Amazon’s Big Spring Sale officially begins this Wednesday, but as with all such sales, a number of deals went live early, including on Google’s latest Pixel smartphones. The 128GB-capacity Pixel 8 Pro is 25 percent off, which deducts $250 from the list price and brings the handset to $749. That beats the all-time-low price we saw for Black Friday last November. Larger capacity models are seeing discounts as well, with all three colors that Amazon carries included. If you’d rather buy direct, you can get the same discount from Google’s online shop, which also has the Google-exclusive Mint color.
Google
The latest generation of Google’s Pixel phones are 25 percent off as an early deal before of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
A similar discount goes to the 128GB Pixel 8 which is 29 percent off and down to $499 instead of $699 at both Amazon and from Google. Again, that’s the lowest price we’ve tracked and the discounts extend to the larger capacity models. We named the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro the best Android smartphones on the market thanks to their speedy chips, brighter screens and improved cameras. Plus the suite of AI-enabled tools are more than just gimmicks and actually help you out with things like search, taking better photos and a more capable Google Assistant. Perhaps the best part is Google’s commitment to seven years of software support, which means these phones can stay in your pocket for far longer than the average mobile.
As for the difference between the two phones, the Pro model has a larger screen at 6.7 inches versus the Pixel 8’s 6.2 inches. The Pro also has a screen with a 400-nit higher peak brightness, more RAM and a third, telephoto camera. Both have the same chip and many of the same AI tools.
Those looking for an even steeper deal should check out the Google Pixel 7a, which is also down to a record-low price of $374 at both Amazon and Google. We not only named this the best mid-range Android phone in our guide to smartphones, it’s also the splurge pick in our budget Android guide.
Amazon’s new Fire HD 10 tablet is a solid boost from its predecessor, thanks, in part, to 25 percent faster performance and 3GB of RAM. It has a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen with 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 5MP front and rear-facing cameras, and 13 hours of battery life. Plus, it offers a microSD slot that can be used to add another 1TB of storage. This model does feature lockscreen ads, and it currently costs $110 to buy the device without them.
Then there’s Amazon’s 32GB Fire HD 8 tablet, down to $65 from $100 thanks to a 35 percent discount. The eight-inch HD, 1280 x 800 resolution screen also features lockscreen ads at this price. The Fire HD 8 tablet’s processor works 30 percent faster than its predecessor, and it has 2GB of RAM. For $30 less than the Fire HD 10 tablet, it offers similar features, just with not as high-quality (or large) a screen.
The Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet and Fire 7 Kids tablet are among the other models on sale, with 22 percent and 36 percent discounts, respectively.
Android fans looking for a reasonably priced phone to upgrade to are in luck thanks to the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Although the event doesn’t officially start until March 20, we’re already seeing early deals pop up on Amazon. One of which is the Google Pixel 7a, which has dropped to a record low price of $374. We’ve seen the handset drop to this price before, but as of late, it’s been hovering around its regular price of $499.
Google
The Pixel 7a is 25 percent off for the Amazon Big Spring Sale.
The Pixel 7a has sat at the top of our best midrange phones list since it came out last year and it offers a ton of value even at its standard price. It runs on Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which gives it solid performance considering its cost, and it has a lovely 6.1-inch, 90Hz OLED touchscreen and support for wireless charging. Its design looks very similar to the flagship Pixel series phones and it has an IP67 rating for water resistance.
But the camera array makes the Pixel 7a truly stand out among other phones in its price range, and certainly among budget Android phones that typically come in at around $350. The 64-megapixel rear shooter takes impressive images that preserve details and highlights, and Google’s Night Sight mode allows it to take solid low-light images. The 13MP selfie camera can record 4K videos, too. While the Pixel 7a suffers a bit from its lack of dedicated zoom and telephoto lenses, those are relatively small sacrifices to make when you’re getting an otherwise stellar camera system for the price.
Ultimately, the Pixel 7a is the smartphone to get if you want the best value Android handset and don’t want to spend more than a few hundred dollars. Snagging it while it’s under $400 during this sale means you’re getting it at the best price we’ve seen, making it an even better buy. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the concurrent sales on the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro — those are up to $250 off right now, down to $499 and $749, respectively. These are the best Android phones you can buy right now, period, and both offer Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, a more refined design, long battery life and useful AI features that make taking photos and using the Google Assistant much better.
Folks who like controlling aspects of their home using their voice or an app may be pleased to learn there’s a sale on Google Nest gear at Amazon ahead of the retailer’s Big Spring Sale. There are some solid discounts here, including one on the Google Nest Thermostat, which is down to $100. That’s $30 off the usual price. While that’s not the lowest price we’ve seen for the thermostat (it has dropped to $80 in the past), it’s still a solid deal.
Google
The Google Nest Thermostat is currently 23 percent off.
The Nest Thermostat has been around for a few years now. It’s a more affordable version of the Nest Learning Thermostat, which usually costs $249 but is also on sale for $190. Both are designed to help save energy and cut down on heating and air conditioner costs. The Energy Star-certified Nest Thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature when you leave your home to avoid wasting energy on heating or cooling.
You can use the Nest app to adjust the settings remotely, so if you’re getting back earlier than usual or unexpectedly staying out late, the temperature will be just right. You can also control the thermostat using Google Assistant or another Matter-certified voice assistant (such as Alexa or Siri) as long as you have a compatible smart device. Meanwhile, the Savings Finder feature will offer you tips on how to adjust your temperature schedule to reduce costs even further.
Several Nest cameras are on sale too. The Indoor Nest Cam is down to $80, which is $20 off. If you’d prefer a camera for the exterior of your residence, the Outdoor Nest Cam has dropped from $180 to $140. Those looking for a smart doorbell, meanwhile, may want to consider the Nest Doorbell Wired. That’s $20 off at $150.
Apple acquired Canada-based company DarwinAI earlier this year to build out its AI team, reports Bloomberg. DarwinAI created AI technology for inspecting components during the manufacturing process, and it also had a focus on making smaller and more efficient AI systems.
DarwinAI’s website and social media accounts have been taken offline following Apple’s purchase. Dozens of former DarwinAI companies have now joined Apple’s artificial intelligence division. AI researcher Alexander Wong, who helped build DarwinAI, is now a director in Apple’s AI group.
Apple confirmed the acquisition with the statement that it typically gives when questioned about purchases. “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time” but does not discuss its purpose or plans.
In an effort to catch up with Microsoft, Google, and others in the AI market, Apple is working hard to build artificial intelligence features for its next-generation iOS 18 and macOS 15 operating systems.
If Apple wants to be able to rival Microsoft’s Bing, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and other generative AI offerings, it will need to integrate generative AI into a range of products. Apple is testing large language models, and AI features are said to be coming to Siri, Shortcuts, Messages, Apple Music, and more.
Apple is aiming to have AI features run on-device for privacy reasons, and DarwinAI’s efforts to make smaller AI systems could be of use to further that endeavor.
Apple CEO Tim Cookhas promised that Apple will “break new ground” in generative AI in 2024. “We believe it will unlock transformative opportunities for our users,” said Cook.
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to be announced in a matter of weeks, so what can customers expect from the highly anticipated new machines?
The 2022 iPad Pro was a minor update that added the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover, and specification upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The iPad Pro as a whole has generally only seen relatively small updates in recent years, but rumors indicate that the next-generation iPad Pro will be the first major update to the product since 2018, introducing “fundamental changes.” Below are some of the most important rumors about the new machines to be aware of as we approach their announcement.
Revamped, Thinner Design
The iPad Pro has retained the same design through four successive generations since 2018. Multiple reports suggest that the biggest design change coming to the new models will be a substantial reduction in thickness, reducing from 5.9 mm to 5.1mm and 6.4mm to 5.0 mm, respectively.
CAD renders indicate that there will be no other major design changes, but there have been vague reports about the device potentially featuring a landscape front-facing camera like the 10th-generation iPad, a much more natural placement for video calls when using a Magic Keyboard. Rumors dating back to 2021 have suggested that a relocated front-facing camera is headed to the iPad Pro. Such a change would likely also require changes to the location or charging system of the Apple Pencil, since the wireless charging components for the accessory are currently located where the camera would move to.
Earlier rumors suggested that a glass back could come to a future iPad Pro model, which would be a major design change for the device, but it is no longer clear if this is still a possibility.
M3 Chip for Improved Performance
The next-generation iPad Pro is widely expected to feature Apple’s M3 chip to deliver improved performance and efficiency.
The M3 is based on the A17 Pro chip, which is manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm fabrication process. In benchmark tests, the M3 outperforms the M2 by about 17% in single-core tasks and approximately 21% in multi-core tasks. A tentpole feature of the M3 is a completely redesigned GPU with hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, leading to dramatically improved graphics capabilities. In GPU performance, measured by Metal benchmarks, the M3 exhibits a notable improvement of around 15% over the M2.
4TB Storage Option
Apple will offer next year’s OLED iPad Pro models with a 4TB storage option, a rumor coming out of Asia claimed. Since 2021, the iPad Pro has been available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage.
If Apple increases the maximum storage of its forthcoming OLED iPad Pro models to 4TB, it would likely also increase the base storage to 256GB to maintain five capacity categories, making all seventh-generation models capable of recording ProRes in 4K at 30fps.
It is also worth noting that iPad Pro RAM is variable based on storage capacity, so iPad Pro models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage come with 8GB of RAM, while iPad Pro models with 1TB or 2TB of storage feature 16GB of RAM. Whether that means a 4TB iPad Pro would feature 24GB or 32GB of RAM is unknown, but not improbable.
OLED Display Technology
OLED display technology is perhaps the most anticipated upgrade coming to the next-generation iPad Pro models. The current 11-inch model features an LCD display, while the 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED display.
Apple already uses OLED displays on the Apple Watch and iPhone, but has yet to bring the technology to larger devices. OLED displays use less power, sport greater color accuracy, and provide much better and more consistent contrast than LCD displays. As a significant upgrade, the change will likely be very prominent in the Apple’s marketing materials for the next-generation iPad Pro.
Bigger Screens and Slimmer Bezels?
The new iPad Pro models are also rumored to get display size increases from 11- to 11.1-inches and 12.9- to 13-inches, facilitated by slimmer borders around the screen.
This would allow the footprint of the devices to remain the same while increasing display size. The slight increases are unlikely to add any meaningful functionality to the device, but they would provide a more modern “all-screen” appearance. However, display analyst Ross Young has since cast doubt on this rumor as it may simply be a misinterpretation of screen size rounding.
Higher Prices
The more advanced OLED display technology in the next-generation models is expected to drive up the iPad Pro’s price, with current estimates starting at $1,500 and $1,800 for the 11-inch and 13-inch models, respectively. Pricing on the current 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. Models with cellular connectivity are available for an additional $200 over the base price for each storage tier.
More recent reports suggest that the price hikes may have been overstated and they may not exceed a $160 increase, but it does look like higher prices are on the way.
Improved Cameras
The iPad Pro has had the same 12-megapixel main rear camera with a ƒ/1.8 aperture since 2017. The 12-megapixel ultra wide camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and brighter True Tone flash have also remained the same since its introduction on the 2021 iPad Pro. Camera upgrades are rumored for other future iPad models with related hardware such as the seventh-generation iPad mini, so it follows that similar improvements are on the way for the iPad Pro.
Since 2021, the iPad Pro has also featured a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture. With 2022’s iPhone 14 models, Apple introduced an upgraded 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ƒ/1.9 aperture and autofocus. It seems plausible that this hardware could be ready to trickle down to the iPad Pro in its next incarnation.
The current iPad Pros support Smart HDR 4, so an upgrade to Smart HDR 5 is likely. The Photonic Engine and other iPhone-only photography and videography features could also make their way to the next iPad Pro.
A subsequent report suggested that Apple may have ultimately scrapped the glass back design after testing due to concerns over breakability. Citing sources familiar with Apple’s design plans, the report claimed that Apple has developed iPad Pro prototypes with a larger Apple logo made of glass, which would still allow for wireless charging. One of the prototypes was said to feature MagSafe with stronger magnets than on the iPhone to prevent accidental damage, and it was also said to support faster wireless charging speeds compared to MagSafe on the iPhone.
There is no guarantee that the iPad Pro with a glass back or Apple logo will ever be released, but rumors do seem to agree that Apple has extensively explored some kind of wireless charging solution for the iPad Pro. In December, MacRumorsobtained information suggesting that the new iPad Pro models might include support for MagSafe charging, and this now appears to be Apple’s chosen wireless charging technology for the device
Apple is also rumored to be working on reverse wireless charging for the iPad Pro, which would allow users to charge their iPhones, AirPods, and other accessories by laying them on the back of the iPad. Apple has filed multiple patents related to this feature.
Redesigned Magic Keyboard for ‘Laptop’ Experience
According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a complete revamp of its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Pro that makes the device more laptop-like.
The updated version of the Magic Keyboard for iPad will offer a larger trackpad, addressing criticisms of the current model, and “makes the iPad Pro look even more like a laptop than the current setup.” The area around the keyboard itself will apparently be made of aluminum, resembling the top case of MacBooks, to provide a sturdier structure.
The exterior shell of the keyboard will retain the silicone cover material used on the current model and a single USB-C port. Gurman mused that the redesign using more premium materials could lead Apple to raise the accessory’s $299 price point.
The Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital” claims that the next-generation Magic Keyboard will also be 100% carbon neutral thanks to its redesign and use of different materials. Last year, Apple unveiled its first carbon neutral products: The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE when paired with a new Sport Loop, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when paired with a new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop. The company plans for all of its products to be carbon neutral by 2030.
New Apple Pencil
A new Apple Pencil is now actively rumored to arrive alongside the next-generation iPad Pro models. The current, second-generation Apple Pencil is now well over five years old.
In March 2021, the leaker known as “Mr. White” shared an image purporting to depict a next-generation Apple Pencil prototype that featured a shorter design, glossy finish, and a larger, deeper tip. Apple was believed to have worked on a smaller Apple Pencil designed for the iPad mini, as well as a $49 model for the iPhone, but both products never emerged and are said to have been canceled entirely.
Multiple rumors suggested that the third-generation will include range of interchangeable magnetic tips to emulate different drawing styles. There have also been report about color-sampling capabilities, but little else is known about what the new accessory could offer later this month.
No Apple Event, But Announcement Any Day Now
Reports from a wide range of sources are consistent that the new iPad Pro models will be announced in March. While it was initially speculated that Apple would host an event to introduce the new models, the company is no longer expected to hold a traditional event for the announcements. Instead, Apple is reportedly planning to announce new products on its website with a “series of online videos and marketing campaigns.”
Last week, Apple announced the new MacBook Air models featuring the M3 chip, so this rumor now seems to be true. As a result, Apple is highly likely to reveal the new iPad Pros via a press release on its website during a morning in the next few weeks, likely on a Monday or Tuesday, followed by launch on a following Friday. The new iPad Pro models may launch toward the end of the month or in April, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, but they could appear as soon as tomorrow.
With Apple expected to release new iPad models anytime now, Amazon bargain site offers a doozy of a deal on the still-awesome 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro: $389 off. Getting almost $400 off iPad Pro is not a deal we see every day.
“iHad an iPad but iLost it and now iSad,” Woot says at the top of the sale page. No need to be sad when you can bag a fantastic, brand-new, full-sized M1 iPad with 128GB of storage for just $809.99.
Get $400 off iPad Pro (2021 12.9-inch M1 version) at Woot!
Apple may be about to unleash some new tablets on the world, but there’s nothing wrong with saving a bundle on a 2021 model instead of buying the latest and greatest. So Woot’s deal getting you nearly $400 off iPad Pro — the big one, at 12.9 inches, in new condition — is worth considering.
You can only get it in the space gray color, but that’s no great sacrifice. If you snap one up — or three, the limit per customer — you get the blazing performance of the M1 chip and a beautiful 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display.
If you haven’t used an M1-powered device, you’ll be in for a treat. You can expect crazy-fast speeds, amazing graphics and all-day battery life. You can play serious games on this thing. Sure, it won’t equal the new models, but it’ll still be very good.
Gorgeous display, advanced camera array
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display’s 10,000 mini LEDs handle high-brightness and high-contrast content like HDR photos and videos.
This model introduced a new, ultra-wide, front-facing camera featuring Center Stage and included a LiDAR Scanner for photos, video and AR. Center Stage keep you in the frame even when you move around.
This model has Wi-Fi and cellular data coverage, so you can always stay connected.
2021 iPad Pro features:
Apple M1 chip
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color
TrueDepth camera system featuring Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR
Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi and blazing fast 5G cellular
Go further with all-day battery life
Thunderbolt port for connecting to fast external storage, displays, and docks
Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
Four speaker audio and five studio-quality microphones
Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio (not included)
So if you’re ready to get $400 off iPad Pro, hit the link below.
Alpine has revealed some more details and a teaser image of its new electric sports car, the Alpine A290 and we get an idea of its possible final design with a camouflaged photo of the car that you can see above and below.
Alpine has been teasing their new car out in a range of environments and this includes temperatures as low as 0-30 C the car maker has also been working with Michelin to develop exclusive tires for their new EV.
The A290 has been fine-tuning its low grip characteristics since the start of the year, in the most extreme weather conditions with temperatures that can drop below -30°C. Alpine’s technical teams test the prototypes on tracks and open roads in these conditions to ensure excellence across the board.
All the technical parameters are subject to full-scale tests to guarantee the required performance levels are achieved.
As with every Alpine, particular attention is given to dynamic performance on the A290. Engine responsiveness, brio, driving precision and agility are all given the utmost attention to deliver a driving experience that extends to extreme conditions.
You can find out more information about the new Alpine A290 EV over at the Alpin website at the link below, we are looking forward to seeing the final design of the car and finding out more details about it.
Source Alpine
Filed Under: Auto News
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Audi has shared some details on the new Audi S3 and also some camouflaged photos of the car in both body types, Sportback and Saloon. The car will be powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine that produces 333 PS and 420 NM of torque.
Thanks to an upgrade, the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine now boasts an extra 23 horsepower and an additional 20Nm of torque, ensuring you’ve got plenty of oomph for those spirited drives. This means you can enjoy robust pulling power and zippy acceleration anytime. The best part? This surge of power is ready and waiting across a broad spectrum from 2,100 to 5,500rpm. It zips from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, with its top speed gracefully capped at 155mph.
To add to the thrill, the turbocharger gets a bit of a pre-boost, guaranteeing that power comes on quicker and smoother. This means when you’re cruising or gently accelerating, the turbocharger spins steadily, ensuring a consistent flow of power. Plus, with the throttle valve staying open during those push-it-to-the-limit moments, you get an even better performance. The longer and wider the throttle valve stays open, the quicker the torque piles on, giving you an even peppier engine response. This is especially noticeable when you switch to dynamic mode or give the new dynamic plus profile a whirl.
It will come with a torque splitter to increase agility and stability and will also feature larger brakes and performance tyres which will improve the car’s handling, plus a sportier transmission with Audi’s seven-speed S tronic.
We are looking forward to seeing the final design of the new Audi S3, you can find out some more information over at the Audi website at the link below.
Source Audi
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Skoda has revealed that they will be launching their new Skoda Octavia next week, the car will be unveiled on the 14th of February and they has also released some teaser sketches of the car, which give us an idea on what to expect from its design.
Now in its fourth generation, the Octavia is set to receive its facelift four years after the start of production. The model will continue to be available as both a hatchback and Combi estate. Additionally, the refreshed series will include Sportline and RS versions. The vehicle’s enhancements include advanced, second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights with a new lighting signature, designed to provide superior illumination of the road. Additionally, they now incorporate Crystallinium, a unique crystalline element that imparts a distinctive blue hue to the interior of the headlight housing, further refining the vehicle’s aesthetic.
Revitalising and evolving the design characteristics of our brand icons is both a demanding and fascinating task. For the Octavia’s latest update, we have reimagined the bumpers and the Škoda grille. At the same time, we have sharpened the contours of the headlights, lending our bestseller an even more striking and sporty appearance. With this fresh look and new features, such as second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights, the Octavia will continue to captivate everyday explorers in the coming years.”
Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design
You can find out more details about the new Skoda Octavia over at Skoda at the link below, we are looking forward to seeing the final design of the car and hearing about its range of features, we will have more details when it launches next week.
Source Skoda
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