Tag: Pixel 6a

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Google announces Pixel 6a with same Tensor chip as 6 Pro

After months of waiting, Google has announced the Pixel 6a, the company’s latest mid-range handset.

The handset is launching in ‘White,’ ‘Black,’ and ‘Green’ in the U.S. It’s launching at $449 ($582 CAD). The phone becomes available to pre-order in the U.S. on July 21st and comes out on July 28th.

Google says the Pixel 6a offers the same speed as the Pixel 6 Pro as its using the same Tensor processor and Titan M2 chip.

The Pixel 6a features a 6.2-inch OLED display with a centred hole-punch selfie camera and two 12-megapixel sensors (wide, and ultra-wide angle) on the Pixel 6-like visor.

You can also expect Pixel-exclusive features, including Night Sight, Real Tone, and Magic Eraser.

The Pixel 6a also sports a fingerprint scanner like the 6 Pro and 6, and has five years of security updates.

Image credit: Google

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Here’s how to watch Google I/O 2022

Google’s annual I/O developer conference is just a few hours away, and similar to the last two years, the keynote will take place online and is available for anyone to stream.

The keynote, which starts today at 10am PT/1pm ET will deliver the major chunk of news on the first day, whereas tomorrow, May 12th will be focused primarily on the developer side of things.

This time around, we aren’t going into the event blindsided. From what we know so far, the first day of I/O will likely introduce the Android 13 Beta 2, closely followed by update announcements regarding AI, machine learning, Google Cloud and Workspace, Google Home, Chrome OS and more.

On the hardware side of things, recent leaks suggest that we’ll see the long-awaited Pixel Watch debut at the event. The smartwatch recently leaked on Reddit, with the user showing off the 20mm variant of the watch with a black soft silicone watch band.

Next up, we might see Google launch the Pixel 6a today. The device has already made its way to Canada’s Radio Equipment List, which indicates that, unlike last year’s Pixel 5a, the Pixel 6a will launch in Canada, provided it is announced at the event today. Judging by the leaks so far, we expect the device to sport a 6.2-inch OLED display, a 5,000mAh battery and a rear visor that houses the camera sensors.

Lastly, we might also see Google drop the Pixel Buds Pro. According to often-reliable leaker Jon Prosser, the earbuds will come in four colourways, namely ‘Real Red,’ ‘Carbon,’ ‘Limoncello’ and ‘Fog.’ Unfortunately, that’s all the information we have about the buds, so it’s entirely possible that they might not be launched at I/O today.

You can keep up with all the announcements by tuning into the live event for free at io.google/2022 at 10am PT/1pm ET. You can also stream the event directly through Google’s YouTube channel or via the YouTube stream embedded below:

Further, if you’d like to receive email updates about the event, you can register for a Google Developer Profile here. If not, you can follow along with MobileSyrup for the latest details from the event. Our Twitter and Instagram and Facebook will also have important announcements as they happen at I/O.

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What to expect from Google I/O 2022

Google I/O 2022 kicks off on Wednesday, May 11th, and the developer-focused event might be more interesting than it’s been for the past past few years. Similar to the last few years, Google has decided to take I/O online and is inviting anyone to join and watch the keynote.

The conference will run from May 11th to 12th, but most of the big news will likely drop at 10am PT/1pm ET on the 11th during the event’s opening keynote.

While Google I/O will always focus on the developer side of things, Pichai said during Alphabet’s most recent earnings call that there will be new hardware and Android announcements during this year’s event.

Android 13

Like always, we’ll learn more details about the newest version of Android. Unlike last year, Google has already released the Android 13 beta. According to the Android 13 beta release cycle, the second beta will release in May. This means that we’ll likely see beta 2 at the event.

So far, Android 13 isn’t much to write home about. We’ve seen updates like more Material You colour options, app suggestions in all apps list, brand new clipboard help, spatial audio and Bluetooth LE, etc.

However, during the investor’s call, Pichai said that Google will unveil new Android features and services, so I’m hoping to see more exciting things at the event.

For what it’s worth, Android 13’s first Beta brought a new ‘Face Unlock’ UI to the Pixel 6 Pro. While the feature isn’t functional yet, Google might dive into it at the event.

Other Android announcements

According to Google I/O’s official program, there will be updates to ARCore, AI and machine learning, Google Cloud and Workspace, Google Home, Chrome OS and more.

Additionally, we’re likely going to see new Assistant features. Since the company announced Assistant six years ago, Google has always emphasized Assistant functionalities that it typically adds to its Pixel smartphones. Previously, we’ve seen announcements like Duplex, a service that places calls and makes reservations on the user’s behalf.

Other Google projects like Lens will likely see announcements alongside Google’s core services like News, Search, Gmail, Workspace, and more.

And with the potential launch of the Pixel Watch (more on the long-rumoured smartwatch later), we might see a substantial update to Wear OS.

Google Pixel 6a

Hardware is poised to be a pretty big part of I/O 2022 as we’re expecting the reveal of the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch. Starting with the Pixel 6a, we anticipate that the phone will sport a 6.2-inch OLED display, a 5,000mAh battery and will continue to feature Nexus 6P-like visor with a glossy back.

Additionally, the phone is rumoured to feature the older ‘IMX 363’ camera sensor used in the Pixel 5 and prior models. The Pixel 5 features wide and ultrawide lenses, which means the Pixel 6a  also might lack a telephoto shooter.

This year, the Pixel 6a will lose its 3.5mm headphone jack, a first for the company’s ‘a’ series.  Further, the Pixel 6a is expected to launch in Canada this year. Canada’s Radio Equipment List approved the upcoming mid-range phone on April 11th and indicated that the phone will launch here, unlike last year’s Pixel 5a.

Pixel Watch

Finally, it looks like we’ll see the Pixel Watch finally get revealed at this year’s I/O. According to several leaks, the device, codenamed ‘Rohan,’ will sport minimal bezels and an Apple Watch-like ‘Digital Crown.’ Further, the watch will feature a heart rate sensor and fitness-focused Fitbit implementations.

A Reddit user recently showcased the 20mm variant with a black soft silicone watch band, and described the Pixel Watch as the most comfortable watch they’ve ever worn.

Google filed a trademark for “Pixel Watch” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. That said, Canada’s Radio Equipment list has yet to include a listing for the Pixel Watch, so it’s possible the wearable won’t make its way here — at least not immediately.

Google Pixel Buds Pro

The Pixel Buds Pro could also reportedly be revealed at this year’s I/O, according to sometimes reliable source of leaks, Jon Prosser. The earbuds will reportedly come in ‘Real Red,’ ‘Carbon,’ ‘Limoncello’ and ‘Fog.’ However, beyond this, nothing else is known about the Pixel Buds. Given the lack of rumours about these buds, it’s likely that we won’t actually see them at the event, but it’s possible.

All of this is based on speculation and rumours. We could see all the above-mentioned devices and updates, or none of them — we won’t know for sure until I/O 2022. To follow along with the announcements as they happen, make sure to follow MobileSyrup on Twitter and Facebook, or visit our website during I/O’s keynote.

Image Credit: Techxine, Tagtech

Source: Reddit (Tagtech), @jon_prosser

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Google Pixel 6a now expected to launch in Canada

It looks like Google’s Pixel 6a is coming to Canada.

Canada’s Radio Equipment List approved the upcoming mid-range phone on April 11th, indicating that it’s likely set to release here.  The approved model has the hardware version identification number GX7AS.

MySmartPrice spotted a trio of listings via the U.S.’ Federal Trade Commission (FCC) earlier this morning. The FCC listing confirmed that the ‘GX7AS’ model supports 5G bands n38 and n41. This leak also indicates that Google is also working on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 7a.

Last year’s Pixel 5a didn’t come to Canada, so it’s nice to see that Google is bringing its mid-range smartphone to the North this year.

The Pixel 6a is rumoured to feature with 128GB of storage and come in white, green and black colour variants. Additionally, leaks indicate the phone sports a 6.2-inch OLED display, centred hole-punch selfie camera, two 12-megapixel sensors, a Pixel 6-like visor and a 5,000mAh battery.

We’re likely to hear more about the Pixel 6a on May 11th during the Google I/O keynote presentation.

Source: Canada Radio Equipment List, MySmartPrice

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Alleged Pixel 6a retail box leak showcases Pixel 6-like design

Phones can’t just stay under wraps anymore.

The retail box for Google’s upcoming mid-range phone, the Pixel 6a, has leaked. Pictures of the box show that the phone is going to look like its flagship counterparts. Shared by Techxine, the picture on the box showcases the back of the handset, revealing a visor that comes from the Pixel 6. From the picture, we can see the phone sports only two camera sensors and an LED flash.

Additionally, you’ll notice that the Pixel 6a is lacking a microphone hole and a laser autofocus sensor.

Alongside the Nexus 6P-like visor, the phone is black and has a glossy look. The sides might be coated aluminum, but they are likely plastic, as the phone is rumoured to sport an all-plastic design.

Other than these small changes, the box is nearly the same as the Pixel 6’s box aside from the ‘Pixel 6a’ branding.

Pixel 6a leaks indicate that the phone will sport a 6.2-inch OLED display, two 12-megapixel shooters, a 5,000mAh battery and more. Additionally, the Pixel 6a will reportedly lose its 3.5mm headphone jack, which will be a first for the company’s ‘a’ series.

The Pixel 6a is likely to make its official debut on May 11th during the Google I/O keynote presentation; however, based on the Pixel 5a, the Pixel 6a might not come to Canada.

Source: Techxine

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Leak says Google Pixel 6a could arrive in May

A small tidbit of information dropped by leaker Max Jambor on Twitter points to the rumoured Pixel 6a arriving in May 2022.

Given Google tends to launch its A-series Pixel phones at its annual I/O developer conference, which usually takes place in May, this rumour makes a fair bit of sense. That said, Google has not stuck to the I/O announcement pattern in recent years. 2020’s Pixel 4a was announced in August (and wasn’t even available in Canada until September), while last year’s Pixel 5a also saw a later-than-expected August reveal and didn’t even come to Canada.

The pandemic, supply chain issues and chip shortages were among the factors that delayed the 4a and 5a (and limited the phones’ availability). However, with the Pixel 6a supposedly running on Google’s custom Tensor processors, there’s hope it won’t experience the same problems.

Beyond the May release date, Jambor didn’t share any other details. That said, there’s not much more to add — we’ve seen from previous leaks that the Pixel 6a will likely be a slightly smaller version of the Pixel 6 with older camera hardware.

Previous leaks suggest the Pixel 6a will have a 6.2-inch OLED display, a centred hole-punch selfie camera, and the same camera bump design on the back as the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It will also likely drop the headphone jack, a major bummer for those who’ve stuck with the A-series Pixels so they could keep using their favourite wired headphones.

As for the camera, the 6a is rumoured to sport the old IMX 363 sensor used in the Pixel 5, 5a and prior models. However, it’s also supposed to have the new ultra-wide IMX 386 sensor seen in the Pixel 6.

We’ll likely learn more about the Pixel 6a as we near the phone’s launch — whether that’s in May, or late summer as in previous years.

Source: Max Jambor (Twitter) Via: Android Police

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Google Pixel 6a cameras rumoured to be downgrade over Pixel 6

Google only released the Pixel 6 last month, but we’re already talking about the company’s upcoming Pixel 6a.

While the upcoming smartphone will reportedly sport the company’s proprietary Tensor chip, this latest rumour, unfortunately, points to the device lacking the Pixel 6’s top-of-the-line cameras.

Google’s mid-range handset will sport a rear visor like the Pixel 6 series, but according to 9to5Google, the phone will offer the 12.2-megapixel Sony IMX363 primary sensor that’s been featured in Pixel 3 through 5a devices.

However, the Pixel 6a is rumoured to sport the Pixel 6’s ultra-wide-angle 12-megapixel shooter and the 8-megapixel selfie camera on the from the smaller Pixel 6.

While the upcoming Pixel 6a featuring worse cameras when compared to the Pixel 6 series isn’t a shock, previous A-series Pixel smartphones have offered the same cameras as their flagship counterparts. A-series enthusiasts are likely expecting more affordable devices, but with great camera specs. While the Pixel 6a might still snap excellent photos, the images likely won’t be up to par with the Pixel 6 series.

It’s exciting that the Pixel 6a will offer Google’s Tensor as it should bring the Pixel 6 serires’ machine learning, camera features and Google Assistant functionality to the cheaper version of the smartphone.

Source: 9to5Google

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Google Pixel 6a renders show smaller design, no headphone jack

Renders of a potential Pixel 6a design have arrived, showing off a new design direction for Google’s lower-cost ‘a’ Pixel line.

The renders come from Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks, via 91Mobiles) and show a Pixel 6a sporting a very similar design to Google’s recently launched Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. That means the camera bump bar is back, likely with a two-tone back panel like with the flagship Pixel phones.

Additionally, the renders show a centre hole-punch selfie camera cutout like on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It’s not clear if Google will actually do that with the 6a, but since the a-series typically sport a similar design to the current Pixel flagships, I’d say there’s a good chance the 6a will sport the centre selfie cam.

Interestingly, the renders don’t show a physical fingerprint sensor on the back of the Pixel 6a. If accurate, it could mean the 6a will use an in-display scanner like the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6a renders also don’t show a headphone jack, which could be a significant shift for Google’s budget Pixel line. So far, every a-series Pixel has had a headphone jack — something Google has gone out of its way to highlight before.

Finally, the Pixel 6a reportedly measures in at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm, suggesting it will sport a display around the 6.2-inch mark. That makes it a little smaller than the Pixel 6 at 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm with a 6.4-inch screen. That could make the Pixel 6a an option for those out there who like the Pixel 6 but want it in a smaller form factor (like me).

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that these are just renders, and we’re still likely months away from an actual Pixel 6a launch, assuming Google releases a Pixel 6a at all. In other words, a lot of these details could change.

Source: OnLeaks, 91Mobiles Via: 9to5Google