Google may axe some helpful features from its cheap Pixel Buds

Google’s rumored Pixel Buds A will reportedly lack important features when they become available. The earbuds are expected to launch at a more affordable price point — but apparently not without first making a few sacrifices.

According to 9to5Google, a recent teardown of the latest Pixel Buds app (1.0.367372739) suggests the Pixel Buds A won’t feature swipe gesture support for adjusting volume. Swiping to increase or decrease the volume has been one of the Pixel Buds’ signature features since the original model launched in 2017; its removal will likely have an impact on how users interact with the earbuds.

9to5Google speculates that the feature’s removal could be a cost saving measure. The Pixel Buds A are expected to be an affordable alternative to the existing Pixel Buds, and removing the swipe gesture could affect the final retail price. Leaving the feature out may also be Google’s attempt to make the earbuds more accessible and attractive to a wider range of buyers. The fewer extra features there are, the more straightforward — and therefore easier — the experience may be.

pixel buds a
Image: 9to5Google

The teardown also suggests the Pixel Buds A won’t feature a charging indicator inside the case. A recent image accidentally shared by Google (above) seemingly confirms this.

Information about the Pixel Buds A first hit the internet around the end of last month, when reports suggested Google was working on new earbuds to broaden the company’s Pixel Buds lineup. Incidentally, the earbuds are expected to arrive alongside the Pixel 5a, which Google confirmed exists after a report claimed the handset was being cancelled.

Google has scheduled it annual I/O conference for May, where the search giant may debut new hardware, including the Pixel Buds A. The event will be virtual, so anyone can watch it unfold from the comfort of their own home. Lacking swipe gestures or not, we’re intrigued to hear more about what the rumored earbuds will have to offer.

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AirPods 3 and Apple Pencil 3 reportedly nearing launch, according to new leak

Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event is set to kick off on Tuesday, April 20, where we may see new iPad Pros and AirTags. The event may also see Apple debut AirPods 3 and a new Apple Pencil, according to a fresh leak.

A post on Weibo (via 9to5Mac) claims AirPods 3 and Apple Pencil 3 are both close to being launched. The Weibo account, UnclePan, included a photo of the alleged new AirPods, which shows off a design that closely matches AirPods Pro but without the silicone tips. The case also appears to feature a wider, flatter profile.

Reports about when the AirPods 3 will arrive have been mixed

The photo of the AirPods 3 doesn’t appear to reveal anything we haven’t already heard or seen over the past few months. But the image shared on Weibo sure looks like the closest thing we’ve seen to the finished product.

The same report claims a third generation Apple Pencil is on the way. With several reports claiming Apple is going to refresh its iPad Pro lineup at this month’s event, a new stylus makes sense. An image of what was claimed to be the new Apple Pencil was actually leaked in March, and purported to show off a glossier finish, but otherwise a similar design to the Apple Pencil 2.

Reports about the launch of AirPods 3 have been mixed over the last few months. A spring launch for the third generation earbuds makes sense since it’s been over two years since they’ve been updated. But some believe the earbuds won’t be updated until later this year.

As for Apple’s rumored iPad Pro refresh, reports suggest we’ll see the introduction of a mini-LED screen, which will offer increased brightness and contrast without the risk of burn-in that’s associated with OLED. We’ll see what Apple has planned when its Spring Loaded event kicks off next week.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Lite image leak arrives well ahead of rumored launch

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The Galaxy Tab S7 Lite isn’t rumored to launch until June, but an image of the tablet has already leaked. The photo give us a great look at the device’s design while also seemingly confirming a few features.

The image was shared by Evan Blass, and reveals the Galaxy Tab S7 Lite will feature a design that’s similar to last year’s Tab S7. The new tablet will reportedly feature an all-metal body, rounded corners, flat edges, and a dual-camera setup. Judging by a side-view of the device, the camera module will protrude from the body.

The Tab S7 Lite will allegedly feature a 12.4-inch display, although it’s unclear if it’ll be a high refresh-rate LTPO panel, and two stereo speakers tuned by AKG on either side. There’s also said to be a magnetic charging zone on the back of the device, where users can store and recharge the included stylus. Including the stylus is a nice touch and means you’ll be able to take advantage of the device’s full potential right out of the box.

Previously reportedly specs include a Snapdragon 750G processor, 4GB and 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. The device is also expected to launch with Android 11 running One UI 3.1. Like other recent Samsung devices, the Tab S7 Lite will likely be offered in a 5G option (plus WiFi and LTE variants). Finally, the device may launch with a 7,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging.

The Tab S7 Lite will reportedly be available in four colors at launch: black, green, pink, and silver. It’s likely Samsung will also introduce new accessories, including cases and a detachable keyboard.

Samsung has confirmed its next Unpacked event will take place on April 28. However, the tablet isn’t expected to debut until the summer. We’ll still keep our eyes peeled just in case the device does get a mention.

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Nintendo Switch Lite in new blue color coming May 21

Nintendo is adding a new blue color to its Switch Lite lineup, bringing the number of available options to five. The new blue option, not to be confused with the Switch Lite in turquoise, will launch on May 21 for $199.

The release comes out of the blue (no pun intended) and amidst swirling rumors about Nintendo launch a more powerful Switch. The Switch Lite was first launched in four colors — gray, turquoise, yellow, and coral — when it debuted in 2019. The lite version of the portable console comes in a smaller form factor, doesn’t offer docked support, and doesn’t offer detachable Joy-Con.

“By expanding the existing range of color options for the system, which includes coral, yellow, gray and turquoise, the blue Nintendo Switch Lite gives you more options to express your personal gaming style wherever you choose to play,” Nintendo said on its website.

According to Nintendo, the Switch Lite in the new blue color will arrive alongside a new title called Miitopia. The game was originally launched for Nintendo 3DS and is described as a customizable role-playing game starring Miis.

If you’re waiting for a more substantial upgrade to the Nintendo Switch, you may get it later this year. A recent report claimed NVIDIA is working on a new chipset for Nintendo that’s expected to support Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), which uses artificial intelligence to deliver higher-quality graphics more efficiently. The portable console is also expected to feature a larger display that could be supplied by Samsung.

Before the Nintendo Switch Pro becomes a reality, gamers will have plenty of options to choose from between the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite, including the new blue color. I have the old, boring Nintendo Switch in gray, and seeing this new color makes me blue with envy. You can pick it up on May 21 for $199.

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PlayStation 5 update will let you store games on an external hard drive

Sony has announced the first major update for the PlayStation 5 since its release last November, introducing features like USB extended storage, new share capabilities, and more. It will be available on PS5 consoles globally beginning Wednesday, April 14.

The most notable update will allow PS5 owners to store games on compatible external hard drives, freeing up space on the console. Critically, the feature won’t allow gamers to play titles directly from a connected hard drive. Sony said the limitation is due to next-generation games being designed to take advantage of the console’s high-speed SSD.

PS5-Move-to-USB-Extended-Storage

The feature is simply available if you want to free up space on the console’s internal storage. According to Sony, reinstalling a game from an external hard drive is quicker than re-downloading a game or installing it from a disc. Eventually, Sony plans to enable the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot, which will allow players to add extra usable storage.

The update also introduces new social features, including cross-generation Share Play. PS4 and PS5 players can now Share Play while chatting in parties. PS5 owners can let PS4 owners view their game screen and try out the PS5 games through Share Play, and vice versa. You can share your screen with a friend, pass your controller virtually, or pass a second controller virtual to play co-op games together.

Sony is also introducing enhanced control and personalization options, including the ability to search your library or hide games from view, adjust the magnification of your screen, and individually adjust the voice chat volume of those in your party. PS5 owners can also pre-download automatic updates, so long as developers enable the feature.

Finally, Sony is adding new features to the PlayStation app. In the coming weeks, users will be able to join a multiplayer session on PS5 from the app, manage your PS5 console storage, and more.

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