Nothing released Phone (2a) Plus, an upgraded version of the Phone (2a).

It offers advanced camera options, including 4K video capabilities, an AI "portrait optimizer" for enhanced photo quality, and improved gaming performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor. It features a 50MP main camera with optical stabilization, AI Vivid mode, and Ultra XDR technology.

The Phone (2a) Plus is priced at £399 in the UK and $399 in the U.S. for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model, with higher memory options available.

The device runs on Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6, offering three years of Android updates and four years of security patches. It includes enhancements like an improved Game Dashboard and the ability to block third-party app notifications.

Nothing has launched an AI-powered news aggregation feature called "News Reporter" that summarizes top news stories and converts them to audio voiced by an AI version of Nothing's CFO, using Meta's Llama large language models for summarization. The accuracy of the AI news summaries remains uncertain due to the potential limitations of generative AI models.

The 'Plus' in the name refers to the performance enhancements, which are targeted towards mobile gaming fans, rather than a larger screen size.

The Phone (2a) Plus has limited color options (black or grey) and 5G connectivity in the U.S., where it can be purchased for through Nothing's beta program. UK residents can purchase it directly from Nothing, with global availability details to be revealed in September.

The release of the Phone (2a) Plus is an attempt by Nothing to enhance the Phone (2a) for power users at an accessible price point, while the company's next flagship phone, the Phone (3), is set to launch next year.

The new model aims to revolutionize the budget phone segment with quality and innovative design features.

UK users can purchase the Phone (2a) Plus first at a limited drop in London on August 3, while US orders start on August 7.

Sources: Wired, The Verge, PCMag, El País, Mashable, Engadget, TechRadar, CNET, Android Central, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, cnbeta.com.tw, Deccan Herald, Canaltech, Gazeta, Yahoo News, Times of India, India TV News, The Hindu, Indian Express.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Android allows swapping out the entire interface by installing a different launcher, and customizing the layout of app icons, search bars, and keyboards for easier one-handed access. Samsung Galaxy phones offer additional customization options like Good Lock and One Hand Operation + to enhance one-handed usability.

Gboard, a keyboard app from Google, allows adjusting the size and position of the keyboard for one-handed use. Some Android devices come with Gboard pre-installed as the default keyboard, while others require downloading it from the Google Play Store and setting it as the default keyboard.

Gboard's one-handed keyboard mode allows typing faster and easier with one hand, improving the texting experience. This mode can be activated within the Messages app or by navigating to the keyboard settings.

How-To Geek suggests that voice transcription on smartphones can be a useful alternative to typing, allowing hands-free interaction. The publication also mentions that foldable phones offer a more compact and pocketable design, potentially easier to hold and use with one hand than traditional smartphones.

Accessibility features like Gboard's one-handed mode may inspire users to look for similar features in other apps and devices to enhance one-handed usability.

Sources: The Verge, How-To Geek, Cyberguy

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Leaked hands-on videos and images purportedly showcase a functional Google Pixel 9 unit in a new vibrant "Peony" pink color variant.

The phone features symmetrical bezels, a squared-off camera bar or visor with an oval-shaped dual-sensor module, flatter edges, rounded corners, and a glossy back with a matte camera bar and sides resembling recent iPhones.

The device is expected to have 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, hinting at improved multitasking capabilities, and the presence of the Google logo suggests it's likely the finished product, not a prototype.

The Google Pixel 9 series, expected to launch on August 13th, 2024, is rumored to feature vibrant color options that have received positive feedback: Jade, Obsidian, and Porcelain.

The bold color move deviates from Google's usual color choices.

The series is rumored to feature Android 15, the Tensor G4 SoC, varying AMOLED display sizes with a 120Hz refresh rate, and potentially Samsung's M14 OLED display with high refresh rates, excellent color accuracy, and potentially outshining the display quality of the Samsung Galaxy S24. Pro models may offer a triple-camera setup with a new vertical pill-shaped camera bar design and a matte back.

Numerous leaks and alleged hands-on videos from Algeria have surfaced online, showcasing the design, features, and specifications of the Pixel 9 series months before its expected launch.

Google will unveil the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch 3, and showcase Google AI, Android software, and Pixel devices at the Made by Google event scheduled for August 13, 2024, at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California. The event is earlier this year, possibly to get ahead of Apple's September event.

Sources: Mashable, Gizmodo, TechRadar, Android Central, Times of India, PhoneWorld, Kalinga TV, Neowin, India Today, GadgetMatch, Udaipur Kiran, 9to5Google, Pocket-lint, ABP Live, Ex Bulletin, Passionate Geekz, Droid Life, Android Authority

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S25 series next year, likely in January. A recent leak detailed some of the specifications of the cameras in the phone. Samsung is focusing on enhancing the photographic capabilities of its flagship devices, potentially through AI and algorithmic enhancements, positioning the Galaxy S25 Ultra as a top contender in the smartphone camera market.

According to the leak, the S25 is expected to retain its camera's 200MP main sensor, potentially featuring Samsung's new ISOCELL HP2 sensor for improved image quality and low-light performance.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra may also feature a new 50MP ultrawide sensor with a 1/2.76-inch JN1 sensor for enhanced resolution, two 50MP telephoto sensors with 3x optical zoom and OIS for improved zoom capabilities, and a larger 1/3-inch ISOCELL sensor on the 50MP telephoto lens for enhanced video capture up to 8K resolution.

The model is expected to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC across the entire lineup, potentially leading to a price increase due to enhanced capabilities.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to excel in video recording with support for EIS at all resolutions and frame rates, potentially enabling higher resolution video capture.

Sources: in.mashable.com, techradar.com, androidcentral.com, news.yahoo.com, co.in, com.pk, technave.com, wccftech.com, thanhnien.vn, gadgets360.com, androidheadlines.com, neowin.net, phonearena.com, connect.ro, 91mobiles.com, fonearena.com, elblog.pl, techtimes.com

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Light Phone III is a minimalist device designed to provide a distraction-free experience, featuring a 3.92-inch black and white OLED display with 1080 x 1240 resolution and matte glass to reduce glare outdoors.

It has a 50MP rear camera with a dedicated shutter button, an 8MP front-facing camera, and essential tools like calls, messaging, calendar, music, maps, and documentation capabilities without support for third-party apps or games.

The device runs on proprietary LightOS, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, promising longer battery life and durability with a user-replaceable 1800mAh battery.

It includes a metal frame, USB-C port, fingerprint ID, a clickable wheel for brightness control and activating the flashlight, IP54 water resistance, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for contactless payments, GPS, and 4G LTE and 5G network support.

The Light Phone III is available for pre-order until July 15, with pricing ranging from $399 to $800, subject to change based on demand, and is set to begin shipping in January 2025.

It targets individuals aged 25-40 who prioritize using a minimalist device as their primary phone, aiming to provide a break from constant information overload and social media distractions.

Sources include Business Insider, Vice, TechRadar, PCMag, Engadget, TechCrunch, Noticiargentina, TN, LiveMint, Hypebeast, The Times Hub, Pickr, InternetUA, Inverse, East Africa News Post, Inkl, Breaking Latest, IGEEKPhone, Konekt, EZone, and Overclockers.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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The newly released Google Pixel 8a is a mid-range smartphone that aims to offer flagship features at a more affordable price point, providing a compelling value proposition in the mid-range market.

Key specifications of the Pixel 8a include a 6.1-inch fullHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 3 protection, 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 128GB or 256GB storage options.

The Pixel 8a features a robust imaging system powered by Google's computational photography and AI, with a rear camera setup including a 64-megapixel main lens, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.

In camera performance comparisons with the flagship Pixel 8, the Pixel 8a held its own, with the Pixel 8 offering better dynamic range and cooler color tones in daylight shots, while the Pixel 8a excelled in edge detection and skin texture in portrait shots.

The Pixel 8a aims to offer a premium design with a recognizable camera bar, a more compact and curvier frame, and a distinct Aloe shade, but some critics noted that the display bezels and the use of plastic in the back panel may not appeal to everyone.

While the Pixel 8a shares features like IP67 water resistance, a premium audio experience, and a smooth software experience with the Pixel 8 series, some early users raised concerns about potential thermal issues, inconsistent performance, and battery life fluctuations.

Google's commitment to seven years of OS upgrades, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches with the Pixel 8a sets it apart in the mid-range market, ensuring relevance until at least 2031.

The Pixel 8a appeals to users for its clean software, abundant Google AI features, and high-quality 64MP camera that captures sharp and vibrant photos, even in challenging conditions.

While the Pixel A series was initially aimed at being budget-friendly, the prices have been gradually increasing, nearing the prices of higher-end models, making the Pixel 8A a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Sources: Cnet, Android Central, Android Headlines, 91mobiles.com, GSM Arena, well-played.com.au, cnbctv18.com, Yahoo News, Android Police, themobileindian.com, theweek.in, technologyforyou.org.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Like most items with which we live and use on a daily basis, electronics are subject to wear and tear, which reduces their performance until they need to be replaced.

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However, the field of self-repairing material is growing rapidly, and scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed eco-friendly nanocrystal semiconducters that can "heal" themselves – potentially saving users from shelling out for another new smartphone.

The journal Advanced Functional Materials recently published the researchers' findings, which show a group of materials called double perovskites displaying self-healing properties after being damaged by radiation from an electron beam. Perovskites, first discovered in the 19^th century, caught scientists' attention because of their electro-optical characteristics that make them highly efficient in converting energy.

Professor Yehonadav Bekenstein from the Technion's Faculty of Materials Sciences and Engineering and the Solid-State Institute is leading a team that specializes in the synthesis of nano-scale crystals from new materials. By controlling the crystals' composition, shape, and size, they change the material's physical properties. The team is seeking out environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic lead, and engineering perovskites that are free of lead.

Bekenstein's lab produced perovskite nanoparticles through a short, simple process that involved heating the material to 100°C for a few minutes. When Ph.D. students Sasha Khalfin and Noam Veber examined the particles using a transmission electron microscope, they discovered that the microscope's high-voltage electron beam created holes in the nanocrystals. The researchers were then able to explore how those holes interacted with the surrounding material.

The researchers developed a code that analyzed dozens of videos made using the electron microscope and discovered that found that holes formed on the surface of the nanoparticles, then moved to energetically stable areas inside. They hypothesized that holes moved inward due to organic molecules that coated the nanocrystals' surface. Once these organic molecules were removed, the group discovered the crystal spontaneously ejected the holes to the surface and out, essentially repairing itself.

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Intel Israel, which a month ago acquired Israeli startup Screenovate for $100 million, has implemented a development from Screenovate in its EVO line of laptops, which it rolled out Tuesday as part of CES 2022.

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Screenovate's product offers a solution to a common problem for tech users – the need to sync different gadgets from computers to smartwatches, especially when the devices are running on different operating systems – IOS, Android, Windows, Chrome, and more.

According to Intel, the technology allows end users to execute any action from any device on a single management system, while maintaining a unified experience. For example, an iPhone user will be able to text an EVO laptop or answer the phone from the computer.

Intel has rolled on a display model showing how a PowerPoint presentation can be transferred from an Android smartphone to a television or computer with one touch of a button.

Ilan Bressler, Wireless Connectivity Chief Operating Officer at Intel, said, "Our research indicates that the consumer puts great importance on smooth transition of data between different kinds of devices. Thanks to Screenovate's wonderful technology and team, we want to solve one of the biggest headaches for users when it comes to sharing information and working with others, making the type of OS irrelevant."

Intel is also unveiling another Israeli development at this year's CES trade show – the new 12^th-gen processer for laptops, Core i9-12900HK.

Intel says its new processer shows 40% improvement over the last version and outperforms competitors such as Apple's flagship products and is 28% faster than the Core i9-11980HK.

The latest Intel processor was planned and tested at Intel Israel.

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The application allows users in quarantine to supply updates about their location, and matches the user's address with their physical location, or the physical location of their device. The only information passed along to the government is the location from where the report was sent, the time, and the telephone number of the quarantined user.

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Synel stressed that the app cannot access any hardware on user's phones, because it is based on GPS data.

In March, the company reached out to the relevant ministries and offered them the use of its app, but the government did not express an interest. Now that the second wave has arrived, with an increasing number of Israelis testing positive for COVID and being ordered to quarantine themselves, Synel has repeated its offer.

"Today, in the midst of the second wave, with tens of thousands of citizens in quarantine, as a proud Israeli business concerned about the health of the public, we are again reaching out and offering effective, immediate help in enforcing quarantine for thousands of Israelis," the company stated in a letter to the government.

Currently, despite movement tracking measures, Israeli COVID patients are largely responsible for policing their own quarantine. The more Israelis are assigned to quarantine, the harder it is for the authorities to ensure that they are following instructions.

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The Shin Bet's surveillance technology has been used on and off to track carriers since March, and the Knesset in a late-night decision approved the measure through Jan. 20, 2021, the Knesset news agency reported.

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The security agency tracks location data of confirmed carriers for 14 days before they were diagnosed. That data is used to identify anyone with whom they came into contact, which proponents say is crucial to infection chains.

The surveillance has drawn challenges from privacy watchdog groups, and the Supreme Court cited worries over dangers to individual liberty in demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government regulate the surveillance through legislation.

The new law includes additional oversight, requiring the government to renew its request every three weeks, and it can be used only when new daily cases exceed 200. Those ordered into isolation can appeal if they believe the data was inaccurate.

The Knesset also instructed the Health Ministry to roll out an upgraded cell phone app that can be downloaded by the public to help track infection.

Israel reopened schools and many businesses in May, lifting restrictions that had flattened the infection curve after a partial lockdown imposed in March.

But a second-wave surge has many public health experts saying the government moved too quickly while neglecting to take the necessary epidemiological steps to control the pandemic once the economy reopened.

Israel, with a population of 9 million, reported about 1,500 new infections on Monday. In total, it has reported 415 deaths from the virus.

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