Technologies

Google Pixel 8 Launch Date has Been Revealed

Mark your calendars for Oct. 4, when new Pixel devices are coming.

Google is getting ready to launch the Pixel 8. On Wednesday, the tech giant sent invites to an event on Oct. 4 where it’ll unveil the latest additions to its «Pixel portfolio of devices.» The in-person Made by Google event is set to take place in New York City at 10 a.m. ET, Google said.

Though Google didn’t name any specific devices, it implied in a post on Threads that the event will include the reveal of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google has released a next-gen Pixel phone every fall since 2016.

«Big fall launches are stressful, but Pixel helps these Best Phones Forever stay cool as cucumbers. The w8 is almost over. Rest up for Made By Google on October 4th,» Google posted on Threads.

More on Google Pixel

The Threads post included a video of an iPhone talking to a Pixel phone about everything it can’t do that Google’s phone can — like «unblurring old photos, answering unknown calls with AI and live translating messages.» The iPhone in Google’s video also suggests it’ll «finally» be getting USB-C charging during the iPhone 15 event next month.

There are already rumors swirling around the expected Pixel 8 lineup. The phones could have an improved ultrawide camera, and Google may add new AI-powered features to its camera system. The phones will also likely see some display and design tweaks, but the changes are expected to be subtle.

One of the more interesting rumors is that the Pixel 8 Pro might include a contactless thermometer feature that could be used to determine if you’re running a fever.

It’s also possible Google uses the event to unveil the Pixel Watch 2, the next generation of its smartwatch. The watch is rumored to feature better battery life and new health-tracking features.

Google’s Pixel 7 lineup was well received, with both the Pixel 7 Pro and more affordable Pixel 7A earning spots on CNET’s best phones list for 2023. Google also earlier this year launched its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold. CNET phone expert Lisa Eadicicco says Google may need make some noticeable upgrades in order for the Pixel 8 to stand out from the company’s other phones.

Google’s invites came out just a day after Apple set the date for its iPhone 15 reveal, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 12 at the company’s Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Technologies

Get This Next-Level Alienware Gaming Desktop for a Door-Busting $400 Off

This powerful Dell desktop will totally overhaul your PC gaming, and it’s now available for just $1,750.

Right now, Dell is offering the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop for just $1,750. It usually costs $2,150, so this deal saves you $400. That’s more than the $1,250 low we saw briefly, but it’s still a solid price. Dell’s Alienware line is one of our favorites. Though there are multiple models to choose from, the Aurora is full of features gamers are sure to appreciate.

Dell doesn’t have a strict deadline for this discount, but we suggest acting fast.

This Alienware Aurora desktop is black, has a transparent cover and has chic lights. It also has air cooling, a mouse and a matching keyboard.

Dell offers the option to add a few extras to your purchase, but its base configuration includes 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD and Windows 11 Home. The desktop is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 card for speedy performance and multitasking. An Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics card powers all your visuals for a clear view of the action.

The Aurora features AI-boosted gameplay for smooth frame rates and lessened lag. This desktop also supports Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gbps Ethernet for fewer signal interruptions.

Why this deal matters

Gaming can quickly get expensive. However, this $400 discount on the Alienware Aurora desktop offers the chance to upgrade for just $1,750. Dell doesn’t exactly mention a deadline for this deal, so we suggest acting fast.

Technologies

These Bass-Boosting Skullcandy Headphones Are Over $100 Off Today at Best Buy

That drops the price down to just $130, making this a one-day deal you won’t want to miss.

Right now, you can pick up these Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones for just $130 at Best Buy. That saves you $110 compared to the usual price, and is just $15 more than the all-time lowest price we’ve seen for this over-ear pair. However, this one-day deal expires at 9:59 p.m. PT (12:49 a.m. ET) tonight, so be sure to get your order in soon.

If you’re someone who cranks the volume up during workouts, movie marathons or late-night gaming sessions, these headphones lean right into that energy. The Crusher ANC 2 is built for bass lovers who want their playlists and action scenes to hit hard without maxing out the volume.

The standout feature is Skullcandy’s patented Crusher Bass technology which combines dual bass drivers with 40mm audio drivers. You also get adjustable four-mic active noise canceling, letting you adjust how much of the outside world you want blocked out.

Battery life is another win here, with up to 60 hours of listening with ANC off, plus Rapid Charge that gives you up to four hours from a 10-minute charge. Multi-point pairing makes switching devices easy, and the Skull-IQ app lets you fine-tune EQ and sound profiles.

If this isn’t the right fit, take a look at our full roundup on the best headphones we’ve tested in 2026.

HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Black):

$248 (save $152)
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

$170 (save $181)
Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones:

$398 (save $62)
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Twilight Blue):

$179 (save $170)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones (Black):

$200 (save $250)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Between the physical bass sliders, long battery life, smart noise canceling and multipoint support, you’re getting a feature-packed pair of headphones for well under their usual price. Add clear AI-powered mic quality and this limited-time deal offers a lot of tech for the money.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for March 11 #738

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for March 11, No. 738.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle could be tough. If you watch a lot of Game of Thrones-type shows, or play D&D, the answers might come easily for you. Some of the answers are difficult to unscramble, so if you need hints and answers, read on.

I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands theme is: Survival mode

If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Needed skills.

Clue words to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:

GIFT, LIFT, LITE, LITER, LIFTER, MITE, MITER, RIDE, RIDES, SIDE, SIDES

Answers for today’s Strands puzzle

These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers: