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Better GPU performance for Tensor and no satellites for the 9a
The Google Pixel 9(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Pixel models from the Pixel 6 onwards are achieving improved benchmark results
This is likely down do newer GPU drivers being added in recent software updates
In less positive news, the Pixel 6a lacks satellite communication features
There’s both good and bad Pixel news today, but the good news will affect more people than the bad, so let’s start there.
Reddit usersare finding that Pixel phones with Tensor chipsets (meaning everything from theGoogle Pixel 6onwards) are achieving much higher GPU scores on Geekbench 6 than they did at launch. This is widely being attributed to the Android 16 beta, butAndroid Authorityreports seeing similarly upgraded performance onAndroid 15.
So chances are you don’t need to grab a beta version of Android to see improvements, but rather that recent stable software updates have massively boosted GPU performance.
The exact boost varies depending on model, but Android Authority claims itsPixel 6aunit saw a nearly 23% GPU performance increase, while elsewhere there are reports of a 62% improvement for thePixel 7a, a 31% improvement for thePixel 8, and even a 32% improvement for the recentGoogle Pixel 9.
Android Authority speculates thatGoogleachieved this through including newer GPU drivers in recent Android updates, as while all recent Pixels use anArmMali GPU, they don’t always ship with the latest available GPU driver version.
How much impact these performance improvements will have in the real world remains to be seen, but they’re nice to see, and could help extend the lifespan of older Pixel models.
Now for the bad news, and this relates specifically to the newGoogle Pixel 9a, which we’ve learned doesn’t support Satellite SOS. Google confirmed as much toAndroid Authority, and this is a feature found on other Google Pixel 9 models which allows you to contact emergency services in areas without Wi-Fi or cell signal.
So it’s a potentially life-saving tool, and while Google didn’t say why it’s absent here, it’s likely because the Pixel 9a uses an older Exynos Modem 5300, rather than the 5400 used by the rest of the Pixel 9 series.
While this is a feature that you’ll hopefully never need to use, it would be reassuring to have, and this isn’t the only omission in the Pixel 9a, as we also recently learned thatit lacks several AI toolsoffered by the rest of the Pixel 9 line.
In fact, this phone has had a slightly troubled launch, with not just these omissions emerging, but also a delay in sales of the phone while Google investigatesa “component quality issue”.
Still, the silver lining there is that this delay allowed time for these omissions to be uncovered, so you might think twice about buying the Google Pixel 9a. Certainly, we’d wait until we’ve had a chance to put it through a full review before purchasing one.
Three giants in the camera industry — but which one has the best astrophotography features for you?
The Milky Way is a popular target for astrophotographers. (Image credit: Getty Images)
It can be a complex decision to choose the right camera brand for astrophotography. With new technology and an ever-increasing rate of camera development, the major photographic brands that we see regularly popping up, like Canon,Nikon, andSony, each bring district strengths to the table. Telling these strengths apart and knowing what to pay attention to can sometimes be difficult. In astrophotography, key factors likelow-light performance, high ISO capabilities, noise reduction, and any included specific astro-centric features are paramount. If you are in the market for a camera, it might be worth checking out these brands in ourcamera deals hub. In this article, we will discuss how the brands compare and answer common tech queries about each system.
Sony
Sony excels at handling high ISO with minimal noise. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Firstly, Sony recently broke ground with its cutting-edge sensor technology. Sony’s mirrorless systems, especially the full-frame options, excel in handling high ISO settings with minimal noise, making them popular for astrophotographers and people taking images in low-light environments. Their backside illuminated sensors (often referred to as BI sensors) allow more light to hit the pixel area, improving sensitivity and reducing noise, which is crucial for capturing faint celestial objects. Sony also has excellent real-time star tracking and pixel shift technology to provide clear, high-detail astro images, but much of this comes at a price, with good full-frame Sony options coming in at thousands of dollars.
Canon
Canon’s exceptional color science makes them a favorite among astrophotographers.(Image credit: Getty Images)
Canon has long been a favorite for astrophotography thanks to its exceptional color science and sensor performance at higher ISO values, although they tend to produce slightly more noise than Sony’s comparable models. Canon’s strength lies in its wide range ofcompatible lensesand dedicated low-light features in select models such as theCanon EOS R5andEOS R6. The affordability of many of their models mean that second-hand Canon options can often be purchased for a fraction of the price of many newer options.
Nikon has recently stepped up its game with mirrorless Z-series cameras, like theNikon Z6andZ7. Nikon’s full-frame cameras boast excellent dynamic range and superb low-light performance, making them competitive for astrophotography. Like Sony, Nikon’s backside illumination sensor technology helps with reducing noise at high ISOs, though Nikon’s high ISO noise reduction isn’t always as aggressive as Sony’s. Nikon also offers specialized features such as ‘star-eater’ suppression, designed to maintain image quality during long exposures which will come in handy for photographers who are pointing towards the night sky.
‘Star eater’ suppression is designed to maintain image quality during long exposures.(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you are just getting started in astrophotography, you will want to look at setups that allow experimentation — a mixture of affordability and awide range of lensesis important to look at. TheNikon D5600is a good starting point — plenty of lens combinations are available and the 24.2 MP sensor has an ISO range of 100-25,600. It is also good at low light autofocus, which, although, as a budding astrophotographer, you’ll rarely use, it is good to have as an option if you are taking photos of a supermoon, for example.
Low light autofocus is a good feature to have when photographing a supermoon.(Image credit: jamesvancouver via Getty Images)
We would also recommend something like the ultra-portableSony Alpha a6400, which, although still an APS-C sensor, offers options for interchangeable lenses and features real-time tracking, where it uses AI behavior models to detect and capture objects in the distance automatically.
Camera
Sensor
ISO Range
Megapixel
Price
Astro-features
Sony Alpha a6400
APS-C
100-32,000
24.2
$900
Real-time tracking
Canon EOS Rebel T7i (800D)
APS-C
100-25,600
24.2
$750
Dual Pixel AF
Nikon D5600
APS-C
100-25,600
24.2
$700
Low-light AF
Best mid-range cameras for astrophotography
Long exposure shooting is unavoidable in astrophotography (Image credit: Getty Images)
If you have learned the ropes and you are looking to take a step up from entry-level gear, mid-range cameras offer enhanced performance, better noise control, and several more advanced features that you are likely to use in other forms of photography, too. They are also more likely to feature full-frame sensors, which means that you will produce larger images and more detail to work with in the edit.
TheSony Alpha A7 IIIis an excellent choice for serious astrophotographers on a mid-range budget. Its full-frame sensor performs excellently in low-light scenarios, minimizing noise and maximizing detail in dark environments. TheNikon’s Z6is also an option to consider – it strikes a good balance between price and performance and like the A7 III, it uses a backside illumination sensor to allow more light to reach inside the camera, making it great for night sky photography. It also features in-body stabilization and excellent star tracking to help with long-exposure shots.
Camera
Sensor
ISO Range
Megapixel
Price
Astro features
Sony Alpha A7 III
Full-frame
100-51,200
24.2
$2000
Excellent ISO handling
Canon EOS R
Full-frame
100-40,000
30.3
$1800
RF lens mount offers lots of choice
Nikon Z6
Full-frame
100-51,200
24.5
$1600
Star tracking
Should you switch camera brands?
Once you have committed to a camera brand, and bought the associated lenses and accessories, it is sometimes quite hard to go back to the drawing board. However, if other brands or cameras have specific attributes that will help you in astrophotography, it is well worth having a look at the implications of switching. We will take each switch option and weigh it up.
Switching to Canon
If you are moving from Sony to Canon, expect to see a difference in image color science, with Canon often praised for its color accuracy. Switching to Canon can be a money saver, thanks to the high availability of lenses and bodies.
Switching away from either Sony or Nikon towards Canon may only be necessary for those looking for a switch to a camera for life full of professional specs like theCanon EOS R5.
One thing that is worth reiterating is that Canon’s widespread popularity means lens options (new and used) are plentiful — so worth considering for those who want to save money.
Switching to Sony
Sony’s high ISO noise reduction is impressive for capturing stars and deep sky objects.(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
Although it will hit your wallet a little harder, switching to Sony offers better high ISO noise reduction and sensor technology, making it ideal for those focused on capturing deep-space objects. Switching would require an investment in Sony’s full-frame mirrorless lens system, but the superior noise handling at high ISOs can be a game-changer — these are some of the best cameras you can buy at each price point.
Switching to Nikon
Nikon offers a comparable dynamic range to its competitors and solid low-light performance in its mirrorless Z-series, but the shift away from Sony or Canon may not bring a significant leap in performance unless you value Nikon’s lens ecosystem or prefer Nikon’s ergonomics and handling.
Some photographers prefer Nikon’s ergonomics and handling.
Nikon’s dynamic range however is often praised, and this can benefit landscape astrophotographers who want more flexibility in post-processing. Their growing range of Z-mount lenses can make the switch worth it, especially for those prioritizing dynamic range over specialized astro features.
Summary
Deciding on whether to switch depends on your astrophotography goals.(Image credit: Getty Images)
The decision to switch between Sony, Canon, and Nikon largely depends on your specific astrophotography goals. Each brand offers its own set of strengths, whether it’s Sony’s superior ISO handling, Canon’s specialized low-light features, or Nikon’s dynamic range. Cost, lens availability, and compatibility with your existing astrophotography setup (includingtelescopes) should also factor into the decision. It is worth looking at theused marketto ensure you are getting the best setup for your dollar. It will also come down to the ergonomics and usability of each camera; which menu system and which interfaces you feel most comfortable with.
Still not as competitive as WinSAT back in the old days.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Microsofthas released a new feature in its latest 26120.3576 and 22635.5090 Insider builds that helps users understand their PC’s capabilities (viaphantomofearthon X).
From its looks, this feature isn’t cutting-edge by any means, as a simple search on the internet will likely land you with many more detailed and fine-tuned answers. In addition, it also tells you if you have the latest Windows release installed on your system, but oddly asks you to verify the information in the Windows Update section.
Back in the Vista days, Microsoft released WinSAT, a tool designed to assess the capabilities of your hardware through a set of tests. It would report back the score on a scale between 1.0 and either 5.9 or 9.9, depending on the Windows version. While this number wasn’t definitive, it let people know where their PC stood. WinSAT also benchmarked individual components such as the CPU, memory, graphics, and disk enabling users to identify potential bottlenecks.
The new FAQ feature spans two different Windows Insider versions: build 26120.3576for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel for Windows 11 23H2 and build 22635.5090for Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev Channels for Windows 11 24H2. Release notes for both releases mention the inclusion of a new “Frequently Asked Questions” list within “Device specifications” under System > About. The FAQs are disabled by default, though can be activated by enabling the “55305888” Feature ID.
Known FAQs (non-exhaustive) detailing your Windows version, followed by how much RAM you have and your system’s graphical capabilities have been compiled in aGitHub Gist. The first question allows users to check if their Windows is up-to-date but confusingly asks them to verify again within the Windows Update section. That’s most certainly a bug. The second question outlines what applications can be run on your system based on its RAM capacity, using a few common ranges such as <4GB, 4GB-8GB, 8GB-16GB, and >16GB. Lastly, the graphics section goes over the graphical capabilities of your system, or lack thereof if you don’t have a dedicated GPU.
This approach is not as quantifiable as WinSAT and omits assessment of key components such as the CPU and storage. Given Microsoft’s strong push for AI, an AI-driven hardware analysis utility would have been a significant overhaul to WinSAT. (Maybe I’m just reading too much into what’s supposed to be a supplementary feature.) Hopefully, the official release will include more detailed insights that provide users with more than just the basics.
Look just about anywhere, and you’ll see news of tariffs. A trade war has broken out between the U.S. and select countries—the American government is now imposing taxes on goods arriving from China, select products from Canada, and all steel and aluminum imports.
But while the headlines spout flat numbers like 20 percent on Chinese imports and 25 percent on steel, the tariffs’ effect on tech gear isn’t as clear cut. To understand the whole situation, I spoke with industry insiders. What they said is a sobering warning to consumers: We’re about to get hit hard.
Spoiler: A bumpy ride is headed our way. Buckle up.
Tariffs keep going up
First announced on February 1, the tariff on goods arriving from China began at 10 percent on February 4. Then on February 27, the U.S. government announced a raise to 20 percent, effective March 4th.
Meanwhile on March 12, tariffs of 25 percent started on all steel and aluminum imports. This move increased the tax on aluminum from 10 percent. No exemptions are allowed.
Currently, the U.S. government continues to suggest future tariffs, along with potential increases. For example, in mid-February, President Trump proposed a25 percent tariff upon semiconductorsstarting April 2, with the possibility of raising them much higher over time.
These tariffs can stack—for example, any steel and aluminum imports from China would betaxed at a 45 percent rate.
Companies don’t make a lot of money on tech products. Think 6 to 15 percent—a stark contrast to software, which has profit margins as high as 70 to 80 percent. Because of this reality, businesses that import goods from their factories in China can’t absorb this sudden tax hike. It’s too big.
Retailers also can’t cushion the blow, as evidenced byBest Buy and Targettelling shoppers to expect immediate price increases.
For some devices, you can still find them at lower prices—either reflecting “just” the effect of the original 10 percent tariff, or even the pre-tariff cost. Your luck will depend on how much stock was brought over before the March tariffs took effect.
The more popular the product, the more likely a constant stream of units come from China, rather than one big shipment. Its price will go up faster. For items that sell more slowly or have a bigger sitting inventory, the tariffs will have a more delayed impact.
The short version: Currently, the sooner you buy a new device, the cheaper it’ll be.
During the first Trump administration, tariffs were applied selectively. This time, these taxes apply across the board on all imports from China—the primary source for most electronics produced in the world.
So whether a laptop or a cheap printer, if it’s produced in China, it’s subject to this tax. Same goes for even the smallest of accessories, like adapters and cables.
Manufacturers have already begun looking into moving production (or more of their production) to other countries, like Vietnam and India. However, the process is slow. Building up factories capable of complex production demands takes time — months, if not years, depending on the product.
Nobody knows what’s going to happen next—which is why the tariffs keep appearing in the news. And businesses are scrambling to keep up. Your favorite companies can’t give a straight answer on what to expect because they’re still figuring that out for themselves.
Any predictions they made for the year (forecasts) have to now be redone. However, the task is hard to do when the tariffs keep rising and spreading, and more may still come. Companies have to pay upfront for tariffs in order to pass customs. This unexpected cost can’t be deferred; the duties must be paid for the product to enter the U.S.
When I spoke with industry insiders, many said they were still talking with their partners (like distributors and retailers) about what comes next. But even when that gets worked out now, it will likely change as U.S. government policy changes.
Overall, any price shifts will be unpredictable—even on a downward trajectory. Even if tariffs suddenly went away, costs will drift down based on how stable U.S. fiscal policy is, and how much remaining stock was brought into the country during the levies.
People outside the U.S. will feel the hit, too
Economists view tariffs as problematic—in the country that enacts them, they can slow the economy, hurt local industries, and spike costs for consumers. But a trade war can hurt more than just the country that starts them. Most vendors think globally when setting up their production, and that’s reflected in their logistics.
So for example, when Canadians buying from a store that utilizes a U.S-based fulfillment center, they’ll feel the pinch of the U.S.’ tariffs on Chinese imports, too.
But most tech vendors sell worldwide—so the impact of higher production costs will still ripple outward to buyers across the globe, in a couple of different ways. (Read on.)
MSRPs will be even more meaningless
Manufacturers give list prices so consumers know what to expect at retail. But as vendors absorb more production costs (like scaling up factory output in countries outside of China) and scale back on the amount of product available (because demand drops as prices rise), we may be in for another round of highly inflated street prices.
Multiple industry insiders say they don’t want to be caught with too many parts or products on hand that they can’t sell. Other ancillary costs may go up as well as companies scramble to comply with tariff demands—more hours must be spent on figuring out new logistics, as well as the full letter of the law.
If Nvidia, AMD, or Intel launch a new GPU at $200, but partners’ rising costs limit their ability to shave their margin thinner or even produce as many cards, that means demand may cause street prices to shoot way beyond the expected list price.
Innovation may slow
Industry insiders have hinted that without a stable economic environment, investment in new products may become more limited. The size of the company and how diverse its product lineup will influence the ability to commit.
On store shelves, that may result in fewer choices for available models, or less push on evolving standard features. Announced specs like Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 7.0 might become an even further point in the distance.
You should read reviews carefully
As someone who writes reviews, I always want to think people read every word. But realistically, most people don’t—and if you’re looking for high value from your purchases, you could end up disappointed. With prices changing unpredictably, the final opinions in tech reviews may become outdated by the time you read them.
So in this uncertain market, dig into a review’s details. Find out what user experience to expect, the level of performance, and what quirks exist.
Since street prices could end up notably different than the MSRP quoted to the reviewer, you’ll need to decide for yourself if the actual price is worth the experience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows may be a reason for skeptical gamers to consider a PS5 Pro upgrade. Digital Foundry showed how ray-traced global illumination added realism to the Japanese scenery. The Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro version is missing some Sony-promoted features like PSSR upscaling.
Assassins Creed Shadows PS5 Pro banner (Image source: Sony PlayStation)
Developers aren’t always clear about what advantages a title will have on the PS5 Pro. Fortunately, Digital Foundry ran a comprehensive analysis before the Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date. The most significant improvements are with lighting effects, which make the game’s Japanese environments eerily realistic.
Like many recent console releases, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers performance, quality, and balanced modes. Digital Foundry found that Sony’s most powerful gaming system realizes its potential with 60fps performance settings. The Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro version includes ray-traced global illumination (RTGI), which isn’t available on the PS5. The footage shows how indirect light convincingly bounces off foliage, while the scenes with the PS5 look drab.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro blanced vs quality mode comparison (Image source: screenshot, Digital Foundry YouTube)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows performance mode PS5 Pro vs PS5 comparison (Image source: screenshot, Digital Foundry YouTube)
Many PS5 titles receive post-launch patches to implement PS5 Pro-specific features. However, as a current-gen title only, it appearsAssassin’s Creed Shadowswas developed with the console in mind. Digital Foundry believes that Ubisoft’s game is one of the best demonstrations of PS5 Pro’s abilities yet. That said,Assassin’s Creed Shadowssurprisingly lacksPlayStation Spectral Super Resolution(PSSR) upscaling. Consequently, images at higher resolutions have more artifacts than expected.
Assassin’s Creed ShadowsPS5 Pro players can experience conventional ray tracing effects in quality mode. Otherwise, compared to the PS5, differences in smoothness and overall image sharpness are minor. If players are only interested in steady framerates, the Xbox or PS5 versions may suffice. Framerates generally met their targets in quality, performance, and balanced modes. On the other hand, like withMonster Hunter Wilds, the Xbox Series S shows its limitations with occasionally choppy gameplay.
>>>LIP1359 Battery for Sony Playstation3 Sixaxis Wireless Controller Ubisoft has dealt with delays and controversy leading up to theAssassin’s Creed Shadowsrelease date. Considering these difficulties, the publisher couldn’t afford to have poor performance cause more negative reactions. At least on consoles, the game presents a beautifully rendered open world with few technical hitches.
Source(s)
Digital Foundry YouTube
In today’s gaming world, multi-platform titles are becoming the standard. Some players are now using Boosteroid to stream PlayStation exclusives on Xbox consoles. Only purchased PC ports are compatible with the cloud gaming service.
PS5 logo shown on Xbox using Boosteroid cloud gaming (Image source: Xbox Wire, Sony PlayStation)
Microsoft loyalists may feel betrayed as more Xbox titles becomeplayable on the PS5. However, some gamers are gaining revenge by playing former PlayStation exclusives on Xbox consoles. TheBoosteroidcloud gaming service allows streaming select PlayStation games in the Edge browser. Of course, there are caveats, like needing to own a PC port of any PS4 or PS5 title.
Just asXbox Gaming has gone cross-platform, Sony has increased its presence on PCs. Titles, includingGod of War Ragnarok,Last of Us Part 1, andHelldivers 2, are available on Steam or the Epic Games Store. Still, Sony has tried to prevent any cloud gaming service from streaming these titles on Xbox consoles.Nvidia GeForce Nowhas an Xbox app, but the service doesn’t offer PlayStation exclusives.
God of War Ragnarok playing on Xbox console (Image source: screenshot, Console Gaming subreddit)
Instead of an app, Boosteroid relies on the Edge browser, accessible on Xbox consoles. Gamers must subscribe to the service for $7-$10 monthly and own the PlayStation game on Steam or another compatible marketplace. With a fast enough internet connection, gamers can play titles likeGod of War Ragnarokin 4K and up to 120 fps. Some gamers have postedsuccess stories on Reddit, reporting reasonable latency.
Critics may argue that using Boosteroid on an Xbox isn’t that appealing. Gamers still need to buy a PlayStation exclusive on PCs and a monthly subscription, so they aren’t saving much in costs. Also, the selection of compatible titles doesn’t include console-only games likeGran Turismo 7. Nevertheless, for cloud gaming supporters, it bypasses the need for a powerful gaming PC.
Considering the GeForce Now restrictions, the above workaround may not work much longer. Until then, the Xbox Series X|S has unexpectedly become more versatile.
Fresh round of emails encourages upgrades to Windows 11, but I’m not happy with the way some of this messaging is angled
Image Credit: Microsoft(Image credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft is sending out emails to push people to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
While on the face of it, that seems a useful move to help some users, Microsoft’s angling of the email is far from ideal
It also runs the risk of making Windows 10 users feel spammed, particularly as they’re still getting nudged numerous times within the OS itself
Microsoftis once again trying to persuadeWindows 10users that they need toupgrade to Windows 11, ahead of the impending cessation of support for the older operating system later this year.
This time, though, the nudge to upgrade isn’t being delivered within Windows 10 itself, but via email – although it isn’t the first time Microsoft has tried this approach.
I received an email from Microsoft (sent to the email address linked to my Microsoft account) regarding my Windows 10 PC needing an upgrade at the end of November 2024, a few months back, but now the software giant is sending out fresh messages to upgrade this month.
I didn’t get this latest mail (not yet, anyway), butWindows Latestdid, and although it carries the same title, a warning that ‘End of support for Windows 10 is approaching,’ the email itself is somewhat different.
The overall thrust of the content is similar though. There’s a prominent reminder of the exact date that Microsoft halts support for Windows 10 – which happens on October 14, 2025 – and some suggestions of what to do with your old PC (trade it in, or recycle the machine). You can also click a link to check your upgrade eligibility forWindows 11.
Microsoft also clarifies that your PC will continue to work, it’s just that there will be no more support – as in software updates – piped through. There’s also a link to some blurb on how Windows 11 is more secure (which is certainly true), and a nudge to use OneDrive to back up your files if you plan to use Windows 10 after the deadline has passed, heading into 2026.
Analysis: Overstepping boundaries and taking some odd angles
There are a couple of things that strike me as odd here. Firstly, the plug for OneDrive feels very gratuitous, and hardly a solution to counter the prospect of having your PC compromised by running an out-of-date OS. Where on earth is the stern warning that it really isn’t a good idea to run Windows 10 on your PC when support for theoperating systemexpires?
As you may be aware, without security updates, your computer will be left vulnerable to exploits, as when holes appear in Windows 10, they will no longer be patched up – a recipe for disaster, potentially.
Of course, if you really want to stick with Windows 10, then for the first time ever, consumers can pay to extend support, and I’d recommend you do so. Oddly enough, Microsoft doesn’t mention this extension of support in its email.
I say it’s odd, but then, Microsoft would really prefer you upgrade to Windows 11 anyway, either on your current PC – if it’s eligible – or by purchasing a new Windows 11 computer. And to that end, there’s a link in the email to ‘explore new computers’ which is something Microsoft has been urging us to do for a while now.As I’ve discussed before, there’s arguably merit to the suggestion in some ways, but a whole lot of other concerns outweighing that around the environmental toll that aton of Windows 10 PCs ending up on the scrapheapmight usher in.
These are serious worries, and likely why Microsoft is sending the other message in this email advising on recycling (or trading in) your old Windows 10 PC if you do upgrade.
The other point here is do you want to be getting emails direct from Microsoft about Windows 10 upgrades? Well, in some ways, I guess it’s better (or at least slightly less annoying) than being pushed to upgrade within the operating system itself, but the problem is,Microsoft is doing that as well– so Windows 10 users are getting both barrels, as it were. Sigh…
We can likely expect several further barrages of these kind of emails as 2025 progresses, and the October support deadline draws nearer – messages that folks may well be wanting their spam filter to deal with, frankly.
Don’t get me wrong here: I’m not saying it isn’t important to warn consumers about the dangers of an out-of-date operating system – it definitely is – but Microsoft is rather overstepping with its broad approach here, and worse still, this particular email actually undersells those dangers (while overselling other Microsoft products).
A German retailer and a UAE classifieds site have listed the Pixel 9a for sale
Specs and images were also included
These listings suggest the phone will be launching imminently
TheGoogle Pixel 9amust be one of the most heavily leaked phones in recent memory, as along with leaked specs and images we recently saw detailedhands-on Pixel 9a videos– and now the phone has popped up for sale in two different places.
As spotted byGSMArena, the phone was listed on a now-removed page on the website of German retailerTechnomarkt. The listing included pictures, a starting price of 549 euros (roughly $600 / £460 / AU$940), and a fairly detailed specs list.
According to the listing, theGooglePixel 9a will come in Gray, Rose, Black, and Violet shades, will have Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and will have either 128GB or 256GB of storage.
It apparently has a 6.3-inch FHD+OLEDscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, and it’s said to have a Tensor G4 chipset like the rest of thePixel 9line, 8GB of RAM, a 5,100mAh battery, a 48MP main camera, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera, all of which are details we’ve heard before.
(Image credit: Dubizzle)
The other listing is less revealing, and takes the form ofa classifieds postin the UAE. This then isn’t an official store; rather it’s an individual who’s selling a Pixel 9a for AED 2,350 (around $640 / £490 / AU$1,000), but the listing does include pictures of the box.
The fact that both of these listings exist suggests the Google Pixel 9a will launch very soon. Indeed, the German listing stated that the phone would be delivered in around 10-14 days.
We don’t know for sure when the Pixel 9a will be announced, but leaks suggestwe could see it as soon as tomorrow(March 19), in which case we should know all the official details soon – although with the Pixel 9a having been so extensively leaked, we don’t expect to learn much that we haven’t already heard.
HP wants to make its AI laptop names more informative
(Image credit: HP)
HP has debuted a number of new AI laptops at Amplify 2025
The company has followed Dell’s lead with AI-driven rebranding across its laptop lineup
800 and 600 series become EliteBook 8 and 6, while 400 series is now ProBook 4
HPhas launched a range of new AI laptops at its Amplify 2025 event with a host of new brand names.
The company’s 800 Series is now EliteBook 8, and the 600 Series is now EliteBook 6 (both systems come in 13, 14, and 16-inch sizes).
The 400 Series is now ProBook 4 (in 14 and 16-inch sizes). ZBook Firefly is now the ZBook 8 G1i (Intel) and G1a (AMD), ZBook Power is now the ZBook X G1i, Elite Mini/SFF/Tower is now EliteDesk and Elite AiO is now EliteStudio. Clear?
At the start of the year,Delldecided that the arrival of the AI era meant it was time for a fresh start, and in debuting a new Pro range of laptops, it waved goodbye to the belovedLatitudebrand, which was first introduced back in 1994.
The ax swinging didn’t end there, though. The company also debuted a new Pro Max mobile workstation family, which replaced the 32-year-oldPrecisionbrand. Intel, which finallyhas a new CEO, has also beenplaying the name game recentlyto try to make things clearer for customers.
While HP’s rebranding isn’t anywhere near as major as Dell’s (it’s also worth noting that more people will be familiar with Dell’sLatitudeandPrecisionbrands than any of HP’s brands), it’s still another big change for consumers to get their heads around. At least it’s straightforward enough.
If you want an EliteBook 8 G1 Series laptop, you can differentiate between the models by size (13, 14, 16), processor (G1i for Intel or G1a for AMD), and Next Gen and regular AI models (which offer different TOPS). Once you know what’s what, you can quickly spot the difference between the HP EliteBook 8 G1a 13” Next Gen AI PC and the HP EliteBook 8 G1i 16” AI PC.
Is the rebranding totally necessary? That’s a matter of debate.
“We take a very traditional and pragmatic approach,” Tom Butler, Lenovo’s executive director of commercial portfolio and product management, recently told.
“There is a series name for our ThinkPad products, like T series, L series or E series, with screen sizes in the product name for clarity – T14, T16 and so on. In order to keep it logical and help people keep track, we also put a generational name after. At the moment, we are not making any changes in our direction. Lenovo has solid brand equity, as do our sub-brands like ThinkPad, ThinkBook or Lenovo Yoga for consumers.”
Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday update is an important one, patching 57 security vulnerabilities (including seven zero-day flaws). It’s an update I’d encourage all Windows users to install as soon as possible, especially as those zero-day vulnerabilities pose a serious security risk to anyone using a PC.
As it happens, this update comes with an extra patch that Microsoft didn’t initially disclose, or, for that matter, intend:removing Copilot from Windows.
Some users, after installingKB5053598(Windows 11) orKB5053606(Windows 10) on their PCs, will notice the update not only unpinned Copilot from the taskbar, but uninstalled the Copilot app as well. Microsoft hasn’t disclosed why this issue is present in the latest Windows updates, but says it hasn’t seen the bug in theMicrosoft 365 Copilot app, the version of Copilot directly integrated into Microsoft’s office suite.
The company says it is working on a new update to fix the problem, and, presumably, restore Copilot access to affected Windows users. If you’re missing Copilot and want it back before Microsoft issues a new update, you canreinstall the app from the Microsoft Storeand pin it back to your taskbar yourself.
However, it’s possible youdon’twant to reinstall Copilot. After all, there are a number of users out there who aresearching for ways to disable Copilot, and there are eventools out there that help you remove it from Windows. Perhaps Microsoft actually did you a favor here. There is an irony to the situation, that the company pushing its AI tools so hard—whether you want them or not—just removed them on your behalf as part of a softwarepatch.
That’s not to say Copilot is useless: There are a number of potential benefits the AI tool offers Windows users (and, now, even Mac users). But if you haven’t found any benefits to these tools in your work or personal life in the two-and-a-half years since ChatGPT launched this generative AI revolution, you might be content with Microsoft’s inadvertent decision to remove its flagship assistant.
