Tag: google

Google Pixel 8 Series to Get Lossless Audio Support With Future Update

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro debuted earlier this month during the Made by Google event with an impressive mix of premium features. Now, the tech giant is bringing an audio quality upgrade for the latest flagship Pixel lineup. Google has confirmed that lossless USB audio will come to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in a future update, allowing music fans to experience their favourite tracks without alteration and any loss of quality. Besides the Pixel 8 series, phones from other manufacturers running on Android 14 will also gain this functionality and app developers will have to adopt the new API (application programming interface) for lossless audio to take advantage of the feature.

In a Reddit Ask Me Anything session for Android 14, Dave Burke, Google’s Vice President of Engineering, confirmed that lossless USB audio is coming to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. He notes that this feature will “ensure bit perfect audio” allowing audio to bypass the audio mixer and any processing effects among others. “Pixel 8 and other OEMs are expected to support this mode in their hardware abstraction layer (HAL) implementations in later releases. App developers will need to adopt the new API for lossless audio to take advantage of it.” he said.

The lossless USB audio will be available on the Pixel 8 series and other Android phones in a future release. With this development, music lovers can soon listen to their favourite songs in their purest form with all subtle details, without any processing effects over compatible USB-wired headsets. Music streaming apps like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Tidal already offer lossless audio. 

Google is also expected to support display output over the USB Type-C port and could enable this feature in the future through an update. This would allow the handset to drive an attached monitor. The company is yet to confirm the development, though known tipster MishaalRahman (@MishaalRahman) has reported it works and even suggested a method for enabling DisplayPort Alt Mode aka video output over USB Type-C port on Pixel 8 series smartphones. Now, an X user @mile_freak07 has revealed that he was able to get video output over the USB Type-C port working on a Pixel 8 Pro using this method. He also posted a Magisk module on the Xda-developers forum that can enable this quickly on other rooted Pixel 8 handsets.

Both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are currently up for sale in India via Flipkart. The vanilla model’s price starts at Rs. 75,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model, while the Pixel 8 Pro is priced at Rs. 1,06,999 for the 12GB RAM + 128GB storage model.

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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CERT-In Warns of Over 50 Security Flaws Affecting Android Smartphones: All You Need to Know

CERT-In — or Indian Computer Emergency Response Team — has warned of several security vulnerabilities affecting multiple versions of Android. These security flaws, if exploited by a malicious user, could be used to execute dangerous code, collect sensitive data, and launch a denial-of-service (DoS) attack on a victim. The security vulnerabilities affect three major versions of Android, across various parts of Google’s operating system (OS) — from the framework to components from Arm, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Unisoc, and others, according to the cybersecurity agency.

In a vulnerability note issued earlier this week, CERT-In lists out 51 security flaws affecting the Android OS. The nodal agency responsible for dealing with cybersecurity issues and threats has issued a critical severity rating for the vulnerability note. All the entries listed by CERT-In have been assigned a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number.

According to CERT-In, these vulnerabilities affect Android 13, Android 12, Android 12L, and Android 11. It is currently unclear whether Android 14 is also affected as the source code for Android 14 was published a few days before the advisory was issued.

The 51 security flaws listed by CERT-In affect various parts of the Android operating system from the Android framework, the Android system, and Google Play system updates. Meanwhile, software for components not directly controlled by Google, including those from Arm, MediaTek, Unisoc, and Qualcomm, are also affected by these vulnerabilities.

Attackers who exploit these flaws could potentially elevate their privileges on a target’s smartphone, execute arbitrary (and malicious) code, extract sensitive information, and even perform a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, according to CERT-In.

Two of these flaws — CVE-2023-4863 and CVE-2023-4211 — could be actively exploited by attackers, and users should apply security patches “urgently”, according to the agency. These flaws relate to the Chromium engine that powers Google’s browser, and GPU memory processing operations on Android, respectively.

Users running on Pixel smartphones can install the latest update that includes the October security patches. Unfortunately, users who own smartphones from other manufacturers will have to wait until a security update is released along with fixes for these security flaws. 

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Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro Go on Sale in India for the First Time Today: Price, Launch Offers

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will go on sale in India for the first time today (October 12). The latest Pixel series smartphones were unveiled last week during the Made by Google 2023 event alongside the Pixel Watch 2 and updated Pixel Buds Pro. Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro run on Google’s Tensor G3 processor and pack up to 256GB of storage. They ship with Android 14 and have hole punch style displays with 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 8 packs a 4,575mAh battery with support for 27W charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh battery with 30W fast charging support.

Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro price in India, launch offers

Price of Pixel 8 in India is set at Rs. 75,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model, while the variant with 256GB storage costs Rs. 82,999. It is offered in Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose colour options. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, is priced at Rs. 1,06,999 for the 12GB RAM + 128GB storage model. It is available in Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain colour options.

New Pixel handsets will be available for purchase in the country via Flipkart starting today. As an introductory offer, the e-commerce company is providing an instant discount of up to Rs. 8,000 for Pixel 8 purchases made using ICICI, Kotak Mahindra, and Axis Bank cards. In addition to this, customers can avail of Rs. 3,000 discount while exchanging their old phone.

Meanwhile, Pixel 8 Pro buyers can get up to Rs. 9,000 discount on orders placed through select bank cards. In addition to this, there is a Rs. 4,000 exchange bonus as well. These special bank offers and exchange discounts will bring down the price of the Pixel 8 to Rs. 64,999 and the Pixel 8 Pro’s price to Rs. 93,999.

Customers purchasing the Pixel 8 series smartphones are also eligible to buy the new Pixel Watch 2 for a discounted price of Rs. 19,999, instead of Rs. 39,900, or the Pixel Buds Pro for Rs. 8,999, down from Rs. 9,999.

Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro specifications

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro run on Android 14 out-of-the-box. The regular model sports a 6.2-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixels) OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch Quad-HD (1,344×2,992 pixels) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. They are powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chipset and the Titan M2 security chip. The Pixel 8 packs 8GB of RAM while the Pixel 8 Pro features 12GB of RAM.

For optics, the vanilla Pixel 8 has a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel Samsung GN2 sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera. The Pixel 8 Pro features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, and two 48-megapixel sensors. Both models carry a 10.5-megapixel front camera.

Connectivity options on the handsets include Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Sensors on board include an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor. Further, there is an in-display fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.

The Pixel 8 is equipped with a 4,575mAh battery with support for 27W wired charging. The Pixel 8 Pro, in contrast, has a 5050mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging. Both models also support wireless charging.

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro Survives Drop and Scratch Tests, Outlives iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Google Pixel 8 Pro was launched last week as the search giant’s latest flagship smartphone, alongside the standard model. The phone has a metal frame with glass on both sides. Days before the smartphones go on sale in India and global markets, YouTube users have been testing the smartphone’s durability through “drop” and “scratch” tests. While these tests are not a definitive indicator of the ability of these phones to survive real world damage, the Pixel 8 Pro appears to beat the iPhone 15 Pro Max on the durability front.

In a recent YouTube video by PBKReviews, the Pixel 8 Pro was first dropped by a person holding Google’s new flagship phone at the waist level. The phone’s screen was aimed at the ground but the concrete appeared to do no damage to the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protected display, aside from some scuff marks on the edges of the phone. The phone picks up some scratches on the corners of the metallic frame, when dropped from the same level as the person’s head, but the glass on the front and rear panel remains intact.

When dropped from waist height with the rear panel facing the concrete, the Pixel 8 Pro gets scratches on the rear panel and the horizontal metallic camera module. The next test involves dropping the phone from the person’s waist, but on its side. The impact to the frame does affect the smartphone — there’s some damage to the display in the top left corner, but it continues to function normally.

During the video, the Pixel 8 Pro is also subjected to a scratch test that involves placing the phone inside a Ziploc bag with sand, and moving the smartphone’s display around on the surface of the sand. The Pixel 8 Pro picks up very small scratches on the display, but does not seem to be affected by the scratch test.

The YouTube user mentions that the Pixel 8 Pro survived the channel’s drop test unlike the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which cracked during the drop test. Similarly, it is also claimed that Google’s Pixel 8 Pro phone fares better in these tests than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

While the Pixel 8 Pro has not been put through Zack Nelson’s (JerryRigEverything) bend test on YouTube, these early indications of durability are a good sign. Not only is the Pixel 8 Pro expensive — it costs more than Rs. 1 lakh in India — but Google has also promised to provide 7 years of OS, feature and security updates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — strong build quality of these handsets could go a long way in ensuring their longevity.

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Google Pixel 8a With Curved Edges, Dual Rear Cameras Spotted in Leaked Renders

Google Pixel 8a has been spotted in a set of renders that have leaked online, days after the company announced its flagship phones for the year, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The leaked renders suggest the handset will be powered by a 6.1-inch flat display. The handset is also shown to feature the same raised horizontal camera bar found on Google’s current-generation Pixel models. The size of the Pixel 8a is likely to be larger than that of the Pixel 8, according to information that has surfaced online.

Detailed renders of the Pixel 8a have been leaked by tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (X: @OnLeaks) in collaboration with Smartprix. The leaked renders show the Pixel 8a in a colourway that looks quite similar to the Rose colour found on the Pixel 8 that made its debut at the company’s Made by Google 2023 hardware launch event last week. Both the front and rear sides of the phone also have a similar appearance to the standard model, but the bezels on the Pixel 8a appear slightly larger.

Photo Credit: Smartprix/ @OnLeaks

 

According to the details leaked by the tipster, the Pixel 8a will measure 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm. This suggests that the height, width and thickness of the purported successor to the Pixel 7a will be dropped by 0.1mm, 0.3mm, and 0.1mm, respectively. Unlike the Pixel 7a, next year’s midrange model could feature more rounded corners, according to the leaked images.

The rear panel on the Pixel 8a is equipped with a raised camera module that appears to be nearly identical to the one on the Pixel 8. It is shown to feature two rear cameras aligned to the left, while an LED flash is located on the right side. The rear panel also includes the Google logo in the middle.

The tipster has also shared 360-degree renders of the purported Pixel 8a that show the handset with a USB Type-C port at the bottom of the display flanked by speaker grilles. On the front of the handset is a centre-aligned hole punch cutout that houses the selfie camera, and the top of the display houses a slim ear speaker for calls.

The top edge of the phone has an antenna line that could be used for cellular connectivity or — as the publication points out — for ultra-wideband (UWB) support. Sales of Google’s Pixel 8 series of smartphones in India are yet to begin and the company hasn’t announced plans to launch a midrange version of its flagship smartphones, but we can expect to learn more about the Pixel 8a in months leading up to its expected launch next year.

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Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a Get Massive Discounts During Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale

Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7a will go on sale at heavily discounted prices during the upcoming Flipkart Big Billion Days sale. The Pixel 7 Pro is powered by Google’s second-generation Tensor G2 chip and was introduced by Google last year during its Made by Google 2022 hardware launch event, and was priced at Rs. 84,999. When the Big Billion Days sale kicks off in a day, the Pixel 7 Pro price in India is set to drop under the Rs. 60,000 mark in the country. Similarly, the mid-range Pixel 7a will also be sold at a discounted price during the sale.

According to a teaser posted on a microsite for the upcoming Big Billion Days sale on Flipkart, the Pixel 7 Pro price in India will drop to Rs. 58,999 during the sale. It is worth noting that the price of the handset is currently listed at Rs. 63,999 and you will need to avail of bank card offers in order to purchase the handset at the discounted price. You can also avail of an additional discount to lower the price of the handset even further by up to Rs. 32,000, on exchanging an eligible smartphone.

Photo Credit: Screenshot/ Flipkart

 

Similarly, the Pixel 7a, which was launched in India earlier this year at Rs. 43,999, will be available at Rs. 31,499 during the upcoming Flipkart Big Billion Days sale, according to the teaser posted to the company’s sale event microsite. The handset is currently listed at its original retail price on the website, and you will be able to avail of bank offers to lower the price of the handset. Exchanging an eligible smartphone can also lower the price further by an additional Rs. 30,600, as per the listing on Flipkart.

Google Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a specifications

The flagship Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7a both run on Android 13 out-of-the-box and can be upgraded to Android 14, which was rolled out on October 4. These handsets are powered by the same Tensor G2 chipset found on the Pixel 7 series, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. The Pro model sports a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate.

The Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 30x Super Resolution Zoom and 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 7a has a 64-megapixel primary camera and a 13-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera. For selfies and video chats, the Pro model has a 10.8-megapixel selfie camera, while the Pixel 7a has a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Pro model has up to 256GB of inbuilt storage, while you get only 128GB with the Pixel 7a. Both handsets are equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric unlocking along with face unlock support. Both phones also feature fast wired charging along with wireless charging support. They are claimed to offer 72 hours of battery life when the Extreme Battery Saver mode is enabled.

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Android 14 Update Rolls Out to Eligible Google Pixel Phones: New Features, How to Download

Android 14 is now rolling out to compatible Pixel smartphones, months after Google took the wraps off its next major operating system update. The latest version of Android comes with improvements to security and accessibility features, and adds on-device generative AI tools — including the ability to create unique lock screen wallpapers. While many smartphone manufacturers are yet to announce which of their handsets will receive an update to Android 14, owners of recent Pixel models can download the update right away.

At the Made by Google 2023 event held on Wednesday, Google unveiled its Pixel 8 series of smartphones that run on Android 14 out-of-the-box. Meanwhile the company announced that eligible Pixel smartphones are also receiving the update to Android 14. This means that if you are running a Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, and Pixel Fold you will be able to download the Android 14 update. The Pixel Tablet will also be compatible with Android 14.

Some of the most noteworthy improvements and changes coming to Android 14 are related to the camera app, with support for “Ultra HDR” images, improved zoom support in third-party apps, and better image capturing in low-light scenarios. Meanwhile, the camera app can also scan documents like a certificate or a shopping receipt, which can then be stored in digital form.

The lock screen on Android 14 has been updated to offer support for increased customisation, bringing the Pixel phones on par with iOS and Samsung’s One UI in terms of customisation. You can now pick custom lock screen clock designs and use shortcuts of your choice on the lock screen. Meanwhile, a generative AI tool built into the operating system can create unique wallpapers for you that can be set on the home or the lock screen, or both.

You can now set a six-digit passcode on Android 14 and the operating system will unlock it as soon as you type it in. The operating system will also support passkeys, which means that you will be able to log into apps and websites without having to type your password.  

Users who rely on Android’s accessibility tools will benefit from better font scaling with larger font support, the ability to pinch and zoom across the operating system, and support for connecting hearing aids. You can also enable a setting to flash your screen whenever you receive a notification.

Android 14 also adds support for a new Health Connect API (application programming interface) that will allow apps on your phone to access health information from a central location. Apps will also be able to access information collected by other apps that also have access to the API, according to details shared by Google.

If you want to download the Android 14 update on your Pixel smartphone, you can open the Settings app and tap on System > System update > Check for update > Download and Install. You’ll only need to do this if you haven’t already received a push notification informing you that the update to Android 14 is ready for your smartphone. After the update is downloaded, your phone will begin the installing it — you will need to reboot your phone when prompted, to complete the update process.

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Google Pixel Watch 2 With New Sensors, Longer Battery Life, Wear OS 4.0 Debuts in India: Price, Specifications

Google Pixel Watch 2 was launched globally on Wednesday. It was released alongside the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro handsets. The smartwatch by the Mountain-View based tech giant has also been introduced in the Indian market. It offers several improvements over the features of the preceding Pixel Watch model, which was launched in October 2022. The newly-unveiled smart wearable, powered by a Qualcomm 5100 SoC, is scheduled to go on sale in the country next week.

Google Pixel Watch 2 price in India, availability

Offered in Polished Silver, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold Aluminium cases paired with a wide range of band options, the Pixel Watch 2 is priced in India at Rs. 39,900 for the LTE variant. Flipkart is currently offering only the LTE variant of the watch and it will be available for sale in India starting October 13 via.

Google and Flipkart are also offering Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro customers the chance to buy the Pixel Watch 2 for Rs. 19,999.

Google Pixel Watch 2 specifications

Sporting a 3D curved always-on display, the Pixel Watch 2 comes with a pixel density of 320ppi, peak brightness level of 1000 nits, and a custom Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the display. The smartwatch is powered by a Qualcomm 5100 SoC paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of inbuilt storage. The watch runs Wear OS 4.0 out-of-the-box.

The Pixel Watch 2 is equipped with multiple sensors like a compass, an altimeter, a 3-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, an ambient light sensor, a barometer, and a magnetometer. Like most other fitness tracking devices, this watch also comes with a oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitor, ECG monitor, multi-path optical heart rate sensor, electrical sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) for body response tracking, and a skin temperature sensor.

Aside from 40 sports modes, the Pixel Watch 2 can also give the user data on health and physical activity including a daily readiness score, a sleep score, chart active zone minutes, and prepare a sleep profile.

The Pixel Watch 2 packs a 306mAh battery, which is claimed to offer a battery life of up to 24 hours with always-on display. Compared to the original Pixel Watch, that debuted with wireless charging support, the new Pixel Watch 2 gets rid of this and opts for contact pins instead. A USB Type-C charging cable is included in the box and it features four contact pins.

A built-in mic and speaker, a digital crown with haptic feedback, and a side button are carried over from the original Pixel Watch. The Pixel Watch 2 is available in a Wi-Fi and an LTE model. Both variants get Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC connectivity. It also has 5 ATM water resistance. Google claims that the body of the watch, weighing 31 grams, is made out of 100 percent recycled aluminum. The bands arrive with fluoroelastomer and soft-touch coating.

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Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro with Tensor G3, Android 14, and Upgraded Cameras Launched: Price, Specifications

Google on Wednesday launched its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones at the company’s Made by Google 2023 hardware launch event. The latest smartphones from the search giant are powered by a Tensor G3 chip, offer up to 256GB of inbuilt storage, and run on Android 14 out-of-the-box. The standard Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro both support Google’s AI-backed features like Photo Unblur and Live Translate and are promised to receive seven years of software support from Google. These phones have tons of AI enhancements applied across cameras and on-devices. 

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro price in India and availability

Pixel 8 price in India is set at Rs. 75,999 and will be available in a single 128GB storage model. The smartphone will be sold in Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose colour options.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro comes at Rs. 1,06,999 for the 128GB storage model. The Pro model comes in Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain colour options.

The handsets will be available to purchase via Flipkart. Pre-orders for the smartphone will begin today, i.e. October 4.

For the first time, Google is bringing its smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2, to India with a price tag of Rs. 39,900. All the new Pixel devices will be available starting October 12. 

The company also announced a limited-period launch offers in India which include: 
— Bank offer of Rs. 8,000 on select banks and exchange offer of Rs. 3,000 on Pixel 8
— Bank offer of Rs. 9,000 on select banks and exchange offer of Rs. 4,000 on Pixel 8 Pro
— With any Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro purchase, users in India can buy a Pixel Watch 2 for Rs. 19,999 or a Pixel Buds Pro for Rs. 8999.

Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro specifications and features

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are dual-SIM smartphones running on Android 14 out-of-the-box. The Pixel 8 sports a 6.2-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixels) OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch Quad-HD (1,344×2,992 pixels) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Both handsets are powered by Google’s nona-core Tensor G3 chipset and the Titan M2 security chip, paired with 8GB (Pixel 8) and 12GB (Pixel 8 Pro) of RAM.

Some of the highlight software enhancements include Google’s Best Take, which will help create a blended image from a series of photos to get the best look for everyone in the picture. There’s also Audio Magic Eraser, which lets you reduce ambient noise like crowd or wind using advanced machine learning. Google also announced the Video Boost feature, which boosts recorded videos and will be available to users later this year. 

For capturing photos and video, the newly announced Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are both equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Samsung GN2 sensor with a f/1.68 aperture. The Pixel 8 has a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a Sony IMX386 sensor, and an f/2.2 aperture. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 64-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with a Sony IMX787 sensor and a f/2.8 aperture.

The Pro model is also equipped with a third 48-megapixel telephoto camera with a Samsung GM5 sensor and a f/1.95 aperture. On the front of both phones is an 11-megapixel camera with an f/2.2 aperture for selfies and video chats.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are equipped with up to 256GB of inbuilt storage. Connectivity options on the handset include Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Sensors on board the handsets include an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, proximity sensor, and a fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are equipped with 4,575mAh and 5,050mAh batteries with support for 27W and 30W wired charging, respectively. The handsets also support wireless charging, according to Google. The battery of the Pixel 8 Pro can be charged to 50 percent in 30 minutes and 100 percent in 100 minutes, while the regular model takes slightly longer to charge to 50 percent.

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Microsoft CEO Says Google Locking Up Content Needed to Train AI While Tech Giants Compete Hard

Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said Monday tech giants were competing for vast troves of content needed to train artificial intelligence, and complained Google was locking up content with expensive and exclusive deals with publishers.

Testifying in a landmark US trial against its rival Google, the first major antitrust case brought by the US since it sued Microsoft in 1998, Nadella testified the tech giants’ efforts to build content libraries to train their large language models “reminds me of the early phases of distribution deals.”

Distribution agreements are at the core of the US Justice Department’s antitrust fight against Google. The government says that Google, with some 90 percent of the search market, illegally pays $10 billion (nearly Rs. 83,200 crore) annually to smartphone makers like Apple and wireless carriers like AT&T and others to be the default search engine on their devices. 

The clout in search makes Google a heavy hitter in the lucrative advertising market, boosting its profits.

Nadella said building artificial intelligence took computing power, or servers, and data to train the software. On servers, he said, “No problem, we are happy to put in the dollars.”

But without naming Google, he said it was “problematic” if other companies locked up exclusive deals with big content makers. 

“When I am meeting with publishers now, they say Google’s going to write this check and it’s exclusive and you have to match it,” he said.

Rebuffed by Apple

Nadella also testified that Microsoft had sought to make its Bing search engine the default on Apple smartphones but was rebuffed. 

John Schmidtlein, Google’s lead lawyer, pressed Nadella on occasions when Microsoft did win default status on computers and mobile phones but users still bypassed Bing and continued to use Google by a wide margin.

Schmidtlein argued that Microsoft had made a series of strategic errors that led to Bing’s inability to grab a foothold, including a failure to invest in servers or engineers to improve Bing and a failure to see the mobile revolution.

Schmidtlein also said Microsoft’s success in becoming the default — on some Verizon phones in 2008, and BlackBerry and Nokia in 2011 — ended with the same result: users bypassed Bing and did the vast majority of their searches on Google.

On laptops, most of which use Microsoft operating systems, Bing is the default search engine and has a market share below 20 percent, Nadella acknowledged.

“You get up in the morning and you brush your teeth and you search on Google,” he added in a reference to Google’s dominance in search.

Question of quality

Judge Amit Mehta, who will decide the case being tried in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, asked Nadella why Apple would switch to Bing given the Microsoft product’s lower quality.

The question suggests Google’s argument — that it is dominant because of its quality and not because of illegal activity — has caught the judge’s interest.

Nadella became CEO of Microsoft in 2014, long after the tech giant faced its own federal antitrust lawsuit. That court fight, which ended in a 2001 settlement, forced Microsoft to end some business practices and opened the door to companies like Google.

As Google, which was founded in 1998, became an industry leading search engine, the two became bitter rivals. Both have browsers, search engines, email services and a host of other overlaps. They became rivals in artificial intelligence more recently, with Microsoft investing heavily in OpenAI and Google building the Bard AI chatbot among other investments.

© Thomson Reuters 2023

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series at its first Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. We discuss the company’s new devices and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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