News
There could be a Pixel 4a variant with 5G
Google’s testing our patience
Google is extremely delayed in launching the Pixel-branded phone due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We expect the Pixel 4a, Google’s affordable offering, to launch soon since its launch has been delayed by months. We’ve seen a lot of leaks so far, but this new report confirms that there could be a 5G variant of Pixel 4a.
According to American MVNO Boom! Mobile, two new 5G phones have been listed as “Google G025E.” MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator and it runs on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon’s network in numerous cities across 17 states. The mention of a Google device was found in the operator’s website referring to 5G evolution and 5G coverage.
Three phones passed through the FCC in June — G025J, G025M, and G025N. These are assumed to be the Pixel 4a. But, with the new “E” option found on the telco’s website, there could be a variant with 5G support. All other aspects of the phone are expected to remain the same.
Launching a Pixel 4a 5G option makes a lot of sense. The next-generation wireless protocol is limited but is already available for commercial usage in a few American cities.
Pixel 4a rumors and leaks
Powering the phone could be a Snapdragon 765G chipset. Thee device mockup suggests the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a second camera. It could also sport a bigger battery, but these are just assumptions right now.
While the affordable Pixel lineup was initially intended for the developing markets, it has performed remarkably well in the US. On the flip side, demand in developing markets is minimal since the company has to go up against competitors like Xiaomi and realme.
Google is running months late in unveiling the phone and pretty much everything has leaked. We hope the software giant will take off the curtains soon and launch the phone along with the Pixel 5 flagship series.
Apps
Honor, Xiaomi are working on their own Privacy Displays
Samsung’s Privacy Display is apparently very popular.
Normally, a smartphone brand’s blatant copying of another brand’s feature is not a good practice. Today, however, there is a new feature that we wish other brands would copy: Samsung’s Privacy Display. Thankfully, some brands, like Honor, have finally gotten the message and are working on version of the feature.
As reported by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Honor is reportedly working on a privacy screen for its smartphones. Likewise, Xiaomi is working on the same thing, potentially launching the feature for the Xiaomi 18 Pro.
For the uninitiated, the Samsung Privacy Display is a built-in feature that blocks visibility of the screen at certain angles. If you’re not looking at the screen from the front, all you’ll see is a black void. It’s a built-in version of those protective screens that you can buy separately. Besides adding a nice layer of protection against scratches, it’s also meant to prevent snooping from your shoulder.
Samsung’s take was widely acclaimed for being insanely useful. When it arrives, this feature will be a godsend to more brands. Even better, users will no longer need to rely on third-party screen just to enjoy the privacy.
That said, there’s still no indication as to when these features will arrive on either Honor or Xiaomi.
SEE ALSO: LE SSERAFIM Chaewon flexes Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display
Earlier this week, Nothing confirmed that CMF will no longer get a new smartphone later this year. However, the company also teased that a new model is still coming to Nothing itself. The initial tease did not include a model name or an image, thereby shrouding the new phone in mystery. Now, the mystery is gone as Nothing has definitively confirmed what’s coming: the Nothing (4b).
Nope, that’s not a typo. Nothing is following up the Phone (4a) series with the Phone (4b).
On X, Nothing teased the upcoming smartphone with a rough sketch of the model. Surrounded by designs from the Phone (4a) series, the Phone (4b)’s design shakes things up by introducing the usual wide camera island but affixing only a small vertical camera setup on the left side.
Meanwhile, a smaller pill-shaped cutout likely houses the phone’s LED flashes. Finally, a light strip on the lower right of the island will probably feature the model’s lighting element.
The Nothing (4b)’s launch is just over the horizon. The company has confirmed that the model will launch on July 7.
This is likely Nothing’s last ace up its sleeve this year. Earlier this year, Carl Pei already confirmed that the flagship-level Phone (4) will not arrive until next year.
Meta does not have the most stellar of reputations. Despite offering the world’s most popular social media platforms, the company, through its various experiments throughout the years, continuously proves that it has other priorities than just providing the best for its users. Today, another reported experiment wants to take Meta to a new market that its users might fall into: the prediction market.
If you haven’t heard of the prediction market, consider yourself lucky. These apps, such as Kalshi, are basically just gambling platforms without the glitz of playing cards or the rigor of the stock market. Users gamble on mundane circumstances like the weather and more serious ones like war.
Today, as reported by The New York Times, Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly asking Meta to develop a prediction app of its own. Interestingly, the experimental app, supposedly called Arena, will use virtual points, rather than real money. However, Meta has not ruled out real money — and hence, real gambling — in the future.
Meta is entering the industry at an extremely volatile time. The world is starting to crack down on prediction markets. Some users, for example, have been accused of using insider information to get easy wins on these platforms. Some markets have also accused these platforms of subverting anti-gambling laws.
SEE ALSO: Meta adds subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
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