Technology

What to expect from Google’s Pixel 9 event

Published

3 hours ago

July 31, 2024

What to expect from Google’s Pixel 9 event

Google’s earlier-than-expected Pixel hardware event is just around the corner — it’s scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th. Thanks to the relentless flow of leaks that have emerged over the past few weeks, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Google has already confirmed that it’s launching the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but the company may have some other surprises in store, including the Buds Pro 2 and maybe even the Pixel Watch 3.

Here’s a roundup of everything we know so far.

Google Pixel 9 lineup adds a smaller Pro option

Alongside the Pixel 9, Google is expected to release the Pixel Pro in two sizes: a larger 6.8-inch model and a smaller 6.3-inch variant. It’ll be the first time the Pro features are available in two different sizes, with the telephoto camera previously being reserved only for the larger phone model.

As shown in the image shared by Google itself (and many, many leaks), the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will also come with some design changes. Both the Pro and standard models are getting flatter edges and a rounded camera module that protrudes from the back of the device.

A leaked spec sheet from OnLeaks suggests that the Pixel 9 Pro models will come with an upgraded G4 Tensor chip and 16GB of RAM. The base Pixel 9, on the other hand, is expected to have the same chip with a 6.3-inch display and 12GB of RAM.

The cameras on both devices will likely get some upgrades as well, with the leaked spec sheet showing the Pixel 9 with a 10.5MP selfie camera, a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Meanwhile, the leak indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro will have a 42MP selfie camera and three cameras on the rear, including a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and 48MP telephoto camera.

This leaked specs sheet reveals an ‘XL’ Pixel 9 Pro.

Image: OnLeaks via 91mobiles

Another report from Android Authority suggests Google may add an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor to the Pixel 9 lineup, which could hopefully improve some of the issues users have been having with the existing optical under-display sensor. The Pixel 9 is expected to come in obsidian, porcelain, rose, and green, while the Pro model is rumored to come in charcoal, porcelain, rose, and hazel.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold gets taller and slimmer

Those three phones aren’t the only ones Google is planning to release this summer. It’s also getting ready to release its next-gen foldable, now called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

This image of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes straight from Google.

Image: Google

When compared to last year’s device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears to be taller and slimmer. That design change is also reflected in the squircle-shaped camera housing on the rear of the device, which now comes with two sets of cameras.

In terms of specs, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rumored to come with a 6.3-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner screen. That’s larger than the original Pixel Fold’s 5.8-inch outer display and 7.6-inch inner display. The leaked specs sheet indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will come with the same G4 Tensor chip as the other devices in the lineup, as well as 16GB of RAM.

It may also have a 10MP front-facing camera, with a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto sensor on the back of the phone.

Google brings more AI to the Pixel

With Samsung and now Apple making an effort to bring AI to their phones, it’s no surprise to see Google doing the same. A set of leaked marketing materials from OnLeaks hints, among other features, at a new Pixel Screenshots feature that “helps you save info that you want to remember later — like events, places and more.”

Leaked marketing materials show a new ‘Pixel Screenshots’ feature.

Image: OnLeaks via 91mobiles

That tracks with a previous leak from Android Police, which suggests that the feature can “save and process helpful details” from your screenshots, letting you search through them. It sounds a bit like Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature but appears to only work on the screenshots you take manually, rather than scanning your entire device. The marketing materials also show an integration with Google’s AI chatbot Gemini, along with Circle to Search.

This feature appears to use AI to completely transform the background of a photo.

Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines

A leaked Pixel 9 ad posted by Android Headlines (it has since been taken down) gave us a glimpse at a feature called “Add Me,” which appears to use AI to put someone in a photo when they weren’t originally there. It looks like Google is planning to update its Magic Editor tool, too, allowing you to replace the background of an image based on a prompt.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 brings back the wing tip

It’s already been two years since the launch of the original Pixel Buds Pro 2, and now it looks like Google is planning to give them a refresh. Leaked images from OnLeaks show the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a small wing tip that sticks out from the side of each bud — sort of like a smaller version of the “stabilizer arc” on the original Pixel Buds.

Other small changes include larger grills that match the colors of the bud, as well as a charging case that appears to come with a small speaker (maybe to emit a noise when using Google’s Find My feature?). The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to come in gray, white, green, and pink.

What appears to be the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in a mint green.

Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines

We may have a good idea of what the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will look like, but we don’t know much about the specs. A regulatory listing spotted earlier this year suggests the case may come with a larger 650mAh battery. Other than that, we can likely expect the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to feature the same active noise cancellation and multipoint features as their predecessor.

A Pixel Watch 3 with two sizes and bigger screens

So far, we’ve only seen renders of the Pixel Watch 3 that show a device with a slightly chunkier design. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The 41mm version is rumored to come with a 10 percent larger screen than its similarly sized predecessor, thanks to thinner bezels.

A render of what looks like the 45mm Pixel Watch 3.

Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines

Recent leaks also suggest both Pixel Watch 3 models will get a brighter 2,000-nit display and an ultra wideband chip that could make location tracking more accurate. The 41mm watch is also rumored to come with a slightly bigger 310mAh battery and 20 percent faster charging than the Pixel Watch 2.

Both sizes could offer up to 24 hours of battery life with always-on display enabled or up to 36 hours with a new Battery Saver mode, according to leaked marketing materials shared by Android Headlines. The materials also hint at support for offline Google Maps, new camera controls when connecting to a Pixel phone, and the ability to view your Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell’s live feeds from your watch.

It looks like the Pixel Watch 3 could come with a new “Battery Saver” mode.

Image: Android Headlines

Unfortunately, you may not be able to use your current Pixel Watch 2 bands with the larger 45mm device. A report suggests that the 45mm version has an “altered” band connection that could make it incompatible with smaller bands. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 may not get as many band options as the 41mm version, either, according to Android Headlines.

Anything else?

It may seem like we already know all we know about Google’s upcoming hardware event, but the company may still surprise us. For one, there’s a possibility that we may get a look at the new “Google TV Streamer,” which 9to5Google published leaked images of in July. It looks way different than the Chromecast, but we still don’t have any details on specs.

That’s all we know for now, but there’s still time between now and Google’s August 13th event, which means there’s still a chance for more leaks.

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: China forces AI to toe party line

Published

3 hours ago

July 31, 2024

Press Room

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Mastering ‘the art of brainwashing,’ China intensifies AI censorship

– FCC advances rule requiring disclosure of AI use in political ads

– 3 most dangerous tech threats to 2024 elections

A man walks past a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Museum of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on March 3, 2023, ahead of the opening of the annual session of the National Peoples Congress on March 5. (GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)

BRAINWASHED: China has once again extended its policy of censorship and surveillance as it looks to keep artificial intelligence models in check even as it races to advance the ever-expanding technology.

‘TIDE OF DISINFORMATION’: The Federal Communications Commission announced a new proposed regulation that would require the use of artificial intelligence in broadcast TV and radio ads to be disclosed to the audience through an on-air announcement.

A man putting a “vote” button on his jacket (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THREATENED: With the rise of artificial intelligence technology in the form of deepfakes, as well as misinformation campaigns that can manipulate peoples’ emotions, don’t let yourself fall for them. These three categories of cyberthreats should be on the radar ahead of elections. Here’s what you need to know and how to keep yourself safe and thinking for yourself.

AI WAITING GAME: Apple’s upcoming release of new artificial intelligence tools is now expected to occur later than originally expected, coming after the initial launch of the new iOS 18 software for iPhone and iPads, according to a report.

Person holds an iPhone (Fox News Digital)

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

Microsoft is removing ads from Skype

Published

10 hours ago

July 31, 2024

Press Room

Microsoft is making Skype ad-free in an update that will rollout to users across all platforms soon. The update also includes improved AI image creation tools on Skype for Windows and macOS, and the ability to sign in automatically on iOS if you’re already signed into another Microsoft app.

The removal of ads in Skype means you’ll no longer see ads in the main chat interface, or in the channels section. Microsoft says it has listened to feedback around ads in Skype, and decided to “focus on your chats without any ad distractions, making your Skype experience cleaner and more user-friendly.”

The today section of Skype will remain though, complete with the news feed that’s powered by MSN. It’s a tab that I’m sure most Skype users ignore, but you can still disable this in Settings > Appearance if you want to get rid of it fully.

Alongside the ad removal in Skype, Microsoft is also improving the AI image creation features inside the app on Windows and macOS. You’ll soon be able to quickly access the AI image creator inside chat windows, and AI-generated images will expand on click. Microsoft has also fixed up some UI elements, while also making the image creator feel more at home with Apple’s macOS design.

Microsoft is also bringing OneAuth integration to Skype for iOS, which allows you to sign into the app automatically if you’re already using another Microsoft app. If you’ve been having issues sending photos or videos over 5G with Skype, Microsoft has also fixed this bug in the upcoming update that will be available in the coming days.

Technology

Ultra-fast charging EV sports car can juice up in 5 minutes

Published

10 hours ago

July 31, 2024

Press Room

Ultra-fast charging EV sports car can juice up in 5 minutes

Imagine pulling up to a charging station, plugging in your electric vehicle and driving off with a near-full battery in less time than it takes to grab a coffee.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, Nyobolt might just be turning this scenario into reality.

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The prototype that’s turning heads

Nyobolt, a U.K.-based battery technology company, has recently unveiled a working prototype of an electric vehicle that can charge from 10% to 80% in just under five minutes. That’s not a typo, folks. We’re talking about adding 120 miles of range in about the time it takes to read this article.

To put this in perspective, Nyobolt’s prototype is charging twice as fast as the speediest EVs currently on the market. It’s like the Usain Bolt of the EV world, leaving other “fast-charging” vehicles in the dust.

THIS $112K LUXURY EV FROM CHINA CAN SHAKE AND JIGGLE OFF SNOW

The secret sauce: Nyobolt’s battery tech

So, what’s the magic behind this lightning-fast charging? Nyobolt has developed a unique battery with patented carbon and metal oxide anode materials. Coupled with low impedance cell design, integrated power electronics and software control. Nyobolt can create power-dense battery and charging systems. This results in ultra-fast charging without the typical degradation issues.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

EV prototype battery (Nyobolt)

But speed isn’t the only trick up Nyobolt’s sleeve. These batteries can reportedly handle over 4,000 charge cycles while retaining more than 80% of their original capacity. That’s like running a marathon every day for years and still being able to sprint to the finish line.

EV prototype charging (Nyobolt)

IS THIS PINT-SIZED ELECTRIC VEHICLE ABOUT TO BE A BIG DISRUPTOR IN THE US?

A different approach to EV design

Nyobolt isn’t just focusing on the battery. They’ve partnered with design and engineering firm Callum to create a lightweight sports car prototype to demonstrate the technology. Instead of cramming in a massive battery for long range, Nyobolt opted for a smaller 35 kWh pack. The result? A nimble 2,756-pound vehicle that can still cover 155 miles on a single charge. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more. If Nyobolt’s technology lives up to its promises, we could be looking at a major shift in how we think about electric vehicles.

THE TINY ELECTRIC CAR THAT COMES DISASSEMBLED AND DELIVERED IN BOXES

The end of EV range anxiety?

With ultra-fast charging, the need for massive battery packs could become a thing of the past. Imagine lightweight, efficient EVs that can be charged in minutes rather than hours. This could make electric vehicles a viable option for a whole new segment of consumers.

How the EV technology could expand beyond cars

Nyobolt’s technology isn’t just limited to passenger vehicles. The company is already in talks with eight vehicle manufacturers and is looking at applications in robotics and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This could revolutionize industries where downtime is costly.

Man charging EV prototype (Nyobolt)

Kurt’s key takeaways

While it’s important to remember that this is still a prototype, Nyobolt’s technology is incredibly promising. If they can successfully scale up production and integrate their batteries into mainstream vehicles, it could address two of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption: charging time and battery longevity.

Of course, there are still questions to be answered. How will this technology perform in real-world conditions? What will be the cost implications? And can our current charging infrastructure handle such high-power charging? Nevertheless, Nyobolt’s achievement is a testament to the rapid pace of innovation in the EV space.

How do you think ultra-fast charging technology like Nyobolt’s could change your daily life and the future of transportation? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.