GrapheneOS now supports Pixel 9 series; leaked Pixel 9a images suggest design changes
Top 3 Key Points:
- GrapheneOS Support: The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL are now officially supported by GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused Android ROM.
- Pixel 9a Design Leak: New leaked images suggest the Pixel 9a may feature a flat design, removing the signature camera bar.
- Launch Timing: The Pixel 9a is rumored to be released by the end of this year, possibly with new color options.
With the Pixel 9 series just hitting the market, privacy-focused users will be pleased to know that GrapheneOS has already rolled out official support for the latest Google hardware. This third-party ROM is designed to offer a more private and secure Android experience and can now be installed on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL.
The GrapheneOS team announced on X (formerly Twitter) that these devices can be flashed with their custom ROM, making the installation process straightforward with their web installer. This user-friendly approach means that even those new to custom ROMs can get GrapheneOS running on their Pixel 9 series device with relative ease.
GrapheneOS is more than just a barebones operating system. It comes with alternative apps like the Vanadium Browser and various AOSP apps, along with security-focused features such as the Auditor app. The auditor acts as a digital security guard, using hardware features to verify the authenticity of your OS and ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
One of the standout features of GrapheneOS is its flexibility—it can be used with or without Google Play Services. This level of control, combined with the ability to sandbox apps, makes it a favorite among privacy-conscious users, including notable figures like Edward Snowden. While flashing a custom ROM might seem daunting, GrapheneOS offers one of the most accessible processes, making it an excellent choice for those new to the world of custom Android software.
The only minor issue reported so far with the Pixel 9 on GrapheneOS is related to Wi-Fi connectivity, although most users haven’t encountered any problems.
On the hardware front, a new leak has surfaced, potentially giving us a glimpse of the upcoming Pixel 9a. Images shared in a now-deleted post on a private Vietnamese Pixel fan group, later reposted by ShrimpApplePro on X, suggest that the Pixel 9a may diverge from the mainline Pixel 9 design. If accurate, the Pixel 9a could feature a flat design without the iconic camera bar found on the Pixel 9 series. Instead, it may sport a dual-camera setup with a glossy ring, similar to the rounded floating camera bar on the Pixel 9, but with a camera system that sits flush with the frame.
The leaked images also hint at a boxy aesthetic, flat side rail, and a repositioned SIM tray on the bottom bezel, aligning with the design language of the Pixel 9 series. The display edges appear more pronounced, and the backplate and side rails seem to have a matte finish.
While it’s still unclear when the Pixel 9a will be officially launched, rumors suggest it could arrive by the end of the year, possibly in up to four color options, including a silver variant. As with all leaks, it’s best to take this information with caution, but the Pixel 9a could represent a shift in design for Google’s A-series lineup.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
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