The Google Pixel 9a should be a big hit, scientists are looking to use abandoned mines to generate energy, Google is improving Gemini 2.0 Flash which is becoming even more versatile, this is the recap of the week.
Google is on a roll! After presenting the Pixel 9a, the Mountain View company has just launched an AI that could overshadow Photoshop. While scientists at IIASA in Austria are looking to transform abandoned mines into giant batteries, the new BadUpdate solution now lets you take full advantage of your Xbox 360. Be careful, reading messages that are not addressed to you is an invasion of privacy that could cost you dearly.
Abandoned mines could generate energy through gravity
As our need for electricity continues to grow, scientists at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) are imagining an innovative system: Underground Gravity Energy Storage (UGES). The idea behind this project would be to rehabilitate abandoned mine shafts to store and produce energy using gravity.
Read: Abandoned mines could become giant batteries charged by gravity
She reads a message that wasn't addressed to her and gets a fine
One day, while she While wearing the smartwatch she shares with her husband, Laura comes across a message that wasn't meant for her: a message from her husband's mistress. During the divorce proceedings, she decides to use it as proof of adultery. But her ex-husband retaliates by filing a complaint for breach of confidentiality. The court rules in his favor and convicts Laura of invasion of another's privacy. She was ultimately given a symbolic suspended fine of €300.
Read: She reads a message received on her smartwatch, the courts condemn her
BadUpdate: You can finally hack your Xbox 360
Since last year, the Xbox 360 experience has deteriorated, as it is no longer possible to play movies and series via its multimedia catalog, nor to purchase new games. RGH and JTAG previously offered a solution to circumvent these restrictions, but their implementation remained complex. Good news, a new solution is coming. This is BadUpdate, which works on all Xbox 360 models and now allows access to Xbox 360 Homebrew. Please note that the procedure is not easy to perform and must be repeated each time the console is restarted.
Read: The Xbox 360 can finally be hacked easily, using a simple USB key
Pixel 9a: a smartphone that could overshadow the Samsung Galaxy A56
After months of leaks, Google is finally unveiling the Pixel 9a. The Mountain View company is offering a very powerful mid-range smartphone for less than €600. Among the innovations of this new generation are the four attractive colors, the new waterdrop-shaped camera module, the improved technical part, and the native integration of Google's AI assistant, Gemini. There are many arguments in favor of the Pixel 9a, and this new smartphone could well rival the Samsung Galaxy A56.
Read: Google launches the Pixel 9a, is it enough to make us forget Samsung's Galaxy A56?
Gemini 2.0 Flash: Google perfects its AI
While giants like OpenAI use separate models for text and image processing, Google is innovating with Gemini 2.0 Flash, an AI model capable of processing text and images simultaneously. Particularly versatile, it allows you to add or remove objects in an image, modify settings and lighting, change viewing angles, zoom in or out, and finally remove watermarks.
Read: Goodbye Photoshop? This AI lets you edit your photos from a prompt
Our tests of the week
Samsung Galaxy A56: the most balanced smartphone on the market in this price range
If photo quality and AI are not your priorities, the Galaxy A56 is a balanced smartphone that comes close to what that Samsung's high-end devices offer. We love its premium design, the good calibration of its screen, its powerful processor and its controlled heat management. The battery life is solid and the One UI 7 overlay is still as pleasant to use as ever.
Read: Samsung Galaxy A56 review: it looks good, but what about the rest?
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: questionable value for money
Of course, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 doesn't lack convincing arguments: a neat design, a unique audio signature, a direct connection via a 3.5 mm jack port, a variety of included tips and a case compatible with wireless charging. That being said, the carrying sensor is imprecise, the standby time is too fast and above all, the price is too high compared to the competition.
Read: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: a unique sound signature but a sometimes frustrating experience
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: a good game, but no surprises
During our review, we were delighted to find a faithfully reproduced Japan, a very well-crafted combat system, and a more organic exploration than before. Unfortunately, Assassin’s Creed Shadows quickly runs out of steam and is seriously lacking in surprises. Fans of the saga may find something to their liking, but other players may be disappointed by a sluggish introduction, endless cutscenes, and a real lack of new features.
Read: Assassin’s Creed Shadows review: with this episode in Japan, Ubisoft is not changing its Fuji focus
Poco X7 Pro: something to appeal to gamers
If you’re looking for an affordable gaming smartphone, the Poco X7 Pro is for you. It will convince you with its attractive design, good performance, total waterproofing and display quality. We love its numerous AI functions and its fast wired charging (90W). Be careful, the battery life is average, the ultra-wide angle photos are disappointing and the software tracking is shorter than the competition.
Read: Poco X7 Pro review: an inexpensive smartphone that is good for gaming
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