News

Pixel 7a leaked through photos

Not much left to the imagination

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Image source: Zing News

One of these days, Google might finally figure out how to keep a secret. In the meantime, we’re contenting ourselves on the deluge of Pixel-related leaks over the years. On today’s menu, we get the clearest look at the unannounced Pixel 7a.

Over in Vietnam, a publication called Zing News has somehow obtained the smartphone out of nowhere. Much of what the photos show is abundantly clear. It does look like an unannounced Pixel 7a.

As is tradition, the upcoming entry into the current Pixel generation will share in the same design. The 6.1-inch smartphone will have the same metal Camera Bar, surrounded by a glass rear and a metal frame. The Bar looks like it has two cameras housed inside.

Unfortunately, though Google usually packs in a good slate of specs, the supposed Pixel 7a loses a fundamental feature: the headphone jack. Much like the current zeitgeist now, the smartphone uses USB-C exclusively in between its two speakers.

Now, if you look at the photos hard enough, you’ll spot a crisscross pattern running across the smartphone’s entire rear panel. The report states that the phone is actually a test unit, rather than an actual product. As such, its functions are limited, and it’s difficult to glean much more from the unit.

Currently, Google does not have a set launch date for the Pixel 7a yet. However, the company officially pegged I/O 2023 for May 10, 2023. Since the conference occasionally holds hardware launches, it’s feasible to expect the Pixel 7a by then.

SEE ALSO: Google confirms date of I/O 2023

Accessories

Apple reportedly working on AirPods with USB-C

For release later this year

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Apple’s USB-C adoption is going roughly. Forced by world governments to adopt the standard, Apple is finding ways to delay the adoption or bypass the spirit of the law entirely. However, one lineup is getting an important boost to USB-C adoption. The company is reportedly releasing a USB-C version of the AirPods Pro.

Recently, a Twitter leaker going by @aaronp613 discovered references to an upcoming model of the AirPods lineup. Though the model numbers don’t reveal anything about the device, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had a clearer idea of what the devices might be.

According to the analyst, the unannounced device refers to an updated model of the 2nd-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case. Currently, the AirPods Pro only has cases that come with the proprietary Lightning cable. The device will reportedly start shipping between the second and third quarters this year.

Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether the device is a new model or just a separate purchase for users. The latter will delay a wider adoption of the charging standard but will test demand for Apple products with USB-C baked in.

Over the past few months, the company has reportedly started developing solutions to a forced USB-C adoption, especially in Europe. One of those reported solutions is a proprietary version of USB-C, allowing Apple to limit performance for third-party cables.

SEE ALSO: Apple might launch cheapest AirPods ever

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Gaming

Nintendo is shutting down Wii U and 3DS stores today

Shutdown imminent

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Image source: Nintendo

Every device and digital service reaches an inevitable point when maintaining support becomes untenable. Basically, everything dies. Today, two beloved stores are coming to an end. Starting today, Nintendo is closing the online stores of the Wii U and the 3DS for good.

Last year, Nintendo warned users of the impending shutdown of the two stores. As the company dives deeper into the Switch generation, its older devices are getting tucked into the archive. Throughout last year, the company slowly cut off support by preventing users from infusing their accounts with more funds.

Now, the shutdown is all but complete. Specifically at 8PM ET (or a few hours after the publication of this article), users will no longer be able to buy games or DLC from the eShops of either console.

For now, users who bought anything prior to the closing will still be able to redownload any content they purchased over the years. Nintendo has not announced whether there are plans to cut off access to those as well.

Though most gamers have already moved on to the Switch, shutting down the stores of both consoles isn’t meeting a lot of fanfare. A good chunk of games, especially big ones, still have their physical releases. However, a larger chunk of titles are available only digitally. Getting these titles is now impossible, except for those who bought them already.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo will shut down digital stores for Wii U and 3DS

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Apps

Twitter just had its source code leaked

Taken down now

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Twitter

Before Elon Musk acquired Twitter, he promised better transparency to show how the platform operated. Whatever Musk’s plan for this is, he probably wasn’t expecting someone else to do it for him. Over the weekend, a GitHub user reportedly leaked a significant portion of Twitter’s source code for public viewing.

A website’s source code is its biggest asset. Inside, users can delve into what makes a website tick, including portions that the developers don’t usually want others to see. For cybersecurity enthusiasts and hackers, gaining access can expose vulnerabilities to patch or exploit. For a competing website, it can provide a needed advantage. Needless to say, Twitter is worried about the recent leak.

Over the weekend, a GitHub repository published Twitter’s source code, exposing the inner workings of the platform for all to see. Right now, the company has already issued a takedown notice and shut down the repository, but not before others have seen and potentially downloaded the code.

Twitter itself has confirmed the authenticity by starting an investigation into the leak. The company is trying to figure out where the leak came from. Additionally, it is requesting GitHub to hand over the information — including real names and addresses — of any user who downloaded the code for themselves.

For Musk’s part, the Twitter owner remains committed to releasing bits of the platform’s code. The platform is scheduled to release the code for its recommendation algorithm soon — a welcome release but a far cry from what the leak revealed.

SEE ALSO: Twitter is working on a way to hide the blue checkmark

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