A prototype of the future Tesla Model 3 spotted in California, Google deploys its new update for Pixel smartphones, Twitter again victim of malfunctions, this is the summary of the week.
If you own a Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, you will be happy to know that Google has rolled out a new update for you that brings a host of new features to your smartphones. Elon Musk seems to have fired the Twitter engineers in charge of notifications, and Tesla is said to be working on its future version of the Model 3, scheduled for 2023. Finally, we reveal the results of the Radeon RX 7090 XTX benchmarks to you this week.
Twitter victim of new technical problems
Technical problems continue to multiply on Twitter! In fact, the Twitter Spaces functionality has been down for a few days and the notifications are no longer working. The company has yet to fix the issue and has not spoken about these new bugs. It is reported that Twitter’s setback is largely connected to the numerous layoffs initiated by Elon Musk, the new CEO of the social network, who has dismissed half of the employees, including many engineers.
Read: Twitter: Elon Musk fired notification makers, now they don’t work
News about Tesla Model 3 2023
While a Reuters report mentioned a few days ago the arrival of a new version of the Model 3 in 2023, the internet user has omg_Tesla/Rivian reveals on Twitter a prototype of the future Tesla, seen in a parking lot in California. If the images shared are to be believed, the 100% electric sedan could offer a new design and a camera integrated into the right headlight.
Read: Tesla Model 3 2023: a prototype discovered with a completely new design
Google launches Feature Drop update
If you’ve got a Pixel, it’s an early Christmas as Google has just started rolling out the Feature Drop update, which brings a host of highly anticipated features. The update particularly concerns the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro with the arrival of the free Google One VPN, the Clear Calling feature and even speaker labels in the Recorder app. Google is also leveraging the update to improve security and privacy settings for its Pixel 7 Pro.
Read: Google Pixel 7: December update is packed with new features
Radeon RX 7090 XTX: a strong competitor to GeForce RTX 4080
Our colleagues at Tom’s Hardware unveiled benchmarks for the Radeon RX 7090 XTX, and in light of the results, AMD could compete with Nvidia. The new high-end graphics card from AMD actually seems to offer performance almost equivalent to the GeForce RTX 4080, at a much more affordable price. If the leak from Benchleaks is confirmed and AMD offers better value for money, Nvidia has something to worry about…
Read: AMD: RX 7900 XTX benchmark leaked, Nvidia can really rock
Will we be deprived of internet and telephone access in the coming months?
As confirmed by the government, power outages can be expected this winter. They will be planned and announced in advance and should not affect more than 4 million customers simultaneously, for a duration of two hours “. It remains to be seen what impact these cuts will have on society, both in terms of internet and telephone access, transport and schools. Only priority users will be spared by these load reduction measures.
Read: Power outages: what are the risks of being deprived of internet and phone access this winter?
Test of the week
Sony Xperia 5 IV: compact size and quality experience
After all, if you are looking for a compact and powerful smartphone, the Xperia 5 IV may seduce you. Sony offers here a slim and user-friendly product. We love its beautiful screen, its very pleasant interface, its autonomy and its photo results with the basic mode. We regret the disappearance of the periscopic telephoto lens, we note that the pictures taken with the shutter are often blurry, and we would have appreciated to discover some accessories in the box. Having said that, the Xperia 5 IV is a very good smartphone, available from 999 euros.
Read: Sony Xperia 5 IV test: a smartphone for experts… but not only!
Samsung Buds2 Pro: almost perfect headphones
Samsung keeps what they promise with headphones that multiply functions and offer superb acoustics. If you have a Samsung smartphone, Buds2 Pro is for you. In fact, the Android user will benefit from all the functions exclusive to the brand’s phones, such as Audio 360 or geolocation. Autonomy, with and without ANC, is very good, and wireless charging is particularly convenient. Note that the Samsung Buds2 Pro do not suit all budgets, as they are available from 199 euros on the manufacturer’s website.
Read: Samsung Buds2 Pro test, the premium headphones that fit your ears… and you