to allow retro game console emulators, mini games, and HTML5 mini apps on iPhones (under guideline 4.7). However, the US-based technology giant reportedly rejected App Store submissions of UTM-SE and iDOS 3, an app that emulates disk operating systems (DOS) like MS-DOS. After this, UTM, the developer of UTM SE app posted on X stating that the Apple’s App Store Review board “determined  that ‘PC is not a console’ and the company  will only allow retro game console emulators on iPhones. The developer also stated that Apple was blocking it on third party app marketplaces too.


However, in a recent post on X, UTM confirmed the availability of UTM SE emulator on iOS and visionOS App Store. Additionally, the app will also be available through the third-party app marketplace – AltStore PAL – in the European Union.


According to the developer, it had to build the iOS app without using the Just-In-Time compiler (JIT) that violates Apple’s guidelines for apps. JIT is a program that is essentially responsible for performance optimisation of Java-based applications. With the iOS app not using JIT, it is likely that the emulator would be less powerful on iPhones compared to other platforms.


UTM SE: Features


According to the app listing page on the App Store, the PC emulator allows users to run “classic softwares” and “old-school games” on iPhones, iPads and Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. The emulator supports both Video Graphics Array (VGA) mode for graphics and terminal mode for text-only operating systems. The developer said that the app can emulate x86, PPC, and RISC-V architectures.

First Published: Jul 15 2024 | 12:18 PM IST



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Google eyes largest-ever deal, in talks to buy cybersecurity firm Wiz

Google eyes largest-ever deal, in talks to buy cybersecurity firm Wiz

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Jul 15 2024 | 11:09 AM IST


Google, one of the world’s most valuable companies, known for its search engine and diverse consumer internet services, is set for its largest-ever acquisition aimed at bolstering its offerings to business customers.

Google is negotiating to acquire Wiz, a New York-based cybersecurity start-up, reported The Wall Street Journal citing sources.


The potential deal is estimated to be worth approximately $23 billion, significantly surpassing Google’s previous high of $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility in 2012. Despite the likelihood of the deal proceeding, there remains a possibility that negotiations could fall through, the sources cautioned.


Google is pressing forward with negotiations, aware that regulatory bodies may attempt to impede the deal. The company appears prepared to contest any opposition to strengthen its cloud-computing division, which currently trails behind industry leaders Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.


Google is already embroiled in two separate antitrust lawsuits filed by the Justice Department. One targets its dominant search engine, while the other seeks to dismantle its digital advertising technology business. A verdict in the search case is anticipated soon.


Biden’s crackdown on big mergers


Regulators under US President Biden have adopted a stringent stance against acquisitions by major tech firms and corporate consolidation overall. Recent blocks include Penguin Random House’s $2.18 billion acquisition of Simon & Schuster and JetBlue’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. Additionally, Amazon abandoned its $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot following resistance from European and US regulators. The Federal Trade Commission’s attempt to block Microsoft’s acquisition of video game company Activision also proved unsuccessful.


Google eyes revenue diversification


Google has long sought to diversify its revenue streams beyond online advertising, although platforms like Google Search and YouTube still account for the majority of its income. Acquiring Wiz would not immediately transform Google’s financial landscape but would establish a vital link between Google Cloud and companies that rely on Wiz for data security across AWS, Azure, and other cloud services.


This acquisition also marks a bold departure for Google, which has traditionally been cautious about large-scale purchases. The company previously sold Motorola to Lenovo at a loss shortly after its acquisition. More recently, in 2021, Google acquired FitBit for $2.1 billion, a deal that faced intense regulatory scrutiny before approval.


Google cloud strengthens cybersecurity portfolio


Google has been steadily enhancing its cloud computing capabilities through strategic acquisitions. In 2022, it acquired the cybersecurity firm Mandiant for $5.4 billion and also purchased another cybersecurity company, Siemplify, within the same year.


Thomas Kurian, chief executive of Google Cloud, is reportedly spearheading the push to acquire Wiz. His vision is to position cybersecurity as a defining strength of Google Cloud, and Wiz is seen as a critical asset in achieving this goal. Wiz assists corporate clients like BMW, Slack, and Morgan Stanley in mitigating security risks associated with cloud computing services.


Founded in Israel in 2020 and now headquartered in New York, Wiz announced in May that it had secured $1 billion in funding, valuing the company at $12 billion. The start-up has experienced rapid growth, with annual recurring revenue soaring to $350 million, up from $100 million just two years prior.

First Published: Jul 15 2024 | 11:09 AM IST



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Amkette launches 'EvoFox Deck' gamepad for Android, iPhones: Details here

Amkette launches 'EvoFox Deck' gamepad for Android, iPhones: Details here

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Jul 15 2024 | 10:51 AM IST


Indian consumer technology brand Amkette on July 15 launched its maiden gamepad for smartphones under its sub-brand EvoFox. Named the EvoFox Deck, the smartphone gamepad offers hand-held gaming console-like experience for games and on cloud gaming platforms.


Amkette EvoFox Deck: Price and availability


The EvoFox gamepad for smartphones is priced at Rs 2,999 and is now available in India for purchase on Amkette’s official website and e-commerce platform Amazon and Flipkart.


Amkette EvoFox Deck: Support


Amkette said that the EvoFox Deck is a full featured gamepad with native support for both Android smartphones and iPhones. The gamepad comes with a dedicated “Dojo” app that is available on Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iOS, acting as a bridge between the smartphone and the gamepad. The app offers setup guides, access to over a thousand games and a game centre.


The Deck offers two modes for smartphones, a Dojo Mode for playing games that have native controller support on Android and iOS, and a Keymap Mode that allows users to map their touch points to the controller and play touch only games like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Free Fire, Genshin Impact, and Mobile Legends. The Keymap Mode, however, is available only on Android smartphones. Additionally, the Deck also has a PC mode that allows customers to use the gamepad as a controller for Windows PC.


The company said that the EvoFox Deck supports all popular cloud and game streaming platforms including Steam Link, PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Jio Cloud Games. The gamepad also supports retro gaming emulators for smartphones such as PPSSPP, PSX, and N64 for playing retro games on smartphones.


Amkette EvoFox Deck: Features


Amkette said that the EvoFox Deck features Magnetic Hall Joysticks for 360-degree control and Digital microswitch triggers that the company said offer high responsiveness and tactile feedback. Additionally, the EvoFox Deck comes with RGB Halo effect, backlit buttons that are customisable as per users preference. As for the battery life, the company said that the gamepad will offer up to eight hours of continuous gameplay. 

First Published: Jul 15 2024 | 10:51 AM IST



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Global smartphone market grows 6% as AI and discounts boost demand

Global smartphone market grows 6% as AI and discounts boost demand

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Technology


The iPhone has been under pressure in China from local players as well as a government ban on foreign devices at state-run workplaces. | Photo: Bloomberg

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 15 2024 | 9:49 AM IST

By Vlad Savov and Gao Yuan


Apple Inc.’s iPhone shipments stabilized in the June quarter as the wider smartphone market accelerated its growth, according to independent research.

 


Global smartphone shipments rose 6.5 per cent, according to IDC, while sales to consumers jumped 6 per cent, per Counterpoint Research figures. Aggressive discounts around China’s 618 shopping festival helped entice consumers in the world’s biggest mobile market, where Xiaomi Corp. and a resurgent Huawei Technologies Co. have been making inroads this year. The new research adds to data from Chinese authorities showing the iPhone staging a recovery since March.


IDC said Apple shipped 45.2 million handsets in the quarter, a 1.5 per cent improvement on the same period a year earlier. Counterpoint’s figures, which address end-user sales, showed a 1 per cent decline, and both research groups found the iPhone giving up market share. Xiaomi was the biggest riser, largely powered by entry-level handsets and emerging markets.


The iPhone has been under pressure in China from local players as well as a government ban on foreign devices at state-run workplaces. Discounts and the promise of new artificial intelligence enhancements has helped steady sales for Apple and market leader Samsung Electronics Co., which is also promoting a new generation of phones with AI additions.

“Apple’s momentum in Q2 improved significantly from the negative growth they saw in first quarter,” said IDC research director Nabila Popal, “This is in part due to heavy discounts and promotions in many regions but also thanks to renewed customer confidence after WWDC when Apple finally announced its AI strategy.”

Chart

 

First Published: Jul 15 2024 | 9:46 AM IST



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