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Pixel 7 (left) and Pixel 7a (right) side by side
Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 7: What's the difference?

Google's new Pixel 7a looks and feels almost just like a Pixel 7. So where are the differences and do they matter?

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Google's A series of mid-range smartphones have always had similarities to their preceding Pixel phones, particularly the base model. But this year, the line between the just-announced Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 is blurrier than ever. In fact, the average consumer may not be able to tell the two phones apart unless they put them side-by-side. But there's a $100 difference between them, so which phone should you get? What does that extra Benjamin get you? Let's find out!

Project Starline Prototype by Google with people communicating with each other on screen
Google's Project Starline gets a more streamlined look with latest prototype

Although not quite ready for a general release, the new update looks promising.

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Google's Project Starline has been kicking around for a few years, as a project that could someday change the way we communicate with people across the world. It involves advanced hardware mixed with great software that takes video calls to a new level, making the participants appear as though they're right there in the room with you. While it used to be quite large, things have become more streamlined in the latest prototype update.

Unknown tracker alerts on stage at Google I/O 2023
Google's Find My Device update will keep you safe from rogue tracking devices

Track your devices easily but also keep yourself safe with the latest Find My Device update.

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Google's Find My Device is a valuable tool that can help your Android smartphone if you happen to misplace. During Google I/O 2023, the company announced improvements to this feature, now making it possible to ping devices that are offline, while also making it possible to locate more compatible devices. Furthermore, the company highlighted its approach with safety and privacy in mind, with new Unknown tracker alerts.

Google I/O demo showcasing Android's upcoming generative AI wallpapers.
Android will soon make sure you don't have to waste time looking for a fresh wallpaper

It'll give you the ability to create emoji, cinematic, and AI wallpapers.

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Have you ever spent hours looking for a great wallpaper for your phone? I know I have, and it's a huge waste of time. Google aims to address that with a new feature in Android that will let you create a couple of different types of unique wallpapers right on your phone.

Google IO 2023 Protecting your privacy slide
Google did not forget about privacy at I/O 2023

The company also announced a host of new security features at its annual developer conference.

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Google on Wednesday announced a plethora of improvements to its existing products and services at Google I/O 2023. To continue its commitment to protect people from cyber threats, the tech behemoth has announced an array of security features at its annual developer conference. For a company that's known for organizing the whole world’s information, it essentially boils down to digital reliability and user privacy.

Google Pixel 7a in white
Google Pixel 7a review: The best midrange phone with flagship-level features

The $499 Pixel 7a looks, feels, and performs just like the Pixel 7, which just six months ago was a highly-rated flagship phone.

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There used to be a clear line separating the flagship Pixel series from the mid-range A phones. The former would be powered by the best Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, while the latter would settle for a lower-tier Snapdragon silicon. But that line blurred with the Pixel 6 series when Google began using its own silicon and gave the subsequent 6a series access to the same chip.

Google Search generative AI results image
Google Search is getting smarter with generative AI suggestions above the standard results page

You'll soon find more interactive bursts of information powered by Artificial Intelligence above the Google Search results page.

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It was announced on stage at Google I/O today that Google Search is getting a generative AI panel right above the standard results page. Similar to Microsoft's Bing experience, there are a few things in this new panel, all designed to give you information at a glance while entering more natural search prompts. The experience is coming to Google Labs and will be rolling out in the coming weeks, and a waitlist is now open today in the latest version of the Google app and Chrome desktop.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai showing off Google Maps Immersive View with routes on stage at Google I/O 2023
Google 'Immersive View for routes' offers fantastic new ways to navigate

The new navigation feature will let users "feel" the trip before they actually take it.

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Today Google announced a new and immersive way to navigate using Maps with the introduction of 'Immersive View for routes' during Google I/O 2023. The new navigation view for Google Maps utilizes all the best features it's rolled out for the platform over the past year and combines into one visually pleasing experience for your next trip. The new view will populate 3D buildings, vegetation, while also providing important details like air quality, traffic, and weather. The mode will be available starting in the summer and can be used for walks, drives and even cycling trips.

Google's Sundar Pichai at I/O 2023 next to a screen with text saying Google Photos Magic Editor.
Google's Magic Editor is a Photoshop killer built right into Photos

It utilizes machine learning to add parts to an image that weren't in the original frame.

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Last year, Google introduced Magic Eraser in Google Photos to help users easily remove unwanted objects from their photos. The feature utilized machine learning to select and edit images, allowing users to completely remove selected objects or change their color to make them less distracting. Google is now utilizing its machine learning prowess to take photo editing in Google Photos to another level with Magic Editor.

A Google I/O illustration with the Google I/O text written over a blue-colored background.
Google I/O 2023: What to expect from one of the biggest keynotes of the year

It's that time of the year again! Expect to see a lot of Google announcements in the next few days.

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Google's annual I/O conference keynote kicks off at 10 AM PT on May 10, 2023, meaning it's almost time to hear about the new developments for Android 14 and a flurry of new hardware. It's one of the most exciting keynotes of the year, and I can't wait to see what the company chief Sundar Pichai and others will showcase once they take the stage at the Shoreline Amphitheater. Google has already confirmed it will introduce a Pixel Fold during the keynote, but I am expecting to see more including its long-teased Pixel Tablet and its worst-kept secret, the Pixel 7a.

Sundar Pichai standing in front of a Google Maps slide at I/O
Google I/O 2023 will take place on May 10, following yearly "Save the Date" I/O 2023 puzzle

Google's I/O 2023 puzzle is here, and it'll take place on May 10.

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Google I/O is a yearly event targeted mainly at developers, which is usually where we get our first good look at the yearly Android release, changes for developers, and, sometimes, upcoming hardware products. Google generally creates a teaser in the form of a puzzle first so that people can try and guess what the dates will be, and this year's puzzle has now been published. Since then, Google has announced that it will take place on May 10.

Google I/O 2022
Google I/O 2022: How to watch the company's developer conference

Google I/O 2022 goes live in a few hours. Here's when and how you can watch the highly anticipated Android 13 event online.

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Google I/O is the company's yearly conference for developers, and it goes live in just a few hours! Last year, Google gave us a better look at Android 12 during I/O 2021. This year during I/O 2022, we will likely get an extensive preview of Android 13 -- which is already in the beta testing phase. The company could also potentially reveal some new hardware during the event, such as the rumored Pixel 6A phone and all-new Pixel Watch. Ultimately, we won't need to speculate later today, as Google will make all of the details official during the main keynote. Now you must be wondering -- how and when can I watch Google I/O 2022? Here's everything you need to know.

Google I/O 2022 puzzle
Google publishes new puzzle for revealing I/O 2022 information

Google is following its yearly tradition of revealing the dates for its Google I/O live event with a complex puzzle.

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Google I/O is a yearly event targeted mainly at developers, which is usually where we get our first good look at the yearly Android release and (occasionally) upcoming hardware products. Google usually creates a puzzle or teaser that leads to revealing the dates for I/O, and now the puzzle for I/O 2022 is live.

Google IO 2021
Google I/O 2021 schedule goes live: Here's what to look out for

Google I/O 2021 takes place next month, but the schedule and list of sessions is already live. Here's what to look forward to.

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Earlier this month, Google announced when its highly-anticipated developer conference will take place. Google I/O 2021 kicks off on May 18th and lasts through May 20th, and it'll be a virtual event that's free for anyone to attend. Today, Google published the full schedule for the event, giving us an overview of what sessions will take place, what topics will be covered, and who will be speaking.

Google IO 2021
Google I/O 2021 is a free-to-attend virtual event this year starting May 18th

Google has announced its I/O developer conference will return this year as a virtual event, and everyone can sign up to attend for free.

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Google has announced its I/O developer conference will return this year as a virtual event. The show had to be canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Google is working on an emulator that will allow developers to test their applications on large screens without an actual Chrome OS device. This plan was announced during Google I/O 2017.

google play store

During the Android Fireside Chat that took place at Google I/O 2017, a nice new feature was discussed. It was revealed that users of Android O will be able to update their graphics drivers through the Play Store. This might be one of the most exciting features of the upcoming Android.

Android O Redesigns Emojis - Get Them Now on Android 5.0+

Google has redesigned the list of available emojis in Android O. Here's a look at what's new. Also, we've got a flashable zip available!

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During our earlier coverage of what is new in the first public Android O Beta release (Android O Developer Preview 2), some users noted that we had forgotten to mention the new emojis. No, we didn't forget about our little blob friends. We wanted to wait so you can get your hands on the new, more round emojis right now!

Google Play Store

Last week, the news about the Netflix application being hidden for rooted users when searching the Play Store made waves across the community. At first it wasn't quite clear exactly why this was happening but then Netflix released a statement saying this was intended behavior. The company said they were using Google's Widevine DRM as a way to block unsupported devices, but that didn't make sense because it could still be side-loaded very easily.

android o
Here's Everything New in Android O Developer Preview 2

A comprehensive look at all of the changes we've found in Android O Developer Preview 2. Includes changes to the Pixel Launcher and many UI changes.

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It's that time of year again. Google's yearly I/O developer conference is like Christmas for Android enthusiasts. Every year the company bombards us with news related to everything Google has been working on in recent months. We've been extensively covering all the latest news from this year's I/O, but one thing we haven't gotten around to until after today's keynote event was over was trying out the latest Android O beta release. But it's been a few hours since Android O's Beta Program has been live, and Google has even posted flashable images for anyone on compatible devices to try. We've now taken an in-depth look at Android O Developer Preview 2, and we're ready to share what we've found.

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