Feed aggregator

The EU is moving forward with competition-based regulatory actions against Google and Apple. The European Commission (EC) announced two preliminary charges against Google for failing to comply with Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations related to Google Search and the Play Store, which could lead to fines of $35 billion. The regulatory body also ordered Apple to make iOS more open to third-party devices like smartwatches, headphones and TVs. The decisions come in the face of US President Donald Trump threatening additional tariffs on nations that regulate US Big Tech companies.

As part of an investigation that began last March, the EC charged Google on Tuesday with violating the DMA by favoring its own services (such as shopping, hotel booking, transportation and financial and sports results) in search results over third-party competitors. The regulators said the company gives its services "more prominent treatment compared to others" by displaying them with enhanced visual formats and filtering mechanisms.

The EC also charged the company with preventing Google Play app developers from informing customers of alternative channels for cheaper offers. Although the commission said Alphabet has a right to charge a developer fee for steering a customer to another channel, it claimed that what the company demands in return goes beyond what is justified — "a high fee over an unduly long period of time for every purchase of digital goods and services."

"The two preliminary findings we adopt today aim to ensure that Alphabet abides by EU rules when it comes to two services widely used by businesses and consumers across the EU, Google Search and Android phones," EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said in a statement.

The European CommissionEuropean Union

The DMA, which was passed in 2022, allows European regulators to fine companies up to 10 percent of their global revenue. The commission can double the penalty to 20 percent for repeat offenders. Alphabet brought in over $350 billion last year.

The commission stresses that the charges aren't final, and Alphabet can still defend its decisions in writing before they are finalized.

The EU's moves follow through on a recent promise to enforce its regulatory laws despite tariff threats from Trump as part of his escalating trade war with other nations. He wrote a memo in late February, saying he would consider tariffs in response to "digital services taxes, fines, practices and policies" on American companies. In turn, the EC said it would "respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures."

Kara Durrette via Getty Images

Although the EC's decision for Apple doesn't (yet) involve charges, it offered measures the company must comply with to avoid them in the future. First, the company must provide greater compatibility with third-party devices that connect to iPhones. Unless Apple wants to face fines of over $39 billion, it will have to improve areas like notifications for third-party smartwatches, data transfer speeds (like peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and NFC) and the pairing process on connected accessories from competing companies.

The EC also ordered Apple to improve access to technical documentation for developers to make their products interact with iPhones and iPads.

"Effective interoperability for third-party connected devices is an important step towards opening Apple's ecosystem," Ribera said in a statement. "This will lead to a better choice for consumers in the fast-growing market for innovative connected devices."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-eus-new-charges-against-google-could-lead-to-at-least-35-billion-in-fines-165850585.html?src=rss

Apple just introduced its first proprietary cellular modem, the C1, as part of the recently-launched iPhone 16e. Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, just ran the C1 modem through a series of benchmark tests and it did surprisingly well, even when compared to the Qualcomm chips that accompany the pricier iPhone 16 handsets.

The C1 misses out on mmWave 5G support, but can still hold its own in the speed department. The company found that the iPhone 16e offered average download speeds of 560Mbps for the top 90th percentile of users on AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The standard iPhone 16, with the Qualcomm chip, is faster in this scenario, with average download speed of 756Mbps. The difference, however, isn’t stark.

Ookla

Things change when you move from the top 90th percentile to the bottom 10th percentile. In this case, the iPhone 16e actually outperforms the standard model. The average data speed for the 16e here reached nearly 218Mbps, whereas the Qualcomm-based model averaged 210Mbps. Interestingly, the newest iPhone model was fastest when using AT&T and Verizon’s networks. It was slower on T-Mobile.

As for upload speeds, the 16e outperformed the traditional iPhone 16 in nearly every test. Apple has touted the C1 as the “most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone,” and that doesn’t seem to be hyperbole.

Ookla’s tests match our experience, as detailed in the official iPhone 16e review. We found that the C1 modem outperformed even the iPhone 16 Pro in certain use cases. However, it’s always worth noting that this chip doesn’t support ultrawideband 5G.

So Apple’s investment to build an in-house modem looks to have been a worthy endeavor, just like those speedy M-series chips. The company reportedly has big plans for future iterations. Not only is the C2 likely on the way, but Apple is planning on creating an all-purpose processor that contains an integrated modem. This could allow for some serious energy and cost benefits.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-first-custom-designed-modem-did-surprisingly-well-in-benchmarks-164422205.html?src=rss

Skate Story has been one of my most anticipated games ever since I first clapped eyes on it all the way back in 2020, so it was great to get an update on it as part of Sony's annual PS Indie Day. It's been confirmed that the striking skateboarding adventure is coming to PS5, as well as PC. Publisher Devolver Digital plans to release it later this year.

Solo developer Sam Eng describes Skate Story as "a game about a demon made of glass who needs to skate the Underworld and consume The Moon to fulfill the devil’s contract." To achieve that, you'll need to work your way through nine layers of hell. The only way to beat bosses is by skating fast and pulling off an array of dope tricks, which deal damage. There's a time limit on the boss battle against the Moon that's shown in the latest trailer — you only have until a song ends to defeat the celestial body.

There are more than 70 tricks for you to learn and improve, and you'll level up by completing skate trials. Other characters you'll encounter include a "pillowy demon who owns a laundromat" and a "jittery subway train" you can become pals with and then "experience poetry about the multilight of the Moon."

As odd as that all sounds, absolutely everything I've seen and heard about Skate Story has hit the right spot for me. I especially can't get enough of those visuals.

Eng promises to reveal more details about Skate Story this summer. Given that Devolver typically runs a showcase alongside Summer Game Fest, we'll probably hear more about the game in early June. In the meantime, you can get a taste of what's in store by checking out our Skate Story hands-on.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/skate-story-is-coming-to-ps5-as-well-as-pc-this-year-163303910.html?src=rss

There is something so incredibly frustrating about typing on a digital keyboard with a controller. Whether for streaming or gaming, the slowness with which you often have to find each letter is just painful. Well, thankfully, there's an improvement on the way for Xbox controllers, with Microsoft announcing a new gamepad keyboard for Windows 11's touch keyboard. 

Microsoft

The updated keyboard should make it easier to use the on-screen one with an Xbox controller. It brings greater navigation to the controller and helpful shortcuts. For example, the X button can function as backspace, the Y button as the spacebar and the menu button as enter. Microsoft also states that it has vertically aligned the keyboard keys for smoother use.  

Microsoft first shared that it was beta testing this technology back in September. Now, it's available in the Release Preview version of Windows 11, so you should be able to try it out for yourself within the next few weeks. Hopefully it saves you a lot of time and frustration (and that streamers will come up with their own solutions soon). 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-launches-a-new-gamepad-keyboard-layout-for-windows-11-154011591.html?src=rss

Changes to the application process for Social Security benefits will force more people to make in-person appointments at already crowded field offices. The new policy, announced Tuesday, is intended to limit fraud.

The Social Security Administration says that there will be additional identity requirements for people applying for benefits or changing their direct deposit information by phone starting March 31. They’ll have to use what the agency calls Internet ID proofing.  

If applicants don’t have access to the internet, they’ll have to make in-person appointments at field offices. That could be difficult, per Nancy Altman, president of the advocacy group Social Security Works.

“People who are seniors, people with disabilities often have mobility issues. They may live in rural areas far away from a field office,” she pointed out.

For those who can travel, Altman said the new ID system will lead to as many as 85,000 additional in-person visitors per week to field offices that already have long wait times. Acting Commissioner of Social Security Lee Dudek said the new ID policy is not intended to hurt applicants.

“We’ll monitor the situation closely, and if it is to the detriment of the citizens that we serve, then we’re going to take necessary actions to improve those services,” he said.

As for fraud? An inspector general report last year says Social Security estimates it did make almost $72 billion in improper payments from fiscal years 2015 through 2022. But that’s less than 1% of all Social Security benefit payments during that time. 

Although the Amazon Spring Sale doesn't start in earnest until next week, there are a bunch of early deals to be had. Among them is an offer that sees Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 drop to a record low price. The earbuds are currently $179, which is $50 (or 22 percent) off.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are our pick for the best wireless earbuds for Google phones. For one thing, they fit more comfortably and securely after a redesign made them smaller than the Pixel Buds Pro.

Improvements to audio quality helped the Pixel Buds Pro 2 obtain a score of 88 in our review. Revisions to the acoustics and drivers — as well as the inclusion of a Tensor chip to take care of active noise cancellation (ANC) and audio signal processing — help the earbuds deliver ample, punchy bass, as well as full mids and crisp highs.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer up to eight hours of use on a single charge with ANC enabled. When you factor in the charging case, you'll get up to 30 hours of total listening time when ANC is on. The earbuds have an IP54 rating, indicating that they're protected from dust and water splashes.

In terms of features, the earbuds include hands-free access to the Gemini voice assistant. Spatial audio is available, albeit only for certain video streaming apps for now. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer automatic switching between devices that are linked to your Google account. Other features include conversation detection, a hearing wellness tool and Find My Device.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/googles-pixel-buds-pro-2-drop-to-a-record-low-price-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-152844540.html?src=rss

Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat is on sale for $240 right now, as part of the Amazon Spring Sale. That’s close to a record low price for the 4th-gen device that was released just last year. This deal is available for multiple colorways, including silver, gold and black.

This is a modern thermostat, so that means AI. The device offers suggestions on how to lower energy usage and can automatically adjust settings in the home based on factors like ambient temperature and daily schedules.

It ships with a wireless temperature sensor for accurate measurements. This sensor can run for three years before needing a new battery. This model can accommodate six of these sensors, for large properties, but that requires some additional purchases. A three-pack of the sensors typically costs $100. 

The Nest Learning Thermostat is more customizable than its predecessors, with the ability to select from several smartwatch-style faces. It’s also much larger than previous models and includes Soli radar sensors to determine how close a person is. The display will adjust accordingly, with an increased font size when standing far away and vice versa.

The installation is fairly simple, but will still require some light wiring. The only real bad thing to say about this thermostat is that $280 is a whole lot of money. That concern is mostly alleviated by today’s sale.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-nest-learning-thermostat-is-back-on-sale-for-240-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-150539398.html?src=rss

This story was produced by our colleagues at the BBC.

The biggest sports teams are fashion brands in their own right — with people all around the world wearing merch from the likes of the New York Yankees, The Dallas Cowboys or Real Madrid. But how do you tap into that market when your team isn’t even fully pro?

In terms of glitz and glamour, soccer team Maltby Main FC, in the north of England, is about as far from the Super Bowl or the World Series as you could imagine.

Based in the town of Maltby, in South Yorkshire — about 160 miles north of London — the club play their home games in front of around 100 fans. Soccer clubs move up and down leagues depending on success; Maltby Main currently plays in one of the lowest leagues, which isn’t fully professional.

Despite that, their new kit launch has caused an unexpected stir, with demand for their team jerseys coming from around the world. And it’s been a lot for the club’s chairman, Kieron White, to manage.

“I have to sleep with my phone on silent because whenever we launch anything it’s just you can tell what time people are waking up around the world,” he said. “Because at certain times it’ll go off and it’s like, ‘Right, South America’s just getting up because we’re getting loads of orders coming in.’ So it’s been madness. Literally, I can’t wait to go on holiday and see somebody laying around the pool in a Maltby Main shirt.”

So why the sudden interest? It’s because Maltby Main’s matchday kits are now sponsored by Grammy-nominated metal band Bring Me the Horizon. So buy a shirt, and you’re also getting a bit of music merch. Kieron said the response has given a real boost to the team’s finances.

“It’s keeping us going because it does cost quite a lot of money to run a team at this level,” he said.

It came about because Bring Me the Horizon’s drummer Matt Nicholls is from the town. “Maltby’s not a place that has much going on,” he said.

“It’s a mining town, and then obviously like the coal industry’s gone. The pit’s closed. So it was more just like getting the community together and giving them something to be a part of, you know what I mean. That was the aim from the start,” Nicholls said. “It’s good to help them financially, but I think the aim more than anything is just to get people through the gate and to actually get involved.”

“My mum still lives there, all my family’s still there,” he added. “If I’m driving through there and I see one of the shirts, it gets you a little bit, you know what I mean? That’s brilliant, I love it.”

Bring Me the Horizon is far from the only band or musician to do something like this. Ipswich Town, for example — which currently plays against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in England’s most famous competition, the Premier League — is sponsored by Ed Sheeran. (It is his local team, after all.) But for a club the size of Maltby Main, the direct impact is much easier to track.

Matt Nicholls said he’s already seen the shirts abroad. “I mean, I’ve played gigs in, like, Malaysia and I’m seeing someone on the front row, he’s got a Maltby Main shirt on,” he added.

Music isn’t often thought of as part of the path to sporting greatness. But for this tiny soccer team, more shirt sales means more cash to spend on players — and that could lead to a climb up the leagues.

The sun is out, the birds are chirping and the Amazon Spring Sale is just around the corner. Though it officially starts March 25, we're already seeing a bunch of early Amazon Spring Sale deals for brands like Dyson, Samsung and Apple. The latter includes a six percent discount on Apple's new 11-inch iPad. 

The 128GB 2025 model is down to $329 from $349 in every color. It comes with an A16 chip that gives it a performance boost, though not enough power for Apple Intelligence like the iPad Air with an M3 chip. It also offers features such as a 12MP wide camera, 4K video and a liquid retina display. 

If you're not fussed about getting the newest model then check out Amazon's sale on Apple's 10th generation iPad. Right now, it's down to $269 from $349 — a 23 percent discount. It's screen is one-tenth of an inch smaller and it offers many of the same features, like 4K video recording and a 12MP wide camera. Plus, it still has a USB-C port rather than the old lightning port. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-new-base-ipad-is-20-off-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-143705838.html?src=rss

We call ourselves Marketplace, so part of our job is exploring how marketplaces work, in all their forms. David Brancaccio and the “Marketplace Morning Report” team are setting out to visit in-person places of commerce, in a world where so much buying and selling has gone remote and digital. None are financial markets in a formal sense, but all markets are financial markets in a way, right? The goal is to learn the right and the wrong moves with experts.

This week: “A Business Reporter Goes to the Rodeo.” Today, all of the retail at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

At the NRG Center in Houston, there are live bovines roaming, and, sure, manure. A T-shirt for sale depicts five cows with the words: “Smells … of money.” The retail selling floor next to the livestock judging pasture is heavy-gauge: There’s cattle-handling hardware, 900-degree home pizza ovens and Western hats of felt from pelt. Joe Young sells hats and realigns the ones customers bring by.

“You want to have a little bit of dip in the front,” he explained “It’s kind of that ‘howdy, ma’am’ dip. If it’s flat, it could pick it up, just blow it right off the top of your head.”

David Brancaccio came to Joe’s booth at the rodeo, called Heads or Tails Hats, out of Haskell, Texas, equipped with his own wool Stetson, which never did come with an owner’s manual. So Young started to share some proper care tips.

Young examines Brancaccio’s cowboy hat after steaming it and reshaping the brim. (Alex Schroeder/Marketplace)

“If you just were to throw it in the back seat, it’s not going to stay shaped very well,” he said. “So if you set it on your dash or in your passenger seat upside down, that would be the best way of keeping it so it holds its shape.”

We didn’t ask about his sales, but a rival vendor lets on that 300 hats a day fly off the shelves over there, with not even a sales pitch. Here, the reshaping is what they call in retail a “loss leader”: they don’t charge for the service, but it gets people over to this booth and buying things.

“It gets busy. All eight of these steamers, they’ll just be blowing with steam all day on a weekend especially,” Young said.

Now, Young’s key hat “trick if the trade” is the X factor. Literally. Hats come with a sort of rating on them: A 10X hat is plenty serviceable. But a 100X should be better armor against the elements.

“So like a 10X would probably be around about a 10% beaver quality,” Young said. “And 100X hat would be pure beaver.”

A 1,000X hat costs thousands and might have mink or chinchilla in the mix, with diamond accents. It’s maybe less for trail-riding and more for picking up Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards. But a 10X hat will get the job done.

“Still a good quality hat, it’s a $400 hat,” Young said. “They hold their shape well. I just wouldn’t go out in a torrential rainstorm.”

For a hat that’s more — maybe “vegan” is the right word — there’s Ginger Jo Sklavos’ booth, The Family Jewels of Texas. She’s got hats woven mainly of palm — all customized, none identical, featuring everything from turquoise to spiny oyster to coral and sterling silver conchos.

Hats for sale at The Family Jewels of Texas. (Alex Schroeder/Marketplace)

Sklavos’ trick of the trade is about the efficiency of what business geeks call “just-in-time inventory.” “I mean, if I didn’t go home and make hats in the morning and the night, we wouldn’t have any more left,” she said.

Back to cowhide at a business called Our Stuff, where Shanna Saunders is the proprietor. She’s selling easy chairs and sofas made in Levelland, Texas.

“That one’s a leather made out of Tiffany Blue with a cowhide on the side,” Saunders said.

Saunders shows Brancaccio one of her chairs at Our Stuff. (Alex Schroeder/Marketplace)

This chair is priced at $3,500, which seems like a steal for real leather, American-made. But people actually buy big-ticket items here, versus just stopping at the one place to sit down on the selling floor?

Saunders explained that it costs $28,000 to rent her retail space for the duration of the rodeo. In other words, if she can afford that, it must make good economic sense to set up shop. She will break even, no doubt.

And she said it also doesn’t hurt that alcohol is for sale just around the corner, and other stands all over.

“People come in, they’ll go home and measure. Sometimes the sale comes afterward, but some people are drunk and put their credit card out,” Saunders said.

What’s on offer at the rodeo — from hats to furniture and more — is not the typical, theme-park-style, throw-away stuff. Several families I meet here tell me they’d bought their spiffy headgear at the rodeo years earlier, suggesting the merch is an investment that holds up. Among them is Daniel Clark and his mom. He started to describe his hat.

Clark tells Brancaccio about buying a hat at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. (Alex Schroeder/Marketplace)

“It has red feathers two on the sides of the hat. And it kind of looks like a taco, but a bit smaller,” he said. “It didn’t fall apart because it’s good quality.”

Find all of our Tricks of the Trade stories here.

Despite streaming services continuing to dominate the business of recorded music, there’s still very much a place for physical media in that sector. The Recording Industry of America said in an annual report [PDF] that sales of vinyl records rose for the 18th straight year in the US to $1.4 billion — the highest revenue for that format since 1984, when CDs started to emerge.

Vinyl accounted for nearly three-quarters of physical format revenue in 2024. It was the third consecutive year that there were more shipments of vinyl records than CDs — 44 million vs. 33 million. It perhaps helps vinyl’s case that the RIAA has factored in sales figures directly from indie labels for the first time this year. And that Taylor Swift released thirty-six variants of her most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, including eight vinyl editions. 

Many fans prefer to own physical copies of music for many reasons, such as their belief that vinyl offers better audio quality and an all-round superior listening experience to streaming services, as well as a way to perhaps better support artists. Scouring the racks at a record store is a fun pastime as well. Vinyl records and CDs are also a hedge against the possibility of music vanishing from streaming services if rights agreements expire or an artist decides to yank their music from a platform.

Still, streaming services hit a new milestone last year. The RIAA reports that the average number of paid subscriptions for the year hit 100 million in the US for the first time. That’s a three percent increase from 2023.

Revenue from paid subscriptions rose by five percent to $11.7 billion, with the total revenue from streaming (factoring everything from ad-supported services to fitness apps) growing four percent to $14.9 billion. Streaming accounted for 84 percent of recorded music revenue for the third year running.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/vinyl-record-sales-continue-to-rise-amid-music-streamings-dominance-142131328.html?src=rss

After a mountain of leaks, Google has finally announced the Pixel 9a. There's a good chance you clicked on this article to find out how the 9a compares to its predecessor. The good news is you came to the right place. Even better, it's a favorable comparison. 

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a 

For starters, the Pixel 9a features a new design. Instead of borrowing the design language of Google's more expensive devices, the new phone has its own identity. Gone is the divisive camera bar that has defined recent Pixel phones. Instead, the main camera module is nearly flush with the rear of the phone. Additionally, the new handset offers slightly better ingress protection. It's IP68-certified against water and dust, up from IP67 on the 8a. The Pixel 9a will also be available two lovely new colors: Iris and Peony. Sadly, Google won't offer an Aloe colorway this time around, at least not at release. 

Outside of those changes, the 9a sports a larger 6.3 display. Like with the 8a, Google has gone with a FHD panel, meaning the 9a's screen is slightly less dense due to it being a bit larger overall. However, it's the better display. The 9a's pOLED panel is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the 8a. It's also HDR10+ certified, with a 120Hz refresh rate. That additional brightness will make it easier to see the 9a's screen in bright sunlight.   

Internally, the 9a features Google's latest Tensor G4 SoC, paired once again with 8GB of RAM. Google has also outfitted the 9a with a larger 5,100mAh battery, up from 4,492mAh on the 8a. Just as importantly, the 9a is capable of charging at a faster 23W. That's still slow compared to a device like the Nothing 3a Pro, which is compatible with 50W power adapters, but an improvement over the 8a's glacial 18W. Oh, and if you were hoping for Qi2 support, I'm sorry to say the 9a is limited to charging at 7.5W wirelessly. 

As for cameras, Google hasn't changed its winning formula. The 9a features a 48MP main camera with f/1.7 lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). On paper, that might seem like a downgrade from the 8a's 64MP main sensor, but they both feature a 0.8µm pixel pitch, meaning they're capable of capturing the same amount of light, and it appears Google sourced a newer sensor for the 9a. Otherwise, the Pixel 9a appears to feature the same ultrawide and selfie cameras as its predecessor. As always, when you buy a Pixel phone, you're buying it for Google's computational photography features, and you get all the usual standouts like Night Sight, Best Take and more. 

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e and Nothing 3a Pro

The iPhone 16e continues to confound since its announcement in February. At $599, it's a full $100 more expensive than the Pixel 9a, and comparing the two based on hardware alone, Google's new midrange phone is the better deal. You get a significantly bigger battery, a 120Hz display and an entire extra camera. Of course, whether you should buy the 9a over the 16e will entirely depend on your preference for Android over iOS. If you like prefer Apple's software, the Pixel 9a won't do it for you. 

The more interesting comparison is between the 9a and Nothing's new Phone 3a Pro. For $40 less, you get an even bigger screen, a more original design and, most notably, a periscope camera that offers 3x optical zoom. A great telephoto is really hard to find at this price range, so the 3a Pro might be worth considering for that reason alone. The tradeoff is Google's software support is unmatched, and 3a Pro comes with a limited warranty in the US.      

Pixel 9a

Pixel 8a

iPhone 16e

Nothing 3a Pro

Price

$499/$559

$499/$559

$599 / $699 / $899

$459

Dimensions

154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches)

152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches)

146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm (5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches)

163.52 x 77.5 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 3.05 x 0.33 inches)

Weight

186g (6.56 ounces)

188g (6.7 ounces)

167g (5.88 ounces)

211g (7.44 ounces)

Screen size

6.3 inches

6.1 inches

6.1 inches

6.77 inches

Screen resolution

1080 x 2,424 pixels (421ppi)

1,080 x 2,400 pixels (430ppi)

1,170 x 2,532 pixels (460 ppi)

1,080 x 2,392 pixels (387ppi)

Screen type

pOLED

pOLED

OLED

AMOLED

SoC

Tensor G4

Tensor G3

Apple A18

Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

RAM

8GB

8GB

8GB

12GB

Battery

5,100mAh

4,492mAh

4,005mAh

5,000mAh

Storage

128 / 256 GB

128 / 256 GB

128 / 256 / 512 GB

256 GB

Rear cameras

Wide: 48MP, f/1.7

Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2

Wide: 64MP, f/1.89

Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2

Wide: 48MP, f/1.6

Wide: 50MP, f1/1.9

Ultrawide: 8MP, f/2.2

Periscope telephoto: 50MP, f/2.6

Front camera

13MP, f/2.2

13MP, f/2.2

12MP, f/1.9

50MP, f/2.2

Water / dust rating

IP68

IP67

IP68

IP64

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth

v6.0

v5.3

v5.3

v5.4

OS

Android 15

Android 15

iOS 18

Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1

Colors

Obsidian / Porcelain / Iris / Peony

Obsidian / Porcelain / Aloe / Bay

Black / White

Black / Gray

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/heres-how-the-pixel-9a-compares-to-the-competition-141043690.html?src=rss

Gone are the days of kids asking their parent to borrow cash or their card when going out with friends. Instead, parents can now give their kids access to Google Wallet for making in-store payments with their Android device. Google first announced that this feature was coming back in October. 

Kids can also use Google Wallet to store passes to things, including a library card, ticket for an event or a gift card. But, parents have a lot of oversight, such as receiving an email every time their child makes a purchase. They can also monitor everything within Family Link, along with remove a payment card or shut off access to all passes. 

Google

Right now, Google is just rolling out the new feature for families in the US, UK, Australia, Spain and Poland. Parents in any of these locations should see the option pop up within the next few weeks. 

Apple users can already access a similar feature with Apple Cash Family. Parents can set up anyone in their Family Sharing group and let them make purchases, or send and receive money through their wallet or messages. Just like on Android, parents can see their kids' purchases and get notifications each time they buy something. Plus, parents can view the remaining balance or send an allowance through Apple Cash by creating a recurring payment. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-wallet-is-now-available-for-kids-140039676.html?src=rss

Google has followed up an ocean's worth of leaks with the official announcement of its Pixel 9a smartphone, which will retail for $499. Possibly the biggest change to the new A-series model is in its appearance, with the removal of the camera bar on the back of the phone. In the 9a, the camera housing is "slightly domed," sitting nearly flush with the rest of the frame, giving this midrange model a sleeker appearance. There are also new colors for this series — a pale purple dubbed Iris and a vibrant pink named Peony — joining the usual Porcelain and Obsidian options. (The peony option is similar to that on the pricier Pixel 9.)

The Pixel 9a is also getting a chip upgrade, moving up to Google's Tensor G4 processor from the G3 that was in Google's excellent Pixel 8a. Performance in the 8a was already quite good, so expect even smoother control with the G4. As with the 8a, the 9a is equipped with 8GB of RAM and comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The new A-series also promises up to "30+ hour battery life."

Cameras were a big reason why we liked the Pixel 8a, naming it our top pick for a midrange smartphone. The housing is different in the 9a, but it's also got slightly different specs inside. The rear dual cameras in the 9a offer 48MP wide and 13MP ultrawide lenses, while the front is equipped with a 13MP selfie camera; the 8a had 64MP wide in the rear camera. It'll support AI-powered features such as Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Best Take and Photo Unblur. Google is bringing the Macro Focus option to the A-series for the first time for photos with lots of close-up details. There's also Night Sight to help improve your nocturnal photography. 

The 9a will be available in the US and Canada in North America, as well as numerous other countries in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Google says the device will be available in April, with no further detail on specific timing.

Update, March 19 2025, 12:16PM ET: This story has been updated to correct the last sentence, which said pre-orders would open in April. There will be no pre-orders.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-officially-introduces-the-pixel-9a-for-499-140028722.html?src=rss

A couple of weeks ago, Apple released a more affordable take on its flagship handsets with the iPhone 16e. But now Google is hitting back with the Pixel 9a and from what I've seen, it looks like a way better deal.

From the front, the 9a looks a lot like the standard Pixel 9. Its screen is the same size at 6.3 inches across, while also offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a surprisingly strong 2,700 nits of peak brightness. On the inside, the 9a packs a Tensor G4 chip, just like you get on its more expensive siblings, along with other handy features including an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and Google’s standard seven years of OS updates, feature drops and security patches.

But Google did something a bit surprising by giving the 9a a 5,100mAh battery, which is technically the biggest power pack in any member of the Pixel 9 family. That includes the Pixel 9 Pro XL (5,060mAh), though only by just a tiny bit. Regardless, Google says this gives the 9a the best longevity of any Pixel on sale today.

If you flip the phone around, there are some other changes such as a new iris purple hue, which joins the existing peony, porcelain and obsidian color options. But the thing that jumps out the most is the lack of a camera bar, which has been present on practically all of Google’s phones dating back to the Pixel 6. Instead, you get a simple window that sits almost flush against the back of the device — a window which Google says was inspired by the shape of a water drop.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Unfortunately, you don’t get a dedicated optical zoom (though it does support up to 8x digital SuperRes zoom). There is a 48MP main sensor that is similar, but slightly different to the one used on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and a 13MP sensor for its ultra-wide cam. The 9a also includes a built-in AI macro focus feature so you can get really close to things, on top of support for tons of Pixel-specific camera tools like Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor and more.

Notably, because it's powered by the Tensor G4, the 9a has access to all of the same AI features available on the rest of the Pixel 9 line. This includes Gemini Live Video, the Pixel Recorder app, and Pixel Studio not to mention security and safety offerings like Google VPN, car crash detection and so on. Sadly, I only had a brief time with the phone so we weren't able to test out many of its new features.

Google seems to be feeling pretty confident about this phone, with the company saying that it will have the best cameras on any handset under $500. That's a pretty big claim, but it’s not entirely outlandish as Google's camera processing has been top-notch for quite some time. And with a starting price of $499, the Pixel 9a is skating in right under that line.

So what's the catch — all this for $300 less than a regular Pixel 9? From what I've seen so far, the biggest differences between the standard Pixel 9 and the 9a are that Google hasn't improved the latter's 23-watt wired or 7.5-watt wireless charging speeds, both of which are rather slow compared to a full-priced flagship. You also get less RAM, with the 9a featuring 8GB instead of 12GB. And while the 9a has Gorilla Glass covering its screen in front, around back there's a plastic panel made from around 85 percent recycled materials. But again, for three Benjamins less than the standard model, those are compromises I'm mostly willing to put up with.

The Google Pixel 9a will be available sometime in April starting at $499 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (the 256GB model is an optional upgrade). Purchases include free three-month subscriptions for Google One and YouTube Premium along with a six-month trial for Fitbit Premium.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-google-pixel-9a-might-be-the-new-midrange-smartphone-king-140021156.html?src=rss

Say goodbye to ground-in dirt and stains and save money while you do it with the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine cordless vacuum cleaner. This cordless cleaner is currently on sale for $798 for the Amazon Spring Sale, which is $152 off its usual price tag of $950. This is one of the best deals we’ve seen on this machine in the last year.

Combining powerful suction with advanced wet-cleaning capabilities, the V15s Detect Submarine is a versatile cleaning machine for both carpets and hard floors. Armed with eight Dyson accessories, including the Submarine wet roller head, fluffy optic cleaner and Digital Motorbar head, it provides edge-to-edge cleaning and is ideal for those seeking vacuuming and mopping functionality in a single device.

Boasting whole-machine HEPA filtration, intelligent adaptive suction based on floor type, LCD screen and a 60 minute run-time, the V15s Detect Submarine is capable of comprehensive cleaning throughout the home. With the Submarine cleaner head attached, it can cover an area of 1,000 square feet using the built-in 300ml water tank, picking up liquids and debris while washing surfaces with clean water.

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is a top pick in our best cordless vacuums guide, where we praised its versatility and convenience. While the popularity of robot vacuums continues to grow, busy households with kids and pets in the mix can benefit from a versatile yet manual solution. Thanks to its lightweight and cordless design, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine makes it easy to clean up messes and spillages on the spot, and is great for tackling tight corners, staircases and underneath furniture.

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends on March 31; there’s no telling if this deal will stick around after that, so now’s the time to grab it if you've had your eye on it.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-dyson-cordless-vacuum-and-mop-is-more-than-150-off-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-140036864.html?src=rss

There’s now an industry-wide union for video game workers in the US and Canada. The United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA) has a mission to bring together "artists, writers, designers, QA testers, programmers, freelancers and beyond to build worker power irrespective of studio and current job status."

The union makes its official debut at the "Video Game Labor at a Crossroads: New Pathways to Industry-Wide Organizing" panel at GDC. Workers will be sharing a petition at the event to gain support for the union and to shine a light on the recent glut of industry layoffs. As a matter of fact, the first major issue the union seeks to address is layoffs, given that one in ten developers were shown the door in 2024.

UVW-CWA

Workers will also be passing around a zine that includes the organization’s mission statement, FAQs and an op-ed. This is a direct-join union, meaning that workers can sign up on their own. This allows folks to bypass traditional unionization processes like elections and employer consent.

We aren’t sure if this will catch on throughout the industry or if major publishers will recognize the union. However, it’s just the latest salvo in the ongoing battle between industry workers and corporate bigwigs. Over 600 QA workers at Activision, which is owned by Microsoft, recently joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA.) ZeniMax Online Studios workers formed their own union at the tail-end of last year and Sega of America workers did something similar.

These unions have also been busy. The CWA has been embroiled in a fight with Microsoft and Activision over unfair labor practices on behalf of workers at Raven Software. Members of ZeniMax Workers United-CWA also went on a one-day strike last year to limit Microsoft’s use of outsourcing.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/video-game-workers-in-north-america-now-have-an-industry-wide-union-130024730.html?src=rss

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of Beats Fit Pro earbuds, now’s a great time to snag them at a discount. The fitness-focused wireless earbuds have dropped to $169 ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale, down from their usual $200 price tag, which is the lowest price we’ve seen them since January. This $30 discount makes them an even better buy for those looking for good sound quality with a snug and secure fit.

The Beats Fit Pro earned the top spot as the best wireless earbuds for working out in our best wireless earbuds roundup thanks to their IPX4 water resistance rating, comfortable design and balanced audio. They feature active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and Apple’s H1 chip for seamless pairing with iOS devices. While they’re most convenient for Apple users, they also work well with Android devices thanks to Google Fast Pair support. They’re available at the discounted price in black, white, sage gray and stone purple, so this Big Spring Sale deal isn’t limited to just one color.

Designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind, the Fit Pro earbuds include flexible wingtips that help keep them securely in place, whether you’re out for a run or powering through an intense gym session. Battery life is also solid, offering six hours of listening time per charge with an additional 18 hours from the charging case. If you need a quick boost, a Fast Fuel charge delivers up to one hour of playback in just five minutes.

If you're looking for something more affordable, the Beats Studio Buds+ have also received a major price drop. They’re currently on sale for $130 on Amazon, a decent markdown from their usual $170 price. These earbuds offer solid ANC, an improved transparency mode and a comfortable, lightweight design.

We were impressed with them and gave them a respectable 84 out of 100 in our Beats Studio Buds+ review. Whether you’re after a workout companion like the Fit Pro or an everyday pair like the Studio Buds+, both deals make for great savings on quality wireless earbuds.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-deals-include-the-beats-fit-pro-earbuds-for-169-130015298.html?src=rss

While Tesla is a popular car for ride-hailing drivers employed by the likes of Uber and more, the company could soon cut out the middleman. The California Public Utilities Commission has approved the company's bid for a transportation charter-party carrier permit, Bloomberg reports.

The permit opens the way for Tesla to operate a ride-hailing service to compete with Uber, Lyft and other established companies. Tesla employees would drive the cars, initially transporting fellow employees, before becoming available to the public. Last year, Elon Musk told investors that the company was already testing app-based transportation for Bay Area employees using safety drivers.

Notably, Tesla is still not approved to use autonomous vehicles for ride-hailing, though Musk has claimed they will be available in Austin, Texas by June and in California by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Uber and Waymo launched their robotaxi service in Austin earlier this month. Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service is also available in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix.  

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/tesla-gets-approval-for-ride-hailing-business-in-california-125100455.html?src=rss

Baseball’s San Francisco Giants are selling a 10% ownership stake to a private equity firm — joining a growing trend in American sports. The firm in question is San Francisco-based Sixth Street. All major sports leagues in the U.S. now allow those firms to invest in their teams, according to the New York Times.

Historically, major sports teams in the U.S. have each been owned by one really rich person or family and the only way for them to cash in on their investment has been to sell the whole team. 

But as the value of sports teams has risen, owners have realized that selling off part of their stake in a team “is a way for existing owners to capitalize on the rising valuations of their clubs,” said Tim Koba, an assistant professor in sport, event and hospitality management at High Point University.

Right now, private equity firms are willing buyers.

“Essentially, they’re buying into people’s passions,” said Stefan Szymanski, a professor of sports management at the University of Michigan. 

Because fans are so passionate about their teams, they’re willing to sink a lot of money into watching and supporting them.

And private equity, Szymanski noted, sees a revenue opportunity. “What they’re trying to do is trying ways to extract more of the financial value of that happiness from the fans.”

By raising ticket prices, he said, or finding new ways to reach — and charge — fans through digital channels.