After a period of delay, silence, and technical challenges, Google has finally announced the launch date for the new Pixel 9a. The phone will go on sale on April 10 in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Following those nations, the Pixel 9a will be released on April 14 in Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, France, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Finland.
Finally, on April 16, the Pixel 9a will become available in Australia, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia. The phone will ultimately be available in Japan, although there is currently no announced launch date.
The Pixel 9a was first unveiled earlier this month, with a starting price of $499 and no solid dates beyond a vague April availability frame. Since then, we have discovered that the firm encountered a component quality issue with the gadget, prompting it to push back the release window and review embargoes. This was done as a precaution, even though the problem appeared to affect just a limited number of units.
Xiaomi’s impending HyperOS 3 could challenge Apple’s decade-long interface dominance, following extraordinary stability improvements in HyperOS 2 and subsequent updates. After addressing stability issues in MIUI and HyperOS 1, Xiaomi improved the user experience with HyperOS 2.1 and 2.2, paving the way for a significant competitive advantage with its next-generation interface.
Android 16 foundation and release calendar
HyperOS 3 will primarily be based on Android 16, with select devices receiving an Android 15 version. By doing so, Xiaomi hopes to standardize the software experience across its wide portfolio of devices while ensuring that everyone receives the most recent UI innovations.
According to industry sources, Android 16 is scheduled to be released in the second quarter of 2025, which coincides nicely with Xiaomi’s usual October software release timetable. The schedule would allow Xiaomi’s development team plenty of time to implement Android 16’s core features while also adding their own tweaks and improvements.
What is particularly noteworthy about HyperOS 3 is how Google’s proposed design philosophy for Android 16 corresponds to visual signals traditionally associated with Apple’s iOS. Google is apparently working on a major interface makeover that will make extensive use of blur effects throughout the system UI – a visual approach that has been a hallmark of Apple’s design language for many generations.
This convergence offers a unique opportunity for Xiaomi since HyperOS 3 can potentially offer:
Greater visual depth with sophisticated blur effects
Intuitive layering of interface elements more
Improved visual hierarchy that aids usability
Smoother animations that are more natural and responsive
Greater visual consistency across the entire system
The fact that HyperOS 3 is being released at a time when the iOS interface is quite stable presents a chance for Xiaomi to overcome the perception gap between Android-based devices and Apple’s ecosystem. By combining Google’s core interface enhancements with Xiaomi’s performance optimizations and design sensibilities, HyperOS 3 has the potential to become the new benchmark for Android interfaces.
To Xiaomi users, this evolution represents the continuation of a favorable trend that began with HyperOS 2’s emphasis on stability and performance. The progressive modifications in successive releases have laid a firm foundation for HyperOS 3, allowing it to give both aesthetic polish and functionality advancements without sacrificing the stability to which customers have grown used.
Using a warning to backup the key to prevent losing access, a recently identified Android malware known as Crocodilus deceives users into entering the seed phrase for the bitcoin wallet.
Despite being a recent banking malware, Crocodilus has fully functional capabilities to remotely control, take over the device, and collect data.
According to researchers at the fraud prevention firm ThreatFabric, the malware is disseminated by a custom dropper that gets around security measures in Android 13 and later.
The dropper circumvents Accessibility Service limitations and installs the virus without activating Play Protect.
Crocodilus is unique because it uses social engineering to force victims to divulge their crypto-wallet seed phrase.
A screen overlay alerting users to “back up their wallet key in the settings within 12 hours” or risk losing your wallet is how it accomplishes this.
“This social engineering trick guides the victim to navigate to their seed phrase (wallet key), allowing Crocodilus to harvest the text using its Accessibility Logger,” ThreatFabric explains.
“With this information, attackers can seize full control of the wallet and drain it completely,” the researchers say.
Crocodilus was seen to target customers in Spain and Turkey, including bank accounts from those two nations, during its initial operations. Based on the debug messages, it seems that the infection originated in Turkey.
Although the exact mechanism of the first infection is unknown, users are usually duped into downloading droppers by malicious websites, phony SMS or social media advertisements, and third-party app shops.
When Crocodilus is launched, it has access to Accessibility Services, which are typically designated for helping individuals with disabilities. These services allow Crocodilus to make navigation motions, monitor for app launches, and unlock screen content.
Crocodilus puts a phony overlay over the legitimate app when the victim accesses a targeted banking or cryptocurrency app in order to obtain the victim’s login information.
The bot component of the malware supports a set of 23 commands that it can execute on the device, including:
Enable call forwarding
Launch a specific application
Post a push notification
Send SMS to all contacts or a specified number
Get SMS messages
Request Device Admin privileges
Enable a black overlay
Enable/disable sound
Lock screen
Make itself the default SMS manager
Additionally, the malware has remote access trojan (RAT) capabilities that let its operators swipe, tap, and browse the user interface, among other things.
To collect one-time password codes used for two-factor authentication account protection, a specific RAT command is also available to snap a screenshot of the Google Authenticator application.
To conceal the activity from the victim and give the impression that the device is locked, Crocodilus operators can mute the device and activate a black screen overlay while doing these tasks.
Crocodilus may soon expand its activities and add more apps to its target list, even if it currently seems to be targeting only Spain and Turkey.
It is recommended that Android users make sure Play Protect is constantly enabled on their devices and refrain from downloading APKs from sources other than Google Play.
Millions of customers who depend on weekly beta upgrades have been impacted by Xiaomi’s unexpected break from their usual update schedule. The majority of tech businesses, including Xiaomi headquarters, take a short break around the Qingming Festival, a significant traditional Chinese holiday, to give their employees time to spend with their families. Users have been reassured by the corporation that all recent comments and recommendations would be taken into consideration and released as soon as the break is ended.
Instead of keeping people waiting for upgrades that will not be accessible during the holiday season, Xiaomi’s development team decided to make the announcement ahead of time. Xiaomi’s continuous efforts to inform users are shown in the transparency.
What Does this Imply for Xiaomi Users
To those of you installing beta updates on a regular basis, here is the lowdown:
There will be no beta this week
Regular update schedule will resume after the Qingming Festival
All of the user feedback is currently being processed
No user action is required during this period
Tomb Sweeping Day, also known as the Qingming Festival, is a Chinese custom that usually takes place in the first part of April. In order to respect the cultural significance of the day, the majority of Chinese businesses operate with little to no workers at this period.
Some beta testers may find the pause disappointing, but the development team has promised that it is being used to improve and incorporate user feedback. The upcoming update may provide even greater improvements as a result of the strategic pause.
As a testament to the company’s cultural heritage and respect for tradition despite its status as a global technological behemoth, the Xiaomi team concluded their statement with Christmas pleasantries.
After the Qingming Festival concludes, Xiaomi will restart regular updates with new enhancements based on community feedback. Stay tuned for that opportunity.
The Xiaomi community is ecstatic with the latest HyperOS update, which offers users’ devices an abundance of customization options and AI-powered capabilities. With a number of notable enhancements that demonstrate Xiaomi’s focus on user experience and creative design, tech enthusiasts and fans are busy testing out the March update version RELEASE-5.39.40.10843-03212137. The upgrade demonstrates the company’s continuous attempts to combine the newest technology with functionality.
Key updated:
The March update brings with it some noteworthy enhancements that will delight Xiaomi users:
Desktop Grid Options Resurrection
Grid layout options have been restored, offering greater personalization to the users:
4×6 grid pattern
4×7 grid layout
5×9 grid pattern
AI-Powered App Search
A groundbreaking feature that elevates the search experience:
Smart responses right in search results
Interpreting search queries contextually
Enhanced app discovery (Note: May not be available globally)
Wallpaper Customization
A new level of aesthetics has been added to device personalization:
New blur effect for wallpapers has been added
Enhanced visual customization options
These updates give users more power and customization, which is consistent with Xiaomi‘s user-centric philosophy. While the AI-powered search is intended to make app discovery more straightforward and intuitive, the reinstated grid layouts allow for greater freedom in app arrangement.
The OnePlus 13T, a smaller device, is OnePlus’s current focus. Similar to the Find X8S from sibling company Oppo, this will have a 6.3-inch screen. Because of its amazing battery capacity, especially considering its small size, the OnePlus 13T is once again the subject of rumors.
A recent Chinese rumor claims that the 13T would be able to accommodate an enormous 6,200 mAh battery (with capability for 80W cable charging). This is quite an engineering achievement, considering that the much larger OnePlus 13 only has a 6,000 mAh battery.
What will Oneplus 13T offer
Apart from that, there has been conflicting speculation in the past on how many cameras this phone would feature; it has been suggested that it will have two or three. Either an 8 MP ultrawide or a 50 MP primary and a 50 MP telephoto with a 2x optical zoom.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is said to power the OnePlus 13T, which also boasts a screen with “1.5K” resolution and an optical fingerprint reader built right in. It is anticipated that the phone would have a glass back and a metal frame. Sadly, it is yet unknown whether the OnePlus 13T will have a worldwide release when it officially launches in April.
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is popular among gym-goers for recording health metrics during and after exercises. It has a thin design, and the full-color display is easy to read even in direct sunshine. The wearable comes in two sizes: 46mm and 41mm. Plus, with up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode, you can keep track of your health for an extended period of time.
The best feature on this smartwatch is a morning report that summarizes your sleep and HRV state while also suggesting daily workouts based on your measurements from the previous day. This wristwatch can help you train for your next marathon or other large race.
The 41mm Garmin Forerunner 255S is now 35% down on Amazon, down from $350 to $230. This offer only applies to the Powder Gray version. The 46mm non-music model is lowered to $230, while the 46mm music model is $247.
Garmin Forerunner 255S
Built with a slim design and an always-on, full-color display that’s light on the wrist and easy to read even in direct sunlight — with available sizes of 46 mm and 41 mm
Notable features of the Garmin Forerunner 255S include:
Performance Condition
Running Dynamics
Sweat-Ready Materials
HRV Status
Race Widget
PacePro Feature
Built-In Sports Apps
Training Effect
Triathlon and Multisport Profiles
Morning Report
Daily Suggested Workouts
Visual Race Predictor
As a smartwatch, the 255S does an outstanding job of remaining useful while you are not out tracking activity. It is compatible with Android and iOS, and the experience of using the Garmin Connect companion phone software across those platforms is fairly uniform in terms of appearance and reliability while setting up, pairing, and syncing the watch.
The smartwatch features are same to those found on the 245. You have access to Garmin’s Connect IQ Store, which is not as high-quality as the Apple App Store in terms of programs, but it is a good location to obtain some extra watch faces, data fields, and widgets, but it can be slow to download and sync them at times.
Garmin Pay is also available here, allowing you to make contactless payments via your watch if your bank is supported, and it worked well for me when I needed to get a fast drink. However, it lacks the slickness and compatibility for banks that competitor watch-based payment systems provide.
Again, a touchscreen would be useful for interacting with the music features, but if you want to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks on a sports watch, you should wear a Garmin 255s.
Other notable features include multiband GPS support (with dual-frequency support), which allows for more accurate GPS tracking, a barometric altimeter and compass (ideal for hitting the trail), and a plethora of cycling support, including VO2 max and the ability to connect to many bike gadgets via Bluetooth. The GPS support is worth highlighting because it is considerably more accurate, although it drains the battery quickly.
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a watch that should last at least a week if you expect to utilize its primary sports tracking and smartwatch capabilities on a regular basis. Garmin says it should last 12 days, but getting there requires less use of core tracking modes. The MIP screen, as opposed to a power-hungry AMOLED, contributes to its long life.
The music streaming and continuous blood oxygen saturation monitoring are the main drains on battery life here, and they cause the battery life to decline substantially. If you can live without the 24-hour blood oxygen data, it is worth turning it off.
Google is now making Gems available to all users after originally unveiling the functionality last fall. In case you are unfamiliar, Gemini Gems provides you with a personalized AI helper. You have the option of creating one using your own instructions or selecting one of Google’s pre-made solutions.
Being able to set instructions that only apply when you use that Gem is what distinguishes this from using Gemini the conventional way. If you use Gemini in different contexts at different times, such as when you need assistance producing formal reports for the same company, blog articles, and social media postings, this is a terrific tool.
Which Gems are available?
The Gems already available include:
A learning coach that helps you break down complex topics, making them easier to understand.
A brainstormer to give you easy inspiration — from fresh ideas for a themed party to the perfect gift for an upcoming birthday.
A career guide to help you unlock your career potential with detailed plans to refine your skills and achieve your career goals.
A writing editor to elevate your writing through clear, constructive feedback on everything from grammar to structure.
A coding partner that levels up your coding skills and can help you build projects and learn as you go.
A chess champ that lets you play chess with a language model (this one is still in experimental mode).
How to access and use Gems
Locate the tiny gem symbol on the left side of the Gemini app to use Gems. You will see the alternatives that are already available as well as an arrow to make your own. The latter allows you to add up to 10 files for reference, name your Gem, and provide instructions.
Gems can only be created on the web app, however they can be used on iOS and Android devices. Tap your account photo in the upper right corner of a mobile app to access Gems, then search for “Gem manager.”
A potentially life-saving capability is being added to the Pixel Watch 3 for the first time. Google said in a blog post that the FDA had approved its Loss of Pulse Detection feature.
Your heartbeat is tracked by the feature. Your watch will immediately switch on more precise infrared LEDs and search for motion data if your heart stops beating, which could be caused by cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning.
The Watch 3 will initiate an audio alarm and countdown if it detects that you are not responding. If you do not react, the watch will use your phone or LTE connection to summon emergency services, let them know you do not have a pulse, and provide your position.
According to Google, the watch will be able to distinguish between a real cardiac event and the user taking it off. Although safety features like crash and fall detection are not new, they are not as good as this one, which is why the FDA had to approve it first.
Heartbeats are tracked by other watches, although they do so far less frequently than the Pixel Watch 3. For instance, the Apple Watch automatically measures heart rate every three to seven minutes.
Google collaborated with cardiologists.
Speaking to The Verge in August, Sandeep Waraich, senior director of product management for Pixel wearables, explained that pulse detection is a combination of pulse, heartbeat, contact with skin, and “a bunch of other things like motion.”
Google collaborated with cardiologists to develop the feature by learning what a pulse loss on watch insights looks like. An AI system was developed using that data and tested on hundreds of thousands of hours of real-world user data from a wide range of individuals. Google next replicated the kinds of falls that would mirror someone abruptly losing their pulse by using stunt actors wearing tourniquets, which would artificially generate a loss of pulse.
Google is releasing Gemini 2.5, another major AI update, just months after releasing the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking model. Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental, the first model based on this new technology, is currently accessible to Gemini AI Studio and Advanced users.
Infused with reasoning
Google describes version 2.5 as its “most intelligent” AI model to date in a news release. It is the second of its kind and falls into the same category as Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, which is a thinking model. Gemini 2.5 differs from previous models in that it can use contextual intelligence, draw well-reasoned conclusions, and make educated decisions, going beyond the conventional “classification and prediction” method used by non-thinking models.
The Gemini 2.5 model, which was created as an improved version of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, has a better base and more sophisticated post-training. Additionally, Google has shown ambitions to integrate Gemini 2.5’s reasoning capabilities into its non-thinking models.
New benchmark in AI reasoning
Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental, the first product to use 2.5 version, is offered as a model option within Google’s AI services. Google claims that in the Humanity’s Last Exam test, which is a standard for AI knowledge and reasoning, The2.5 Pro Experimental has fared better than top reasoning models like OpenAI’s o3-mini and Claude 3.5 Sonnet. Furthermore, Gemini 2.5 Pro outperformed rivals like OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and X’s Grok 3 Beta in math and science benchmarks.
With Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google also highlights improvements in software creation and coding. Coders, editors, and developers can use the concept to create “agentic applications and web apps.” It demonstrated its capabilities by creating a game from a single line of prompt in a demonstration video.
Currently, business and educational plans, as well as Advanced subscribers under One AI Premium, can access Gemini 2.5 Pro. Additionally, it can be accessed through Gemini Studio, and Vertex AI will soon be available as well. Google has said that it will shortly reveal the cost of extended access, even though usage is still restricted.
The release of 2.5 comes after Google opened up the Gemini 2.0 Flash and Deep Research models, as well as Gemini Live screen sharing, which was previously only available to subscribers. It is probable that the AI may soon be widely available due to this tendency.
