Technologies
Rumored Google Products We’re Still Waiting to See in 2023
Google announced several new gadgets at I/O, but we haven’t yet seen the Pixel 8 or new Pixel Buds.
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Google announced a ton of new gadgets and services at its I/O developers conference, from the Pixel Fold to the Pixel Tablet, Android 14 and more AI features for its search engine. But if Google’s history is anything to judge by, there are likely still more devices to come later this year.
The most significant product we didn’t hear about at Google I/O was the expected Pixel 8 lineup, which would serve as Google’s answer to the rumored iPhone 15 and Samsung’s Galaxy S23 family. We also didn’t hear much about the Pixel Watch at I/O, although the company typically introduces its new mobile products in the fall timeframe. There’s also a chance Google could say more about the mixed reality platform it’s developing in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.
While Google largely laid out the vision for its approach to new products at I/O, its fall Pixel event is where we get a closer look at how the company is executing on that approach through fresh hardware. Here’s a look at what we’ll be watching for later this year based on rumors and the company’s previous product launches.

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Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

Google typically releases new flagship Pixel phones in the fall, and we’re expecting the company to follow that same pattern in 2023. We won’t know what’s in store for Google’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro until it announces those devices.
However, Google’s updates have been very camera-centric in recent years, with the Pixel 7 lineup gaining improved zoom and the Pixel 7 Pro receiving a new macro photography mode. With the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, which were the first Pixels to run on Google’s Tensor chips, we saw new features like Magic Eraser, Face Unblur and Real Tone. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Google push the camera even further on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, although we won’t know exactly what that looks like just yet. Both phones will also likely have a new Tensor processor, too.
Leaks have been scarce so far, but there have been a few reports claiming to provide details about Google’s next pair of Pixels. The most recent comes from leaker Kuba Wojciechowski, who shared a video with the blog 91mobiles claiming to show the Pixel 8 Pro. The video suggests the phone will have a thermometer for measuring body temperature. WinFuture reports the new phones will run on Android 14 and have 12GB of RAM. Well-known gadget leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer also partnered with blogs MySmartPrice and SmartPrix to publish what are said to be renderings of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Pixel Watch 2

Google hasn’t discussed plans for future Pixel Watches, nor have there been many leaks or rumors about what’s next for Google’s smartwatch. But since Google’s Pixel phones follow a yearly cadence — as do the Pixel Watch’s biggest competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch — it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Pixel Watch follow suit. Blog 9to5Google also reports that Google is indeed planning to announce a new Pixel Watch in the fall alongside the Pixel 8 lineup.
Based on Google’s current direction for the Pixel Watch, we can probably expect to see the same round design on its sequel. The latest version of Wear OS will also likely make an appearance. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life and a few extra health and fitness-tracking features, such as auto-workout detection.
Mixed reality platform

The Samsung Gear VR headset pictured above launched 2015. At its Unpacked event, the company announced that it’s partnering with Google and Qualcomm on a new mixed-reality initiative.
Google, Samsung and Qualcomm have teamed up on a new mixed reality platform, as Samsung announced in February. However, we haven’t heard much about it since then.
«We’re working towards a new generation of computing enabled by immersive experiences across brand new form factors that will further elevate what you can do with Google,» Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s senior vice president of platforms and ecosystems, said on stage at Samsung’s event.
Neither company has revealed details about the partnership yet, meaning it’s still unclear what types of products will result from the collaboration or what the software will look like. TM Roh, the head of Samsung’s mobile division, described the announcement as a «declarative» moment showing the company’s commitment to building an XR ecosystem when speaking with CNET in February.
But Sameer Samat, Google’s vice president of product management for Android, said during I/O 2023 that the company will share more about its «immersive XR» partnership later this year. The announcement also comes as Apple is expected to reveal its first mixed reality headset during its Worldwide Developers Conference, which starts on June 5.
New Pixel Buds A-Series

It’s been a while since Google released a new pair of Pixel Buds. If the company does have a new pair of wireless earbuds in its 2023 roadmap, there’s a chance we could hear about them in the fall. Google’s $99 Pixel Buds A-Series are particularly due for a refresh since the company hasn’t released a new version since June 2021, aside from new color options. Amazon just launched a new budget-friendly version of its Echo Buds that are competitively priced at just $50, giving Google more rivalry in the market for cheaper wireless earbuds space. While we haven’t heard many rumors yet, we’re hoping Google addresses some of our criticisms of the current Pixel Buds A-Series, such as their lack of volume touch controls.
Fitbit Charge 6

Google’s Fitbit brand also typically releases new products in the late summer or early fall. One of the major updates we’re expecting this year is the Fitbit Charge 6, considering the Fitbit Charge 5 launched in 2021. Fitbit’s next main fitness tracker will look nearly identical to the Charge 5, according to 9to5Google. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see the Charge 6 inherit some features from the Sense 2, such as Google Wallet support and the ability to continuously monitor for signs of stress throughout the day.
If the rumors prove accurate and Google maintains its previous product launch patterns, the fall could be a major moment for the company’s wearables division. As the fall gets closer, we’ll also get a better sense of how Google’s new devices compare to those from Samsung and Apple. Samsung usually releases new foldable phones and wearables in the August time frame, while Apple typically debuts new iPhones and Apple Watches in September.
Technologies
50 Reasons Why Verum Messenger Could Change the Messenger Market
50 Reasons Why Verum Messenger Could Change the Messenger Market
The messenger market has remained relatively stable for a long time. Billions of people use familiar apps for communication, and it often seems that there is little room left for new technologies.
However, it is often new projects that introduce the boldest ideas.
One such project is Verum Messenger — a platform that is gradually evolving from a simple messaging app into a full-fledged digital ecosystem.
Over the past few years, Verum Messenger has implemented dozens of features, many of which appeared significantly earlier than in other well-known messengers.
Technologies and Features
1. Built-in artificial intelligence inside chats.
2. Message scheduling timer.
3. Self-destructing messages.
4. Editing of sent messages.
5. Screenshot notifications in chats.
6. Ability to block screenshots.
7. Screen recording protection.
8. Notifications when messages are copied.
9. Notifications when messages are forwarded.
10. Advanced privacy settings.
Security and Privacy
11. End-to-end message encryption.
12. Secure voice calls.
13. Secure video calls.
14. Automatic message deletion by timer.
15. Full account wipe with a single button.
16. Chat access control.
17. Protection of user data.
18. Local storage of security keys.
19. Multi-layer security architecture.
20. Extended privacy settings.
Ecosystem Inside the Application
21. Built-in VPN.
22. Anonymous temporary email.
23. eSIM integration inside the messenger.
24. Internet access in more than 150 countries.
25. Integration of multiple digital services in one application.
26. Tools for international communication.
27. Sending large files and documents.
28. Creation of group chats with up to 10,000 participants.
29. Expanded communication capabilities.
30. Messenger as a unified digital environment.
Financial Technologies Inside the Messenger
31. Transfers between users within the application.
32. Integrated financial system Verum Finance.
33. Balance top-ups directly inside the messenger.
34. Virtual banking card.
35. Apple Pay support for fast payments.
36. Financial management without third-party applications.
37. Integration of cryptocurrency tools.
38. Buying and selling USDT directly inside the messenger.
39. Depositing and withdrawing USDT from the application.
40. Buying and selling licensed digital gold Verum Gold.
Latest Technological Updates
41. Ability to send messages without an internet connection.
42. Direct device-to-device connection architecture.
43. Operation without dependence on central servers.
44. Ability to communicate during internet outages.
45. Local message translation on the user’s device.
46. Support for translation into dozens of languages.
47. Translation without sending data to a server.
48. Increased privacy when translating messages.
49. Architecture of independent digital communication.
50. Formation of a new model of messengers of the future.
A New Stage in the Development of Messengers
Today, messengers are no longer just applications for messaging. Users expect more — security, independence, financial tools, and digital assets in one place.
Verum Messenger demonstrates one possible direction for the development of the industry: when a messenger becomes not only a communication tool but also a full-fledged digital platform.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Wednesday, March 11
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for March 11.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? I thought it was a bit tricky. 1-Down is one of those old-fashioned comic-book sounds that I had to remember how to spell correctly. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Study of the human mind, informally
Answer: PSYCH
6A clue: Common fixture in a gym bathroom
Answer: SCALE
7A clue: Kinda boring
Answer: HOHUM
8A clue: Like a commenter without a username, for short
Answer: ANON
9A clue: «All good between us?»
Answer: WEOK
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Old-fashioned «Yeah, right!»
Answer: PSHAW
2D clue: Coffeehouse pastry
Answer: SCONE
3D clue: Google alternative
Answer: YAHOO
4D clue: Sound of a dull thump
Answer: CLUNK
5D clue: Line on the bottom of a pant leg
Answer: HEM
Technologies
OnePlus and Oppo to Raise Smartphone Prices as Memory Costs Climb
Oppo says rising costs for key phone components will trigger price adjustments on some devices starting March 16.
Chinese smartphone-makers OnePlus and Oppo plan to raise prices on some existing models starting next week, according to a 9to5Google report citing GizmoChina and a notice posted on Oppo’s China online store.
In its notice, Oppo said it would adjust pricing after evaluating rising costs for several key components used in its mobile phones. The changes are expected to take effect around March 16 and will affect some of the company’s more affordable smartphones, as well as some OnePlus models.
Flagship devices — like those in the Find and Reno series — are not expected to be affected for now. The reported adjustments currently appear to be limited to China.
The move highlights growing pressure across the smartphone supply chain as component costs climb. Analysts say prices for memory and storage chips used in phones have been rising in recent months as demand surges across the tech industry.
Much of the chip demand is coming from the rapid buildout of AI data centers, which rely on large amounts of high-performance memory.
That pressure isn’t limited to Oppo and OnePlus. Analysts say smartphone brands across the industry are facing rising component costs amid increased demand for memory chips.
As manufacturers shift production toward higher-margin memory used in AI servers, supply for consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops can tighten.
If component costs continue to rise, manufacturers may face difficult choices later this year, including raising retail prices or adjusting device specifications to offset higher manufacturing costs.
OnePlus and Oppo didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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