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Google Pixel 7a: Price, availability in the US

Get the cheaper phone for even cheaper

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During the annual I/O 2023 conference, Google finally launched the much awaited Google Pixel 7a. Now, the new smartphone’s promise is quite heady: the same flagship experience but for a more affordable price. On paper, the Pixel 7a delivers just that. If you’re buying into the smartphone’s promises, here’s how you can get the new phone in the United States.

Price and availability

As always, you can grab the new Pixel 7a through the usual channels. It is available in stores now, starting at only US$ 499. A pricier variant supporting mmWave connectivity retails for US$ 549.

For a super-quick rundown of what to expect, here’s what you’re getting with the smartphone: Google Tensor G2 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, 64-megapixel main camera, and 4385mAh of battery life.

Go for cheaper

Though the Pixel 7a already has a competitive price tag, there are a few other methods to get the new phone for even cheaper.

For example, new and existing T-Mobile customers can get the new phone for free when adding a line on most plans or when trading in a device through the Go5G and G05G Plus plans. Plus, when you get the device, you’ll also get a free pair of Pixel Buds A-series.

Verizon customers, on the other hand, can grab the smartphone for US$ 15.27 per month for 36 months. Select Unlimited plans can also get the new phone for free. Also, cases for the phone will retail through Verizon at 15 percent off.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 7a brings flagship specs for a cheaper price

Apps

Instagram is building an AI chatbot

Follows TikTok in doing so

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Do you need an AI chatbot to hold a conversation? Instagram seems to think so. As the world rapidly experiments with developments in AI technology, the platform is reportedly working on a chatbot for its users.

According to Alessandro Paluzzi, a reverse engineer who usually digs up future plans for popular apps, Instagram is working on the AI chatbot feature for a future iteration of the app. Much like other chatbots out in the market today, Instagram’s unnamed bot will enable users to interact with it in casually flowing conversation.

The screenshots obtained by the engineer read that it “answers questions, gives advice.” Additionally, it helps users “find the best way to express [themselves] … [through] writing messages.” From a usability standpoint, the feature can help users craft replies to direct messages. They can also bring the bot into human-to-human conversations by mentioning the bot in the conversation.

To add to the quirkiness, Instagram will supposedly add 30 different personalities to the chatbot. Users can pick and choose which one they like the best. The sneak peek does not reveal any personalities included in the feature. (We’re hoping for a snarky one that judges and critiques posts.)

The feature has no timetable as to its release. However, since TikTok already released its own chatbot for testing, it should stand that Instagram’s feature will come out soon.

SEE ALSO: Instagram is creating a Twitter competitor

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Gaming

ROG Ally greatly improves with new update

Days before official launch

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The ROG Ally has some hefty shoes to fill. Touting an impressive slate of specs, the upcoming handheld console is one of the first true competitors to the dominating Steam Deck. Unfortunately, early reviews revealed a flawed comparison against Valve’s juggernaut of a console. Now, days ahead of its official launch, ASUS is releasing new firmware which drastically improves the console’s performance.

Getting down to the nitty gritty of things, the ROG Ally, in its unpatched version, lacked performance in low-wattage scenarios. Early reviewers found that the console could not keep up with the Steam Deck under such circumstances.

A new update, which started rolling out to early units, started catching up. According to YouTuber Dave2D, the update easily improves the console by 15 to 20 percent better than its initial release. First of all, it brings the ROG Ally almost at par with the Steam Deck in low-wattage scenarios. While the results aren’t as good as the latter device yet, it’s a much better performer compared to the former on day one. ASUS acknowledges that Valve really did its homework in low-wattage scenarios.

More notably, the update dramatically boosts the ROG Ally’s performance in higher wattages. The console is now close behind the Ayaneo 2S, a beefier alternative to the Steam Deck. Before the update, the ROG Ally could barely touch the Steam Deck, let alone the Ayaneo 2S.

ASUS also notes that the update should include improvements for the battery life. The lackluster battery has been a point of contention among all early users.

The ROG Ally is officially launching on June 13 and will start at US$ 699.99.

SEE ALSO: How well do PlayStation games run on the ROG Ally?

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Xiaomi reportedly working on a clamshell phone

Says a new rumor

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In recent years, Motorola and Samsung have proved that the clamshell phone is more than just a resurrected fad. Both companies have developed solid lineups capable of becoming daily drivers. Now, others want to get into the market. Following the footsteps of its contemporaries, Xiaomi is reportedly developing a clamshell phone of its own.

Even before the unannounced clamshell phone, Xiaomi has some experience in the foldable market. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 was quite the impressive powerhouse when it launched last year. The foldable smartphone even bagged the title as the thinnest foldable at the time (before Huawei grabbed the title soon after).

Now, the Chinese company is seemingly tapping into the same lineup for a rumored clamshell phone. According to Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, the brand is indeed looking at an extremely light version of the vertically folding form factor.

Unfortunately, not much else is known about the upcoming device yet. However, Xiaomi’s supposed entry into the market shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the brand’s competitors — Huawei and vivo — are already deep inside the clamshell segment. The latter, for example, just released the vivo X Flip, its first device in the vertically folding market. Expect things to heat up in the Chinese foldable market soon.

SEE ALSO: The vivo X Flip is the company’s first vertical-folding smartphone

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