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 Tensor G4 Running In Google’s Top-End Pixel 9 Pro XL Throttles To 50 Percent Of Its Maximum Performance, Indicating Poor Thermal Efficiency Google’s executives praised the latest Tensor G4, which is featured in every single one of the newly announced Pixel 9 models, claiming better raw and AI performance, coupled with incredible power efficiency. However, these attributes were not on display in the latest stress test involving the Pixel 9 Pro XL, as the chipset throttled to 50 percent of its maximum performance. New stress test also shows that the efficiency cores belonging to the Tensor G4 downclocked to as low as 0.57GHz due to thermal throttling During Google’s Pixel 9 event, it was revealed that except for the base model, the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold were outfitted with a vapor chamber, which would help control the Tensor G4’s thermals, resulting in better performance. This upgrade was one of the most notable changes the company introduced this year an

I'm going to date myself here — I remember writing about Android well before Google's Pixel series was a thing. Looking back, I'm a little surprised we're still talking about Google phones all these years later, and in a positive light, no less. The new Pixel 9 series is shaping up to be another jewel in Google's increasingly polished crown. I'm happy to admit I sat out the Nexus years; I spent the smartphone boom in the excellent company of the Samsung Galaxy S, LG G, and HUAWEI P series. I was thankfully reading complaints of dubious Nexus battery life, overheating, and boot loops from the sidelines rather than experiencing them myself. While the Nexus line eventually ended, it's surprising that the hardware issues didn't force Google's hand sooner. Still, Nexus fans stand by much of the series (they were good value for money), seemingly happy to take the rough with the smooth. I swerved Google's early hardware for the safety

The Steam Deck may have a lot of features, but the best PC gaming handheld doesn't have a kickstand. Recently, I had the chance to check out Mechanism's Deckmate, which claims to be a "universal mounting standard designed for all your gaming devices". What this really means is that it's an attachable adapter that allows you to easily use your Steam Deck (or common Steam Deck alternatives) with a wide array of extra accessories or attachments, like a VESA mount, phone mount, or a puck to attach to batteries or USB hubs. .  You may have seen the Deckmate in some of our prior coverage of the Steam Deck modding community, such as the "Steam Deck DS" project. Now, we're taking the Deckmate for a spin on our own to check out. The Mechanism team sent over a complete set of both Steam Deck and ROG Ally mounting accessories,To my genuine shock, every single Deckmate and "Allymate" accessory fit inside an apartment-sized mailbox perfectly fine. Dec

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Meta has launched the Meta Quest HDMI Link app, enabling users to connect their headsets to HDMI and DisplayPort devices. The app supports Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro headsets and offers 1080p resolution content with low latency. Setting up the feature requires an additional UVC and UAC-compatible capture card. Meta has rolled out a new app, Meta Quest HDMI Link, designed to extend the functionality of its VR headsets. The app is available for Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest Pro models. It allows users to connect their headsets to various HDMI or DisplayPort-equipped devices, such as gaming consoles, laptops, and even smartphones, effectively turning the headset into a virtual display. (via The Verge) The Quest headsets have traditionally been positioned as standalone devices for VR experiences. With HDMI Link, the company is acknowledging users' desire to access content from other devices within their VR environment.

Sunday Runday (Image credit: Android Central) In this weekly column, Android Central Wearables Editor Michael Hicks talks about the world of wearables, apps, and fitness tech related to running and health, in his quest to get faster and more fit. Google pandered to runners like me with the Pixel Watch 3, and barring a couple of mistakes and missing features, it did an excellent job. But my excitement was immediately tempered by the news of another nail in the Fitbit brand's coffin, one that limits who'll actually get to take advantage of these new running tools. Up until now, running with a Pixel Watch was a bare-bones experience. You turned on the GPS, saw a few stats on your wrist during a run, and received a simple summary afterward.  The Fitbit OS is slightly better, though I found certain features, like creating intervals, needlessly complicated. Also, its daily recommendations and Premium workouts always felt more geared towards indoor workout

Best Buy is back this week with big discounts on the M2 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, providing up to $600 off select models. A My Best Buy Plus/Total membership is not required to see these discounts. You'll find both Wi-Fi and cellular tablets on sale at Best Buy, with a particular focus on the larger capacity 1TB and 2TB models. All deals listed below represent record low prices on each iPad Pro model, and many of them can currently only be found at Best Buy. UP TO $600 OFF M2 iPad Pro at Best Buy With such steep savings, these previous generation iPad Pros are worth looking into purchasing for anyone who wants to prioritize saving money over owning the newest M4 iPad Pro. There are some major differences between the two generations, like the M4's support for Apple Pencil Pro and a new nano-texture display option, so be sure to read about which one works best for you in our Buyer's Guide. 11-Inch iPad Pro Cellular 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi Ce

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold lacks camera features found in cheaper Pixel 9 Pro models • Google recently unveiled four new Pixel 9 smartphones, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is the most expensive model in the lineup. However, despite its higher price tag, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold misses out on some of the camera features found in the cheaper Pixel 9 Pro models. • Specifically, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold does not have AI-powered 8K upscaling for 4K videos or Super Res Zoom Video for 20x lossless video recording, both of which are available on the non-folding Pixel 9 Pros. • The Pixel 9 Pro Fold does come with HDR Plus video, Night Sight video, and improved processing speeds for Video Boost videos, but the lack of 8K upscaling and Super Res Zoom is still a notable omission considering the phone's high price. • This difference in camera features is likely due to the fact that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has different camera hardware compared to the non-folding Pixel 9 Pros. https://m.gs

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority Are you looking to get a really good laptop on a tighter budget? The latest and greatest are nice, but sometimes you can find the best deals if you look back at slightly older models. The Apple MacBook Air with M2 came out in 2022, but it is a fantastic computer. Right now, this model is only $799, down from $999, making it what we believe to be the best computer you can get at this price range. Get the Apple MacBook Air with M2 for only $799 This deal is available from Amazon. The discount applies to all color versions of the Apple MacBook Air with M2. You get to pick between Midnight, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight. 2022 Apple MacBook Air (M2, 8GB, 256GB) 2022 Apple MacBook Air (M2, 8GB, 256GB) A thin and light laptop that doesn't skimp on performance With the MacBook Air, thin doesn't mean low performance. The M2 silicon inside is very powerful, and other features like Touch ID, an HD camera, and the Touch Ba

The Antec Core HS is a handheld gaming PC with a 6 inch, 1920 x 1080 pixel IPS LCD display that slides upward to reveal a QWERTY keyboard designed for thumb typing. Under the hood the system is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor with Radeon 780M mobile graphics. If it looks familiar, that's because the Antec Core HS is basically a rebranded version of the AYANEO Slide, which launched late last year. But the Antec model has at least one advantage: thanks to a launch promotion you can pick one up for as little as $499, which is $200 less than AYANEO charges for an entry-level model. The starting price will get you a model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but there's also a $699 Antec Core HS Launch Promotion Bundle that includes a 32GB/2TB model, a carrying case, tempered glass screen protector, a docking station, and a set of "performance thumb sticks." Both models feature LPDDR5X memory and a (kind of) user-replaceable M.2 2280 SSD for PCIe 4.0

Some Android smartphones have been found to contain a hidden security vulnerability that could allow remote access to user data, alarming cybersecurity experts and leading to a halt in the use of these devices by a major intelligence contractor, The Washington Post reports. The vulnerability, identified by the security firm iVerify, involves a pre-installed application known as Showcase.apk, which, though dormant by default, can be activated to potentially al low unauthorized remote access to the devices. The Showcase.apk application was discovered within certain models of Android phones, including Google Pixel devices. According to iVerify, the application appears to have been designed for use in retail environments, allowing employees to demonstrate the device's features to customers. However, researchers found that when activated, the application could connect to a server via an unsecured "http" connection, making it vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might be called the Galaxy S25 Note, with the Galaxy S25 Plus potentially becoming the Galaxy S25 Pro   • Samsung is considering a name change for its upcoming Galaxy S25 series, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra potentially being called the Galaxy S25 Note and the Galaxy S25 Plus becoming the Galaxy S25 Pro. • The move to bring back the 'Note' moniker for the Ultra model suggests Samsung wants to emphasize the device's top-end flagship status and its S-Pen features. • The Galaxy S25 Plus, if renamed to the Galaxy S25 Pro, could indicate that the 'middle of the pack' model will receive significant hardware upgrades and improvements. • Samsung may also introduce a new design for the Galaxy S25 Note, according to a leaked render, and it is rumored to come with 16GB of RAM to set it apart from the rest of the lineup.

Google's Gemini Live: A New Conversational AI Assistant   • Google introduced Gemini Live, a new conversational AI assistant that offers a more natural and fluid way of interacting with technology. • Gemini Live is accessible on the Gemini app and can be used hands-free through Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds. • Unlike traditional voice assistants, Gemini Live allows for seamless interruptions and future integration with various Google apps for enhanced functionality. • The assistant can engage in detailed conversations, providing information and answering questions on a wide range of topics. • Gemini Live leverages Project Astra, a computer vision technology, to provide real-time information about objects captured through the phone's camera. • While Gemini Live offers extensive capabilities, concerns arise regarding the accuracy and attribution of the information it provides. • Google plans to further develop Gemini Live and integrate its features in

iPhone 16 Pro's Bronze Color May Disappoint Some: More Brown Than Rose, Natural Titanium a Safer Choice   • Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models may feature a new Bronze color option, but leaked images suggest it leans more towards brown than the rumored rose gold hue. This may not appeal to everyone, and the Natural Titanium color may be a safer choice for those who prefer a more neutral look. • The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to have slightly larger displays, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively, with slimmer bezels and a potentially larger chassis. The Bronze color will replace the Blue Titanium option from the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, while other color options like White or Silver, Black, and Natural Titanium are expected to remain similar. • The leaked images also reveal that the Bronze color has hints of rust and orange tones, making it a unique but potentially divisive choice. Apple may introduce additional special colors to offer more va

Epic Games Store's Launch on iOS and Android: A Potential Game-Changer for Third-Party App Stores   • After a long legal battle and the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Epic Games has relaunched Fortnite on iOS and introduced the Epic Games Store on both iOS and Android, as well as the AltStore PAL third-party marketplace. • While the Epic Games Store is currently only available to EU-based iPhone owners, it offers a glimpse into the potential future of third-party app stores on iOS, which have so far failed to gain significant traction. • The Epic Games Store's launch could ignite public interest in alternative app stores due to Epic's popular titles like Fortnite and Fall Guys. • The installation process for the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android involves several steps, but Epic's clear instructions make it relatively straightforward. • Epic Games is also supporting other alternative app stores like AltStore PAL by providing a "MegaGran

  Google’s #TeamPixel program is revealed to be influencer marketing, not a reviews program • Google’s #TeamPixel program, which provides influencers with free Pixel devices, has been revealed to be an influencer marketing program rather than a reviews program, as previously believed. • Influencers in the program are now required to “acknowledge that you are expected to feature the Google Pixel device in place of any competitor mobile devices,” and failure to do so may result in the termination of the relationship between the brand and the creator. • This change has led to criticism from influencers and viewers, who argue that it undermines the objectivity and credibility of reviews produced by Team Pixel members. • Google has historically been strict about requiring influencers to disclose their relationship with the company, but the new “Brand Love” requirement goes further by dictating the content of their posts.

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Meet is updating video calls with a more advanced, function-prosperous interface. you could birth applying multiple video outcomes like backgrounds and filters directly. The app's on-the-go mode will let you change calls to audio-only when mandatory. the day gone by's Made through Google experience became nothing short of a marathon, because the business shared feature after function, app after app, and a whole slew of recent Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch hardware. After letting free that firehose of announcements, how could there be anything else left? believe it or now not, the action's not stopping now, and nowadays we get notice of some massive changes coming to Google Meet video calls. For starters, Google is overhauling the app's interface, freshening issues up with a brand new design. The business's attempting to make things believe greater consistent throughout the application, and is updat

Getting the best graphics card is key if you're looking to buy the best gaming PC or looking to build a PC on your own. The graphics card is even more important than the CPU. But for the uninitiated, the process of figuring out which GPU to buy can be intimidating. There's so much to consider, from the type of monitor you're using (for recommendations, see our Best Gaming Monitors page) to the size of your PC case to the game settings you plan to play at. In this article, we're going to cover the things you need to keep in mind when shopping for your next GPU. For specific recommendations, see our best graphics cards list of the current options, as well as the GPU benchmarks hierarchy to see how today's cards compare to older cards that you might be looking to upgrade and replace. Supply and demand affect GPU prices on AMD, Nvidia, and Intel GPUs, with new models regularly replacing older options, but previous generation parts remain viable. As you'd expect, t

Samsung is set to start installing its first EUV lithography tool with a 0.55 numerical aperture (High-NA) in Q4 2024 – Q1 2025, reports Seoul Economic Daily, citing its sources. The device will be used primarily for research and development purposes as the company works on its next-generation process technologies that require resolutions enabled by High-NA EUV tools. Samsung also works on a High-NA ecosystem with Lasertec, JSR, Tokyo Electron, and Synopsys. Samsung's first ASML Twinscan EXE:5000 High-NA lithography system will be installed at the company's Hwaseong campus, where it will develop its next-generation fabrication technologies for logic and DRAM. The unit is projected to be operational by mid-2025. As a result, Samsung will have its first High-NA EUV tool operational about a year later than Intel, but it will still be ahead of its rivals TSMC and SK hynix. When Samsung adopts High-NA EUV for mass production, it remains to be seen, but it is not expected unti l

The best graphics cards are the beating heart of any gaming PC, and everything else comes second. Without a powerful GPU pushing pixels, even the fastest of the best CPUs for gaming won't manage much. No one graphics card will be right for everyone, so we've provided options for every budget and mindset below. Whether you're after the fastest graphics card, the best value, or the best card at a given price, we've got you covered. Where our GPU benchmarks hierarchy ranks all of the cards based purely on performance, our list of the best graphics cards looks at the whole package. Current GPU pricing, performance, features, efficiency, and availability are all important, though the weighting becomes more subjective. Factoring in all of those aspects, these are the best graphics cards that are currently available. We haven't had a 'new' GPU launch since February's RX 7900 GRE, joining the four GPUs that came out in January: RTX 4080 Super, RTX 4070 Ti Supe