AC Information Weekly
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Android Central’s Information Weekly: Your definitive source for a timely summary of the week’s top tech stories and news. In this hub of innovation, we explore the most prominent stories driving advancements in the ever-evolving digital landscape, showcasing the latest breakthroughs shaping our technological future.
This week’s rundown: Samsung’s Unpacked summer sequence leaks ahead of schedule; the Pixel 9 gets a fresh new color; Netflix drops its ad-free tier; Pixel devices receive the July security patch; and can Google harness music to train its AI models?
Samsung’s woes have reached new heights: It’s pouring down leaks.
Samsung unveiled a set of selling photos on Thursday, July 4, providing a first glimpse of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The hints suggest a more streamlined device, boasting a weight of just 239 grams, while its edges are noticeably sharper in contrast to those found on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The company might actually employ an enhanced aluminum body, potentially featuring a larger 6.3-inch cowl display alongside the same 7.6-inch foldable display. For its debut, the telephone boasts impressive IP48 resistance against dust and water. The newly surfaced leak suggests that the upcoming system may potentially feature a triple-rear-camera setup. The smartphone’s primary sensor boasts a remarkable 50-megapixel resolution, while its ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses deliver 12-megapixel and 10-megapixel images respectively, accompanied by optical zoom capabilities. The duvet display reportedly boasts a 10-megapixel selfie camera and a foldable display featuring an embedded 4-megapixel under-display camera.
The company’s advertising and marketing photos, showcasing the device in a sleek blue colorway, highlighted its impressive specifications. While similarities to its predecessor are understandable, the new design’s reliance on familiar elements may lead some users to wonder about its distinctiveness and potential for evolution. As recent leaks have suggested, the phone’s innovative design boasts a 3.4-inch cover display and a stunning 6.7-inch foldable screen. Will it be powered by a larger 4000mAh battery capacity?
It is expected that the forthcoming smartphone will feature a cutting-edge digital camera system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel secondary camera, and a high-resolution 10-megapixel front-facing lens. Rumors surrounding the Galaxy Z Flip 6 suggest it may boast an IP68 rating, marking a significant upgrade in durability; additionally, the device could be the first Samsung clamshell to integrate a vapor chamber, further enhancing its thermal management capabilities.
While some might have assumed the buzz surrounding Samsung’s earbuds was solely about the foldables, a Redditor who claims to be the proud owner of the brand-new Buds 3 Professional has taken to the platform to share their experience, posting high-quality images that are generating significant interest? With their fresh stem design, these earbuds boast a sleek metallic gray finish, complemented by a matching charging case that boasts a transparent design and shares the same metallic grey end. The headphones feature distinct blue and orange color-coded indicators on the left and right earbud tips. As for their efficiency, a Reddit user who owns the Buds 3 Pro noted that noise cancellation performs equally well as their AirPods Pro first generation. The sound is pleasant, but could benefit from a slightly deeper emphasis on the low-end frequencies to create a more engaging listening experience; as it stands, the tone resonates with me. Don’t they just?! Isn’t it astonishing how effortlessly I was able to acquire those things?
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A Pink Pixel 9? Yay or Nay?
The latest Pixel 9 model has been released in Algeria, boasting an impressive 256GB storage capacity and a trendy pink hue. I’ll be sure to keep you informed about any further developments by tomorrow morning. pic.twitter.com/0mE1QlCbEg
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Recently, an unreleased color variant of the rumoured Pixel 9 series emerged online. Algerian tech enthusiast Hani Mohamed Bioud sparked controversy on social media by alleging that Google had quietly rolled out its digital wallet system in the country’s market, accompanied by a photo of a smartphone display showcasing the service.
Bioud unveiled a multitude of footage and movies showcasing the impressive specifications of its innovative system, boasting an expansive 256GB of onboard storage akin to several instances previously encountered. The product’s aesthetic appears to draw inspiration from rounded corners in system options, yet adopts a more universal and rectangular design approach overall? The innovative digital camera visor boasts two cameras situated side by side, finished with a sleek matte coating, contrasting beautifully with the rest of its metallic sheen. The individual exclusively verified the phone’s design without activating its screen.
Several individuals in the feedback section presented mixed opinions regarding the color palette, with the majority expressing interest in alternative color options observed by the individual and inquiring whether the Pixel device featured either an optical or ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Bioude stated that he will be providing additional details about the system in the coming days.
Netflix is axing its most budget-friendly ad-free tier for certain subscribers.
Netflix appears set on abandoning its most basic ad-free plan, prompting users to shell out more to access the service sans ads. If reports are accurate, Netflix’s $11.99 ad-free plan may be cancelled for existing subscribers as early as July 13. Subscribers must choose from three options: a budget-friendly $6.99 plan featuring ads, a premium $15.49 ad-free option, or an upgraded $22.99 ad-free service offering 4K resolution.
The streamer’s broadcast is suddenly disrupted by a webpage announcing that their primary plan has been discontinued and offering the option to change plans at any time. According to Reddit complaints, it seems the streaming giant may be initially testing its updated options in the UK or Canada before rolling out changes to other regions, including the US?
This transfer would not come about suddenly, although. Earlier this year, during its Fall earnings call, Netflix announced that it had started an effort to nudge customers towards pricier or ad-supported plans. “Scaling our advertising business presents an opportunity to tap into significant new revenue streams and income pools over the medium to long term,” Netflix stated in a statement.
The July refresh brings a slew of exciting updates to Google’s Pixel line.
Google has announced that a new update is rolling out to Pixel Watch, starting today, July 1, with various styles expected to receive the upgrade within the next week. Building upon Google’s previous blog post, this update does not introduce fresh features, but rather reinforces the July security patch to keep your Pixel Watch secure and reliable. The replacement is available out there for each of them, and it comes with a software model that’s pre-programmed.
A day following the rollout of the aforementioned update for Google Watches, the company unveiled its monthly software patch for Pixel smartphones running on Android 14.
Google announces that its Pixel smartphones, including models such as Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, will receive bug fixes and performance enhancements to improve their overall service quality. In certain scenarios, select units may experience enhanced digital camera stability via normal updates. Specifically, this release addresses system stability and efficiency improvements, as well as a critical interface bug fix that resolves issues with back gesture navigation under specific circumstances.
To fuel the development of its artificial intelligence (AI) models, Google is considering leveraging music in innovative ways.
The technology giant is leveraging its Gemini platform across its entire product range, and is now seeking file labels willing to collaborate on innovative music projects incorporating AI. To facilitate this, the company must form partnerships with these file labels to drive progress forward.
Founded primarily on the collaborative work of nine pioneering artists. Despite this, reports from the Monetary Times suggest that YouTube is in discussions with various record labels, including Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Records, regarding a potential deal where the platform would pay “lump sums” to utilise the labels’ songs for AI music training. In a recent press release, YouTube clarified its stance to the Monetary Times, stating that it is actively engaged in discussions with record labels regarding innovative pilot programs.
It’s precisely because of this notion that we’re at risk. As per our esteemed author Brady Snyder, the file labels must echo his sentiment that “it’s impossible to put a price tag on creativity.”
Snyder suggests that Music Era instruments offer a user-friendly approach, allowing non-musicians to experiment with music composition, making them a valuable tool for those seeking to explore their creative side. Despite the advancements in technology, the current state of musical instruments remains disconnected from the artistry of talented musicians.
While many AI-generated music currently relies on mimicking famous artists, it often falls short of creating something as innovative and authentic as what a human can produce.
These stand out as some of the most remarkable stories from recent days. Meanwhile, consider delving into these additional stories that are well worth your attention.
