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The Google Pixel 8a was just announced, here’s how to pre-order the new smartphone

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Google announced the Pixel 8a smartphone today, one week ahead of the company’s I/O conference on May 14. We no longer have to rely on leaked info, as Google has confirmed the Pixel 8a will start at $499, the same price as the Pixel 7a at launch, and will ship the same day as the event. You can pre-order it now from Google’s storefront or from Amazon. The sub-$500 price tag maintains the A-series position as the most affordable handset in Google’s lineup. We were able to spend a little time with the phone to get some initial thoughts, and our full review will be coming soon. In the meantime, here’s what’s new about the newest Pixel phone.

Google

You can pre-order the new Pixel 8a smartphone now and it will ship on May 14. It’s $499 for the model with 128GB and $559 for the 256GB model. It’s available from Amazon or directly from Google

$499 at Amazon

The Pixel 8a upgrades to the Tensor G3 chip, giving it the same processor as the standard Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. The new phone carries the same 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as the previous generation, along with the option of 256GB of storage, that model is going for $559. The 6.1-inch OLED display is the same size and resolution as its predecessor, but the refresh rate is a smoother 120Hz. The screen’s got a little more dazzle too, with a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, an increase from the Pixel 7a that now matches the Pixel 8.

The battery is very slightly (about 100mAh) bigger, leading Google to claim a 24-plus-hour battery life, instead of the 7a’s flat 24-hour promise. Speaking of promises, the new budget Pixel comes with seven years of promised security and features updates, putting it on par with the 8-series phones. That’s two years longer than the support offered with the 7a.

As we expected, the camera array remains largely the same as the prior generation, with a 64MP wide and a 13MP ultrawide lens in back and a 13MP selfie cam up front. Magic Editor and Best Take, two of Google’s AI-assisted photography features that impressed us on the Pixel 8, have come to the Pixel 8a, as well as the new Audio Magic Eraser, which automatically cuts out distracting sounds from video recordings.

The Pixel 8a comes in three of the same colors as the Pixel 8 Pro: Obsidian, Porcelain and Bay but the 8a swaps in an Aloe option instead of Mint. Pre-orders for Google’s new Pixel 8a are now open and orders will ship on May 14.

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Pre-order the Google Pixel 8a from Amazon or Best Buy and get a free $100 gift card

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Just moments after Google announced its latest smartphone, both Amazon and Best Buy swooped in with deals to convince you to get yours from one of them. Right now, the Pixel 8a is open for pre-orders at Google’s storefront, but if you go through Amazon, you’ll get a physical $100 Amazon gift card once the phone ships. Purchase through Best Buy and you’ll get a$100 gift card for its store, plus a one-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Whichever way you go, your new phone will ship May 14, the same day as Google’s I/O developer conference.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Buy the new Google Pixel 8a smartphone from Amazon and get a free gift card for $100. If you buy from Best Buy, you’ll get a $100 gift card to spend at the retailer, plus a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

$499 at Amazon

On both Amazon and Best Buy, the offer apples to the 128GB model in any of the four colorways, including the new Aloe hue. The model with a larger 256GB capacity, a first for A-series Pixel phones, goes for $559 and also includes the $100 gift card, but only if you order it in Obsidian.

New for this latest generation of Google’s most affordable smartphone is a screen that’s a little brighter and smoother thanks to a higher peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery is slightly larger than it was on the Pixel 7a and software improvements should help it last longer. The camera array stayed the same as with the previous generation, but a few more of Google’s AI tricks, like Best Take and Magic Editor should help you get more out of what the lenses pick up.

Engadget’s Sam Rutherford had a chance to check out the new Pixel 8a ahead of its release and, while a full review is still forthcoming, he said the new handset is “shaping up to once again be the mid-range Android phone to beat.” And if a $100 gift card sweetens the deal for you at all, now might be a good time to pre-order. Amazon says its deal will run through 5/19 or until supplies run out, so if you want to wait to see what we think, you may have some time.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.



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Nothing’s Ear and Ear (a) earbuds with active noise cancellation are now available for pre-order

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Carl Pei’s Nothing has revealed two new wireless earbuds at an event in Tokyo. It calls the Ear, the more expensive model of the two with prices starting at $149 and £129, a refinement of its older model the Ear (2). The Ear retains the brand’s transparent design and looks very similar to the previous model. But it’s powered by a new custom 11 mm dynamic driver and comes with a dual chamber design that allows it to deliver clearer sounds compared to its predecessor.

It also features a new smart active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm that can check for noise leakage between the earbuds and the ear canal and then add more noise cancellation accordingly. Plus, it can automatically apply the level of noise cancellation needed — high, medium or low — appropriate for the environment the user is in. Nothing says the model’s noise cancellation rated at 45 dB is almost twice that of the Ear (2), as well.

When it comes to battery life, the Ear’s was also designed to last longer. It can last for up to 40-and-a-half hours after a full charge with its charging case, or up to eight-and-a-half hours of non-stop playback. In addition, the model comes with a new mic that enables less obstruction and interference, support for LHDC 5.0 and LDAC codec for high-resolution streaming over Bluetooth and the ability to quickly switch between connected devices.

Meanwhile, the Ear (a) is the more fun and more affordable model between the two new releases. It’s the first Nothing model that isn’t just black or white — though those colors are also available — with one version’s non-transparent parts and case colored in vivid egg yolk-yellow. Even though its prices start lower than the Ear at $99 and £99, it also features the same ANC technology and the brand’s new smart ANC algorithm that can check for sound leakages. It even supposedly has a better battery life than its more expensive sibling and can last for up to 42-and-a-half hours of music playback after a full charge with its charging case.

Both Ear and Ear (a) are now available for pre-order from Nothing’s website. They’ll start making their way to buyers and will be available for general purchase on April 22.

Yellow earbuds.Yellow earbuds.

Nothing

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Where to pre-order Star Wars Outlaws: here’s what comes with each edition and where to buy it right now

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Knowing where to pre-order Star Wars Outlaws is now a hot topic, with the game’s release date out in the wild – it arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on August 30.

Plenty of retailers are getting in on the listing action already and there’ll likely be more to come out of the woodwork soon. So getting to the right places efficiently to spend your hard-earned cash is paramount – and that’s where we come in as we can direct you to the best place to pre-order Star Wars Outlaws quickly.

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Samsung is throwing in a free 65-inch 4K TV when you pre-order one of its new 2024 TVs

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Samsung announced pricing and availability details for its 2024 TV lineup on Thursday, and it’s rolled out a fairly unique deal to entice pre-orders: If you order one of its latest sets between now and April 11, it’ll throw in a bonus 65-inch 4K TV for no extra cost. The offer applies to the company’s new OLED TVs (the S90D and S95D), 4K LED TVs (the QN85D and QN90D), 8K LED TVs (the QN800D and QN900D) and Frame TVs. It’s available at several retailers, including Samsung.com, though you can get an extra $100 off each set at Amazon if you’re a Prime member or Best Buy if you subscribe to that shop’s My Best Buy Plus service. At the former, the deal comes as part of the retailer’s wider Big Spring Sale event.

Samsung

Samsung is offering a bonus 65-inch 4K TV when you pre-order one of its new 2024 TVs through April 11. If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you’ll see an additional $100 discount at checkout.

$1,498 at Amazon

As for what’s new with these sets, Samsung says the high-end S95D OLED TV uses anti-glare technology to hold up better in brightly-lit rooms, while the step-down S90D can reach higher brightness levels than last year’s model. The aesthetics-focused Frame TV can now drop to a lower 60Hz refresh rate to conserve energy while displaying artwork, and the QN90D has an updated processor. And while most people don’t need to splurge for an 8K TV, both the QN800D and top-end QN900D promise a few upscaling and motion-enhancing features based on AI.

It’s an appealing promo, but there are some caveats to keep in mind before you buy. The bonus TV in question is the Samsung TU690T, an entry-level model from 2022. Though we haven’t tested it ourselves, other reviews say that it can’t get very bright and provides a mostly basic image. It lacks a local dimming feature to improve contrast, it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and it only has two HDMI ports, neither of which are HDMI 2.1. As of this writing, the 65-inch model is available for $480 at Best Buy.

It’s also worth remembering how the pricing cycle of the TV market usually works. We’ll have to wait for reviews to see just how improved Samsung’s newest TVs are, but for the most part, they don’t look to be massive upgrades over their predecessors from last year. The S95D’s anti-glare tech may be the most meaningful change in practice.

Most of those 2023 TVs, meanwhile, are still available for significantly lower prices. Last year’s excellent S90C OLED, for example, is now going for $1,298, which is $700 less than its 2024 equivalent. The new Frame TVs are an exception right now, though we’ve seen multiple discounts on last year’s model in recent months. In general, the best times to buy a TV are still the holiday sales period and right about now, when new models are introduced and still-great older TVs fall in price until they’re discontinued.

We highlight last year’s S90C and QN90C TVs in our gaming TV buying guide, and we’ve previously recommended the Frame TV for those who are willing to trade some picture quality for a classier design.

With all of that said, a free TV is a free TV. If you’re dead-set on getting one of Samsung’s latest and just want a large screen for, say, a guest room or office, this deal should sweeten the pot.

Your Spring Sales Shopping Guide: Spring sales are in the air, headlined by Amazon’s Big Spring sale event. Our expert editors are curating all the best spring sales right here. Follow Engadget to shop the best tech deals from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, hear from Autoblog’s car experts on the best spring auto deals on Amazon, and find spring sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

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A bunch of new Samsung TVs are finally available for preorder, from 8K QLED models to 77-inch OLEDs

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Samsung just provided availability details for a full range of new TVs as part of its Unbox & Discover event. These include Neo QLED 8K models, Neo QLED 4K models and various OLED boxes. Many of these TVs were originally teased at CES, but now preorders are actually open for consumers looking for a new way to watch that upcoming Star Wars show.

Samsung calls the NEO QLED QN900D the “slimmest, most premium 8K TV to ever hit the market.” It’s got everything you can think of, including AI to upscale content to 8K. This should lure in curious, yet wary, consumers into the world of 8K televisions. Most content providers lack native 8K streaming options, which can be a major bummer. Samsung’s AI Upscaling Pro feature can also upscale HD / SD media into 4K.

Another algorithmic feature, Real Depth Enhancer Pro, helps boost the contrast between the foreground and background, which should make fast-paced content like F1 races easier to follow. The TVs also include Samsung’s Gaming Hub, Dolby Atmos audio and support for Wi-FI 6E. Finally, it boasts the company’s proprietary Infinity Air design language, which ensures that the image reaches all edges for increased immersion. The 8K QLED QN900D is available in 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch versions, with prices starting at $5,000. Yeah, they aren’t cheap.

A TV showing a train car. A TV showing a train car.

Samsung

The 8K NEO QLED QN800D models are slightly cheaper, starting at $3,500. These TVs are still plenty capable, with the same AI upscaling features found in the QN900D. As a matter of fact, it’s got nearly everything found with its more expensive sibling, including Dolby Atmos audio, the same depth enhancing tech, Samsung’s Gaming Hub and more. The QN800D, however, isn’t quite as slim and it doesn’t feature the Infinity Air edge-to-edge design. The refresh rate maxes out at 165Hz, compared to 240Hz with the QN900D. It’s also available in 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch models.

There are also a pair of Neo QLED 4K sets that boast much of the same tech, with some limitations. The QN90D and QN85D offer AI upscaling, but only to 4K, for obvious reasons. They include the same entertainment software, including Samsung’s Gaming Hub, and feature Dolby Atmos audio. The primary difference between the two is that the QN90D boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, while the QN85D maxes out at 120Hz. These sets range in size from 43 inches all the way to 98 inches, with prices starting at $1,400.

A TV showing a race car. Vroom vroom. A TV showing a race car. Vroom vroom.

Samsung

Finally, there are the OLED TVs. The S95D and S90D both offer pristine OLED panels, AI upscaling to 4K, depth-enhancing tech, a host of smart features and Dolby Atmos audio, among other tools. There are some subtle differences between the two models. The S95D features the company’s HDR Pro technology, while the S90D includes HDR+. Generally speaking, HDR Pro sets are brighter, which leads to a richer and more natural contrast. The S95D is available in sizes up to 77 inches, with prices starting at $2,600. The S90D is available in sizes up to 65 inches, with prices starting at $2,000. All of the above TVs are available right now for preorder.

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You can now pre-order Samsung’s next-gen 2024 TVs and funky Music Frame speaker

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When Samsung listed the European prices for its new 2024 range of OLED and QLED TVs, we were a bit disappointed to report that a number of models were getting price hikes. As we wrote last month, there were “major jumps in some cases, well above Eurozone inflation rates”. 

We also noted that some of the pressures on prices, such as materials costs, shipping costs and tech costs, were global rather than limited to the EU. So we’re not entirely surprised to see that there are some price rises in the US too to what will be the best Samsung TVs

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Rivian’s R2 pre-order numbers hint at pent-up demand for Musk-free EV innovation

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Rivian’s R2 reservations are off to a hot start. On Friday, CEO RJ Scaringe posted on X that the automaker had taken more than 68,000 reservations for the SUV in less than 24 hours. Amid alarmingly weakened demand for electric vehicles, perhaps there’s a latent interest in innovative EV companies when they aren’t helmed by a conflict magnet with a fixation on baseless conspiracy theories and the supposed online “rights” of Neo-Nazis.

Rivian’s 68,000 reservations hold up well against its most high-profile competitors. It took Ford about three weeks to get 100,000 pre-orders for the F-150 Lightning. Tesla’s Cybertruck got 250,000 reservations in less than a week. To be fair, reserving a Rivian R2 only requires a $100 deposit the same as the Cybertruck and F-150 Lightning.Customers plunking down a Benjamin to hold one have no obligation to pay the remaining $44,900 (and up) when the vehicle finally arrives in 2026, and even if they intend to buy one now, that’s plenty of time to change their minds.

You could argue that — like with Tesla and Ford — Rivian chose the low deposit to build hype, knowing full well that many pre-order customers won’t follow through. But it also helps that Rivian’s event on Thursday did everything the company needed. The R2 looks “quite fetching,” as Engadget’s Lawrence Bonk pointed out. On the inside, it has sleek and subtle details like two glove boxes, fold-down rear and front seats, a slide-out cargo floor and dual scroll wheels with dynamic haptic feedback on the steering wheel. It also has a 300-mile minimum range and a $45,000 starting price, which doesn’t hurt.

And, of course, the surprise “One more thing”-style reveal of the cheaper, sportier and more compact R3 and R3X could help provide a halo effect for the company when it desperately needs to build excitement around its brand. In February, Rivian announced that it would lay off 10 percent of its salaried workers, and this week, it cut 100 employees at its Illinois factory. Still, the EV market could use a new “hero.” I have no idea if Rivian or its CEO, RJ Scaringe, has potential to be the face of the industry. But Elon Musk, its current poster boy, is a lightning rod for unnecessary turmoil.

In a survey of Americans conducted by The Harris Poll late last year, 45 percent of respondents said they had a lower opinion of EVs “because of the actions of people associated with them.” (I’m pretty sure they didn’t mean Ford’s Doug Field or GM’s Mary Barra.)

Perhaps Rivian’s impressive showing reveals at least some Americans have an appetite for an EV maker that’s neither a traditional auto company nor one helmed by someone who, at times, seems more interested in behaving like a teenage contrarian than a responsible adult serving as the public face of an industry the world desperately needs to grow up — and get people excited about driving electric vehicles — as climate change begins to ravage the planet.



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MSI Claw handheld games console is now available to preorder

MSI Claw now available to preorder

Are you ready to dive into the next wave of portable gaming? The MSI Claw A1M handheld gaming console is here to elevate your gaming sessions, wherever you are. This cutting-edge device is now available for preorder priced at $699 with shipping and a release date set for March 15th 2024, and it’s set to bring a new level of excitement to your mobile gaming adventures.

Imagine holding the power of a high-performance gaming PC right in the palm of your hands. The MSI Claw A1M makes this a reality with its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H. This powerhouse is built to handle the most demanding games, allowing you to immerse yourself in smooth gameplay and stunning graphics. And with Intel XeSS technology, you’ll be treated to visuals that are sharper and more realistic than ever before.

But the MSI Claw A1M isn’t just about raw power. It runs on Windows 11 Home, giving you access to a wide array of games and applications. This means you can switch between gaming and getting work done with ease, making the console a versatile companion for both play and productivity.

MSI Claw handheld games console

Comfort is crucial when you’re gaming on the go, and the MSI Claw A1M has been designed with your hands in mind. Its ergonomic shape fits comfortably for hours, so you can keep playing without any strain. And when the action heats up, the Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology kicks in to keep the console cool, ensuring top-notch performance at all times.

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You won’t have to worry about running out of juice mid-game either. The MSI Claw A1M comes with a 53Whr battery that’s built to last, giving you plenty of playtime on a single charge. Whether you’re commuting or traveling, your gaming doesn’t have to stop. Customization is key, and the MSI Claw A1M offers a range of storage and RAM options to suit your needs and budget. Starting at $699 for the base model, you can configure your console to match your gaming style.

MSI Claw Specifications

CPU Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor with Intel® AI Boost (NPU)
OS Windows 11 Home
DISPLAY 7” FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, IPS-Level
Touchscreen
AC ADAPTER 65W PD adapter
BATTERY 6-Cell
53 Battery (Whr)
GRAPHICS Intel® Arc™ Graphics
MEMORY LPDDR5-6400
STORAGE CAPABILITY 1x M.2 2230 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen4)
AUDIO 2x 2W Speaker
COMMUNICATION Intel® Killer™ BE Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
AUDIO JACK 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
I/O PORTS 1x Type-C (USB / DP / Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging
1x Micro SD Card Reader
CONTROL RGB ABXY buttons
RGB L & R Hall Effect analog sticks
D-pad
L & R Hall Effect analog triggers
L & R bumpers
View button
Menu button
MSI Center M button
Quick Settings button
Macro button (M1/M2)
HD haptics
SECURITY Fingerprint Security
DIMENSION (WXDXH) 294 x 117 x 21.2
mm
WEIGHT (W/ BATTERY) 675 g
COLOR Black

If you’re eager to get your hands on this device, head over to Newegg to place your preorder. With some models set to ship as early as March 15th, you won’t have to wait long to experience the future of handheld gaming. For more details and support, the official MSI Claw webpage is your go-to source. It’s packed with helpful guides, virtual tours, and tutorials to help you maximize your experience with the MSI Claw A1M.

So, if you’re looking to step up your mobile gaming, the MSI Claw A1M is ready to take you there. With its blend of power, portability, and comfort, it’s poised to become a favorite for gamers on the move. Don’t miss out – secure your preorder today and get ready to play in a whole new way.

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New Volkswagen Transporter up for pre-order in Germany

Volkswagen Transporter

Volkswagen has announced that they are now taking pre-orders of the new Volkswagen Transporter ion. German y and they have released some more photos of the vehicle, the photos show a camlouflaged exterior of the car and you also get to see the full interior.

Volkswagen Transporter

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will launch the successors to the current Transporter 6.1 and Caravelle 6.1 in 2025. This new generation of the product line has been significantly improved in all areas. In order to allow long-term vehicle planning for all corporate and private customers, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is already starting pre-sales of the new Transporter in Germany from 14 December. This next generation offers significantly expanded standard equipment compared with its predecessors – including a digital cockpit, central display and the latest assist systems – as well as a completely redesigned range of highly efficient drive systems. With the new models, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has for the first time developed a product line that will be available with turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains.

Volkswagen Transporter

You can find out more details about the new Volkswagen Transporter over at the Volkswagen website, at the link below, it will be available with a wide range of body options which will include a panel van, panel van plus and more.

Source Volkswagen

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