Promotional visuals for the Google Pixel 8a, unearthed by Android Headlines, raise doubts about the updates planned for the phone and Google’s policy towards its VPN service which is supposed to be abandoned.
The Google Pixel 8a is getting a lot of attention and, for good reason, the amount of leaked information continues to increase. So, while a promotional video has already made the rounds on the web, Android Headlines was able to get their hands on new advertising visuals which will, a priori, used to extol the merits of the future smartphone. However, two elements intrigue us in these images.
However, let’s start with some confirmations. Unsurprisingly, we can see that artificial intelligence will be widely highlighted with, among other things, photo performances which promise to be “AI-mazing“. A subtle English portmanteau combining the terms “AI” and “incredible”. To do this, you will need to rely on the Best Shot, Night Vision or even the Audio Magic Eraser functions.
Nothing really new on the horizon, but these are good arguments for the Pixel 8a which we expect at a much more affordable price than the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro. Another visual highlights more features such as intelligent call filtering by Google Assistant, email summary or the Circle to Search option.
We also don’t fall off our chairs when we see mentions of the Google Tensor G3 chip, IP67 certification, or charging.fast» which should be limited to a power of 27 W (with the official 30 W block).
Two outstanding questions
Now let’s come to the two questions. The first directly concerns the product. In one of the visuals, Google highlights the longevity of the Pixel 8a. In the image, we can read that the phone is guaranteed to benefit from security updates for seven years. Good news in itself, but we can’t help but notice that Google is talking specifically about security patches here and not necessarily major Android updates.
For comparison, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro benefit from seven years of software support which concerns both major OS updates and security patches. What will happen to the Pixel 8a? It’s not impossible that this cheaper model will receive “only” five major updates.
The second question comes from the same visual, but asks about the strategy of the Mountain View firm. Indeed, a small text praises the Google One VPN for protecting your online activity on the Pixel 8a. However, this service will soon be buried. Seeing Google promoting a new product therefore seems somewhat incongruous.
We will have to wait for the Google I/O 2024 conference, scheduled for May 14, to resolve all the mysteries.