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Pixel or Nexus? Everything we know about Google’s rumored phones so far [Updated]

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A week before a major product’s unveiling, we normally have a good idea of what to expect from the day of launch. Things are a little different now, with Google keeping its highly anticipated smartphones closely guarded until their official reveal on October 4. Still, this isn’t stopping everyone from following all the rumors and leaks. Here’s what we know so far.

There might be two phones named Pixel and Pixel XL

While Google hasn’t plain said they’re letting go of the long-running Nexus series, tons of rumors are pointing to the company scrapping the name in favor of the Pixel branding. As of now, there are only two Pixel devices under Google, and those are the Android-powered Pixel C tablet and Chrome OS-equipped Chromebook Pixel laptop.

How this unifies Google’s hardware lineups is still a mystery, but this could mean that the Nexus 6P and 5X smartphones are the last of their kind. In their place, we expect a 5-inch Pixel and 5.5-inch Pixel XL to take over as the search giant’s flagship offerings.

They’re going to be rectangular and made by HTC

google-pixel-leak

Although the line “Made by Google” has been attached to the Pixel handsets, HTC has been tagged to be the manufacturer of both phones. This isn’t the company’s first involvement, however; HTC made the very first Nexus smartphone called the Nexus One, and Google’s latest Nexus tablet, the Nexus 9, was also developed by the Taiwan-based brand.

Google has barely shown us anything so far, but if the leaked photos courtesy of Android Police have anything to say, there’s nothing out of the ordinary in terms of design. We’re looking at an all-metal body with a fingerprint scanner and single camera lens at the back.

Somehow, one of the phones also made its way into a commercial by Nest Netherlands. It matches quite well to the photos above, so there seems to be some legitimacy in the sources. Whether it was accidental or on purpose is the question, but that applies to practically every leak we’ve ever encountered.

Update: We now have what looks like finalized renders of the Pixel and Pixel XL, thanks to leakster Evan Blass. They once again match earlier leaked images, and prove that a new version of Android is coming along. The two phones look exactly the same, though.

Update #2: OnLeaks uncovered a clear 3D render video of the Pixel XL. Additionally, the source claims that the dimensions are 154.7 x 75.7 x 7.3mm (bottom) and 8.5mm (top). This means the camera hump adds a little more bulk to the frame.

Specs are what you’d expect

We’re nearing the end of the calendar year, and that means flagship phones will more or less have the same chipsets by now. We’ll most likely see Qualcomm’s top processor, the Snapdragon 821, inside both handsets, along with 4GB of memory, Full to Quad HD resolutions for the displays, and USB Type-C ports with fast charging capabilities. The IP rating, which is the gadget’s resistance to dust and water, is still unclear.

The bigger news is the possibility of Android 7.1 being on board. It hasn’t been too long since the original Android 7.0 Nougat version came out, but bug fixes and minor tweaks are always welcome. So far, the only upgrade version 7.1 is noted to have is the option to restart your phone directly from the “Power off” menu. It may sound really basic, but no stock Android phone has had it since the OS was conceived.

google-pixel-launcher

In addition, it looks like there’ll be a new launcher to accompany Google’s new phones. Aptly named Pixel Launcher, it’s just like the interface you’re accustomed to in other stock Android handsets, but there’s some much-needed design changes: The app drawer button is gone, the Google search bar has been replaced by a search tab and calendar widget, and the navigation buttons might be redone. You can actually install it now and see some of the features for yourself.

They’ll be priced like rival flagships

The Nexus brand has always been positioned as Google’s way of showing manufacturers how to do Android devices right. With Google having a close eye on the development process of its partners, the hardware maximizes the full potential of the software, and vice versa. To the joy of customers, some Nexus devices were even priced below its competitors despite having flagship-level parts.

Sadly, this might change with the arrival of the Pixel brand. Reports say that the smaller handset’s price will start at $649, and the bigger one at around $750. This would put the duo in direct competition against Samsung and Apple’s best. This rumor seems highly likely, since the two Pixel devices we mentioned earlier, the Pixel C and Chromebook Pixel, have eye-popping prices themselves. We don’t like where this is going.

[irp posts=”7034″ name=”Google’s Pixel strategy is doing exceedingly well, at a cost”]

Image credit: Android Police

Gaming

PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan is retiring next year

Aims to spend more time with his family

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Since the start of the pandemic, the PlayStation has had a steady face. Jim Ryan essentially ushered in the PlayStation 5 generation by powering through the pandemic. Sadly, Ryan’s tenure is about to come to an end. The Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO and President has announced his retirement from the position.

Yesterday, Jim Ryan officially announced that he will step down from his position after March 2024. Starting April 1, Hiroki Totoki — the current COO, CFO, and president of the Sony Group — will assume the position as interim CEO. Totoki will continue Ryan’s work while finding a more permanent replacement for the latter.

Ryan has been with the company for almost 30 years. However, he only recently assumed the top spot in 2019, just in time for the new PlayStation 5. Ryan’s job was made more difficult with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because everything turned to online communication, he was forced to be the more visible face of the PS5 through a series of digital launches.

However, according to his announcement, the position was taking a huge toll on his work-life balance. The constant commute between his home in the United Kingdom and his work in the United States led him to consider and decide on retirement.

SEE ALSO: PlayStation Portal launching in November

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Gaming

PUBG: Battlegrounds, Mobile team up with KFC

KFC-themed rewards, meals

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PUBG x KFC

KFC has launched a collaboration with PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG: Mobile, allowing players to visit virtual KFC restaurants in-game featuring exclusive KFC items.

In-game visuals like the statue of Colonel Sanders, plane banner, electric billboards, and map decal are also available.

Starting October 2, PUBG: Mobile players may visit KFC Royale Restaurants across Erangel, Miramar, Nusa, and Livik maps.

These in-game restaurants offer players mouth-watering delicacies for health and energy boosts. KFC-themed items include the following:

  • KFC Royale Colonel Set
  • Chicken Cover and Set
  • Royale Delight Top and Parachute
  • Seasoned Squad Graffiti
  • Crispy Crunch Avatar Frame

The collaboration will last until November 6 for mobile users.

Meanwhile, PUBG: Battlegrounds players may acquire these similar items from KFC restaurants on the Erangel map:

  • KFC Chicken Box
  • KFC French Fries
  • KFC Energy Drink
  • Colonel’s Bucket Hat
  • Colonel’s Jacket
  • Colonel’s Shorts
  • Colonel’s Clogs
  • Colonel’s Parachute
  • “It’s Finger Lickin’ Good” Spray

This collaboration will last until November 7 on PC and November 15 on consoles.

As for the real world, customers can “Load up, Dive in” with PUBG-themed meals at participating KFC restaurants online or via its app in select regions to score a good loot straight from the Colonel’s kitchen.

Rewards include up to six battle cosmetics in KFC’s signature red and white colors.

KFC no stranger to gaming, tech

This isn’t KFC’s first brush with gaming or tech. The fried chicken specialists have collaborated with gaming and tech related brands over the years. This includes a similar execution with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a KFC Phone in China, and even a KFConsole.

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Cignal named official broadcaster of NBA, NBA 2K League

Strengthened partnership

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NBA Cignal

Following a multi-year extension with the NBA, Cignal TV has become the official broadcast partner of both the NBA and NBA 2K League games in the Philippines.

The company will air both programs through its channels across free-to-air and satellite television, as well as streaming app Pilipinas Live.

Starting October 25, the 2023-24 NBA season may be watched live and on-demand on One Sports (free) and NBA TV Philippines (premium).

Marquee events such as the NBA All-Star weekend, Playoffs, and Finals shall also be broadcasted.

For PhP 149 a month, Pilipinas Live subscribers may also access locally produced programming, like “NBA HYPE” and “1 on 1,” a new show that shall discuss NBA’s premier players and teams from the 2000s to the present.

In addition, Cignal shall manage NBA.com/Philippines, the league’s official website in the archipelago.

NBA 2K League telecast

As part of Cignal’s partnership, the 2024 NBA 2K League season that tips off early next year shall be broadcasted for the first time on NBA TV Philippines and Pilipinas Live, including the Tha Banner Chain Series and NBA 2KL 3v3 Blacktop Series.

Cignal has also become the first-ever presenting partner of the NBA 2K League APAC Invitational, the NBA 2K League’s qualifying event for the Asia-Pacific region.

Coincidentally, e-Gilas Pilipinas competes in the eFIBA for the same region, so its top players have the opportunity to become eligible for the 2024 NBA 2K League Draft.

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