Tag: Google Pixel

 Google could be the next big tech company to jump into the foldable space. It’s been rumored for a while that a bendable Pixel phone might be on the way, especially given the company’s focus on hardware in recent years. While the name of the potential Google foldable phone is far from confirmed — it could be called the Pixel Fold or the Pixel Notepad — rumors seem to have settled on a release timeline. According to reliable display analyst Ross Yong, it could launch as early as spring 2023.

So far, the company has been mum on the possibility of a foldable phone. But that didn’t stop the rumor mill from churning and Pixel fans hoping. Remember, Google confirmed that it was prototyping folding technology back in 2019. Before that, it filed a patent application for a foldable device.

Let’s not forget that Google isn’t the only company reportedly jumping on the foldable phone bandwagon. It appears to be an open secret that Apple is preparing to do the same, although that may not appear until 2025. Samsung, meanwhile, appears to be going full steam ahead with its foldable phones. The South Korean company unveiled its fourth-generation foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4, at its Unpacked event in August.

Pixel Fold design: More Oppo Find N than Galaxy Z Fold 4

Animations in Android 12L, Google‘s software designed for large-screen devices like tablets and foldable phones, have hinted at what the Pixel Fold might look like. Based on this, Google’s foldable phone will be in the form of a book-style foldable dual screen. Google’s foldable phone was initially rumored to resemble the taller, leaner design of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, with an aspect ratio of around 22.5:18. But according to 9to5Google and other media reports, the Pixel Fold that opens is more like the square shape of Oppo’s foldable phone, the Find N. When closed, it is believed to have an aspect ratio closer to 18:9. If true, it would mean that, like the Find N, the Pixel Fold could more naturally function as a regular phone when closed.

Pixel Fold Design: Only 2 Colors

 Front Page Tech published renders based on images of the Google Pixel Fold online in November. The renders of the phone show two colors, one is the obsidian model (black) and the other is the chalk model (white).

Pixel Fold camera: Camera module could be downgraded from Pixel 6

There aren’t many rumors about the Pixel Fold’s camera, but there’s still room for some speculation, courtesy of 9to5Google. The site reports that the Pixel Fold will have two front-facing 8-megapixel lenses, one likely on the cover and another for the inside, as well as a 12-megapixel rear camera. The main sensor is expected to be down from the Pixel 6 series, as it is rumored to rely on the Sony IMX363 sensor used in the Pixel 3 in 2018, as opposed to Samsung’s top-of-the-line GN1 sensor, from the Pixel 6 series’ primary 50-megapixel camera. If I had to guess, the logic for this potential decision comes down to the size of the GN1 sensor, which is one of the larger camera sensors on the market. This means that foldable phones are difficult to carry around without adding to the overall weight of an already heavy foldable device. Another rumor points to the Pixel Fold having a 50-megapixel main camera along with two 12-megapixel cameras and an 8-megapixel camera.

Pixel Fold price: $1,400 to $1,800

There’s no telling what the phone’s price will be until the launch date — if that happens at all. But according to a report by 9to5Google citing unnamed sources, the Pixel Fold will be priced below the $1,800 mark. Another report spotted by BGR in March seemed to confirm this view, putting the price down to $1,399, below Samsung’s $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 4 . These rumors seem plausible, as they seem to be in line with Google‘s strategy to undercut its rivals in terms of price.

Pixel Fold Processor: Tensor

Given the complex and expensive trouble Google has had with developing its own system-on-a-chip technology, the Pixel Fold will almost certainly run on the Tensor chipset that debuted on the Pixel 6 series.

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 We finally got our hands on Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Watch. The products were first announced at Google I/O, the search giant’s annual developer conference in May. Google revealed more information at an event in Brooklyn on Thursday. You can pre-order the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and Pixel Watch right now, and they’ll start shipping next week.

The new phones focus primarily on camera updates and features added by the revamped Tensor G2 processor. The processor handles advanced image processing, extended security (used with the Titan M2) and machine learning, and system caching. Google goes through all the ways the G2 can speed up and improve most of the phone’s features.

As usual, the new device runs an upgraded version of its mobile operating system, Android 13. Android 13 rolled out to the previous generation of phones, the Pixel 6 series, in August. Google is promising five years of security updates for the phone. Let’s take a look below!

Pixel 7

Notably, Google added 2x crop mode zoom to its 50-megapixel main sensor, which produces a 12.5-megapixel image from the center of the sensor. The company says other general improvements you’ll see include faster Night Sight low-light shots, better skin tones, and a audible selfie-assist mode for the visually impaired called Guided Frame. Still, it’s a dual camera.

The Still Photo Unblur algorithm extends from just faces to sharpen old photos and get a cinematic blur for video, Apple’s Cinematic Mode. Google hinted that the newer Unblur feature will only be available on new phones thanks to the G2. The phone gets 4K recording at 60 frames per second and better video autofocus and voice enhancements.

There’s no dramatic redesign for 2022: mostly just the aluminum bezel that extends to the camera bump, all the way to the edges, and replaces last year’s “kinda, kinda” color with a buff option. It’s smaller than the Pixel 6. It uses new zirconia sandblasted aluminum.

The Pixel 7 starts at the same price as the Pixel 6 at $599 (£599, AU$999).

Google Pixel 7: New tensor chip, better camera for the same price

Pixel 7 phone with VPN

Pixel 7 Pro

In addition to all the features available in the Pixel 7, the Pro’s camera gets a 12-megapixel, 10x crop-mode zoom from its 48-megapixel telephoto camera. The camera uses the main and telephoto cameras for computational zoom in the range between 2.5x and 5x. The Pro also added a macro mode with its third camera. Google promises crisp, stable 30x zoom photos.

The Pro will be available in light, muted greens instead of yellows. It starts at $899 (£849, AU$1,299).

The 7 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM (compared to the 7’s 8GB) and comes with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage. Like the 7, it supports millimeter-wave 5G on AT&T and Verizon, but only the Pro will support T-Mobile for the fastest 5G.

How Google’s Pixel 7 Pro challenges the iPhone with new camera tech

Google Pixel 7 Pro brings better camera zoom and macro photography

Pixel watch

Borrowing from the company’s acquisition of Fitbit, Google‘s first homegrown smartwatch features many of the same fitness-tracking features with similar accuracy, in a sleek, premium design – rounded convex Gorilla Glass 5 and a stainless steel case. The watch highlights Google’s more focused attention to design. It starts at $350 (£339, AU$549).

The watch is water resistant up to 5 ATM, which means it should be able to withstand pressure equal to a depth of 50 meters. It also has an always-on display. Designs include matte black with obsidian active band, polished silver with charcoal active band, polished silver with chalk active band or champagne gold with hazelnut active band; there will be a variety of band styles.

Google’s Wear OS 3.5 also brings a wider range of features such as smart home controls, wrist access to the Google Play Store and optional LTE, emergency SOS, international emergency calling and mobile payments via Google Wallet. After launch, it will be able to measure blood oxygen saturation and capture an electrocardiogram from the wrist and support fall detection. The company promises a full day of use on a single charge.

Pixel Tablet

Google uses the tablet as a complement to the rest of the Google ecosystem. The company emphasizes split-screen and stylus support, as well as the integration of the Tensor G2 — a tablet designed to be an extension of your phone, handling photos and more in the same way.

There’s a new charging speaker dock that goes with it, basically turning it into a smart display.

It matches the rest of the range with a Nano Ceramic Matte finish.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

 Have you recently bought a Google Pixel phone and wondered what it could do besides make calls, text and take pictures? We know that buying a new smartphone can be exciting and sometimes confusing. However, if you haven’t upgraded your phone in a while, or are switching from a different operating system, there are a lot of new features and settings to get used to. Check out 6 Google Pixel tricks below!

Add captions to videos with Live Captioning

Did you know your Pixel phone can automatically caption videos, podcasts, phone calls, and more? Press the volume buttons and tap the Live Caption icon that looks like a small text box to enable this feature. Live Caption runs in English on the Pixel 2 and later, so it should work on any Pixel phone launched in the past four years. According to Google, subtitles are stored and processed locally and never leave your device.

You can also adjust certain settings, such as hiding profanity and adding labels to sounds like laughter and applause. Open Settings and select Live Captions to customize these options. It’s also important to note that Live Caption consumes extra battery, so you may only want to turn it on when you need it.

Take better photos of stars

Google’s Pixel phones have features specifically designed to help you take photos of the night sky. It works on Pixel 3 and above, but if you’re on Pixel 4A 5G and above, you’ll need to adjust the zoom setting to at least 1x.

Google says the feature works best when taking pictures away from city lights for at least 45 to 90 minutes after sunset. You’ll also need a tripod or other stable surface rather than your hands for best results.

Just open the camera app, prop up the phone and make sure it’s steady, and tap Night Sight to get started. After a few seconds, you should see a message saying “Astrophotography on”. Press the capture button and put the phone aside until you finish taking the photo.

Translate screenshots in other languages

You can use Google‘s Lens feature to translate screenshots in Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and more. Open the Google Photos app and select the screenshot you want to translate. Then tap the lens icon that looks like a camera and select the translate icon. This works on Pixel 3 and above.

Switch to selfie camera without pressing any buttons

You can switch between the Pixel’s selfie camera and the main camera without having to click any buttons. Just open the Pixel’s camera app and turn the phone twice to switch between cameras. If you’re not sure what I mean by “twist”, Google has a helpful animation for you.

If you’re still having trouble, check your Pixel’s settings to make sure this feature is enabled. Open the Settings app, select System, then Flip Camera Selfie.

Open an app or take a screenshot by tapping the back of the phone

Add a handy shortcut to your Pixel phone with Google’s Quick Tap feature. This lets you open apps, take screenshots, play or pause media, or show notifications with just two taps on the back of your phone. It only works on newer Google phones like the Pixel 4A 5G and above.

To turn on Quick Click and customize its actions, open the Settings menu and select System. Then, choose gestures and quick taps. From here, turn on Quick Tap and choose what you want to do when you tap the back of your device.

Let the Google Assistant filter your calls

Google is expected to help with its call screen feature, which is available on all Pixel phones. When this feature is on, the Google Assistant can answer unknown calls and ask who the caller is and why. If it’s a spam call, it will hang up automatically, but you can see how the caller responded and decide whether to answer the caller or not.

Google doesn’t block calls from phone numbers saved in your contacts, and your Pixel doesn’t automatically block calls when you’re using a headset or connected to Bluetooth.

To set up automatic call screening, open the Phone app and tap the three dots in the upper right corner. Select Settings and select Spam & Calling Screen. Make sure the switch next to View caller and spam IDs is turned on, then press Call Screen.

From here, you can choose how Google blocks incoming calls. For example, you can set it to block spam calls, possibly fake numbers, first-time callers, and private or hidden callers. Just click on one of these categories and select the automatic screen. Deny the Robocalls option.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

 Just bought a Pixel 6 or 6A? Updating some settings can refresh your phone’s software, prevent you from running out of storage space, or save you time by letting the Google Assistant wait for you. Google launched the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro last fall, but the Pixel 6A went on sale on July 28. It starts at $450, has the same Tensor processor as the Pixel 6, but has a lower-resolution camera and a significantly smaller screen.

Here are the settings you should change on your Pixel 6, 6 Pro or 6A. Let’s have a look!

Turn on theme icons to match your icons to the wallpaper

One of the biggest features in Android 12 is Material You, which customizes the software’s color palette to match your wallpaper. You’ll notice that certain elements in some apps will have colors that match the wallpaper as part of the wider material you refresh. If you go into Settings, you can choose from several options.

But you don’t have to stop there. To give your app icons a fresh, wallpaper-like look, long-press on any empty area on your Pixel 6’s home screen. Then click Wallpaper & Style , and make sure the switch next to the theme icon is turned on. The app icons on the home screen should now match your wallpaper.

Use quick phrases to turn off alarms or phone calls without saying “Hey Google”

Your alarm starts to go off, and you barely have the energy to reach for your phone. Google has made it easier for the Pixel 6 lineup to do just that, where you can snooze or dismiss the alarm simply by saying “snooze” or “stop,” without the “Hey Google” trigger phrase. You can do the same with a phone call by saying “answer” or “decline” without picking up your device.

To turn this feature on, open Settings, Menu and select Apps. Then, select Assistant and tap Quick Phrases. You should see alarms and timers and options for incoming calls. Click the switch next to each to enable this feature.

Choose whether you want to extend battery life or improve performance

Google‘s Pixel phones optimize battery life based on how you use your phone. While this is a useful perk, sometimes you may prefer to turn this feature off so you can get better performance out of your device. You can turn this setting on or off at any time by opening the Settings menu, selecting Battery and tapping Adaptive Preferences .

Turn on Smart Storage to avoid running out of space

If you shoot a lot of photos and videos, you know how valuable your device’s storage space is. But you can choose to have your Pixel phone automatically delete old photos to free up space. If you enable this feature, your Pixel device will delete photos backed up in your Google Photos account that’s been on your device for 60 days if your phone’s storage is below 25%.

To turn this feature on, open Settings, select Storage and tap Free up space. Then tap the menu icon in the upper left corner and select Settings. Toggle the switch next to Smart Storage.

Make sure your Pixel’s screen automatically switches orientation when needed

Nothing is more annoying than having your phone stuck in portrait mode when you put your phone in landscape mode to watch a video. Avoid this on the Pixel 6 by opening the Settings menu, selecting Display, and tapping Auto-rotate screen. You can also choose to turn on face detection to make automatic rotation more accurate. Google said the images used for face detection were never stored or sent to the company.

Choose whether you want smoother scrolling or better battery life

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are able to increase the refresh rate for faster scrolling and smoother animations, which makes the software generally feel more responsive. The Pixel 6 can boost its refresh rate to 90Hz, while the Pixel 6 Pro can go up to 120Hz. But since this feature increases battery usage, sometimes you may want to turn it off.

To access this option, open the Settings menu and select Display. Scroll down to Smooth Display and toggle the switch to turn it on or off. This feature is not available on Pixel 6A.

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