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Relating to Google, early leaks aren’t out of the atypical. Google is especially dangerous at hiding future {hardware} merchandise — hell, how lengthy did we spend listening to about Pixel Fold leaks? 2024 has been no totally different, as we have already heard a lot concerning the Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold 2, and, in fact, the Pixel 9 sequence. For the primary time since 2021, although, we’re some huge {hardware} shakeups coming to most of those gadgets, which makes it the proper likelihood to examine in on how Android customers really feel about Google’s efforts to create the very best Android telephones round.
The Pixel 8a, unsurprisingly, is seeing the least quantity of modifications in comparison with its predecessors, at the very least so far as its design goes. Like earlier telephones, it mirrors the Pixel 8 in most methods, with simply sufficient corners lower to carry the worth down. That mentioned, we’re possible a dearer A-series gadget for the second 12 months in a row, as Google continues to cost itself out of the finances market.
The Pixel 9 Professional in leaked renders.
The Pixel 9 and 9 Professional, in the meantime, are rocking an all-new design based on leaked renders, full with a Pixel Fold-esque floating digicam bar and flat edges straight out of Apple and Samsung’s playbook. Naturally, then, the Pixel Fold 2 is predicted to depart that digicam type behind for a glance extra in keeping with the OnePlus Open. All three telephones look promising, they usually’re prone to launch on Google’s up to date Tensor G4 platform, which might ship much more AI-based efficiency this fall.
Nevertheless it’s not sufficient for us to simply have a look at what the rumor mill is churning out — we must also contemplate what Google is doing behind the scenes, particularly on the subject of software program. More and more, the corporate is targeted on AI, although it is clear that not all of its telephones will obtain the identical quantity of consideration. Contemplate this week’s information that Google’s Gemini Nano LLM wouldn’t attain the Pixel 8, seemingly as a consequence of its 8GB of RAM. That possible places the Pixel 8a in the identical boat, whereas the jury stays out on the smaller Pixel 9.
Supply: Google
Actually, Pixel fragmentation is turning into a a lot bigger downside than simply AI. Contemplate simply what number of options have been stored to the Pixel 8 Professional at launch, together with cloud-based instruments like Video Enhance that can by no means arrive on the Pixel 8. In the meantime, the Pixel 7 and seven Professional are on deck to obtain Circle to Search, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not coming to the Pixel 7a or Pixel Fold. Regardless of Google’s transfer to a seven-year OS improve coverage for its newest — and, presumably, future — smartphones, it looks like you will have to maintain shopping for the newest and best {hardware} to get entry to the newest software program options.
And all of that is to say nothing of the popularity Google’s telephones have garnered through the Tensor period. From poor reception and middling battery life to overheating and a complete host of bugs, it is more and more troublesome to advocate Pixel to non-enthusiasts. So, I am curious. What does the AP readership suppose of the present course Google’s {hardware} lineup — and notably its telephones lineup — is headed in? Are you excited for brand spanking new {hardware}, regardless of some combined messages on the software program entrance, or will it’s essential wait to see bulletins for, say, the Pixel 9 earlier than you make up your thoughts?
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