Google I/O 2024: AI focus, Pixel 8A on the horizon?

Image: Google

Google I/O 2024 is happening in two months on May 14. It will be a mix of virtual and in-person elements. Expect a keynote address from its Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, with a limited live audience and livestreamed for everyone else. This year's focus is most likely on artificial intelligence, especially with Google's recent releases of the Gemini and Gemma AI models.

Beyond AI, attendees can expect announcements about Android 15, updates to Google services, and potentially a new Pixel phone—the Pixel 8A, successor to last year's mid-range 7A. Google will have a lot of AI advancements to showcase, but they may also face questions about navigating competition and recent AI stumbles like the Gemini image generator controversy.

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ASUS unveils Zenfone 11 Ultra

Photo: ASUS

ASUS breaks the mould with the Zenfone 11 Ultra with its significant departure from the series' traditionally compact size. This phone offers a large-scale experience with a stunning 6.78-inch LTPO display protected by the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It's now the same size as its gaming-centric counterpart, the ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Speaking of gamers, they'll appreciate a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, while casual users benefit from a dynamic adjustment down to 122Hz for everyday tasks. It doesn't get the gaming-specific features of the ROG Phone, but you can at least get a smooth experience of it.

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Get creative with the Fujifilm instax Mini 99

Photo: Fujifilm

Fujifilm just dropped the newest addition to the instax family, the Mini 99. This camera isn't just another pretty face (although, let's be honest, the matte black finish is pretty darn sleek). It comes packed with features designed to elevate your instant photography game, giving you more control than you've had with past instax cameras.

Remember those days of waiting to see how your photo turned out? With the instax Mini 99, you can get creative before you even click the shutter. The built-in Color Effect Dial lets you choose from six unique effects: Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia, and Light Leak. These effects are applied directly to the film, giving your instant prints a whole new dimension.

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Campbell's introduces a gallery of 'pAIntings'

Deep-rooted in art and pop culture, Campbell’s has introduced its ‘pAIntings’ in Canada. This new initiative brings to life engaging visualizations of how the iconic Campbell’s cans could have been painted in the popular art styles – all using AI.  

Showcasing artistic styles like surrealism and abstract, Campbell’s pAIntings combine tradition with modernity. Staying true to its history, Campbell’s aims to tap into today’s culture with pAIntings.

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