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Android 17 Beta 1 Launched With Two New Improvements

Google Android Beta release page, ensure you have a compatible device linked to your account, and then sign up accordingly. Most Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 through to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold qualify. There are no third-party devices compatible from manufacturers like Samsung or Motorola. Google’s new budget Android the Pixel 10a will likely support beta updates upon its launch as well.

In any case, this isn’t a major update, so there aren’t many significant features. However, Google will likely incorporate more into the Beta release over time before the official rollout. Google consistently introduces new features to the Android OS that enhance user experiences. With that said, here are some minor enhancements you can look forward to.

A more dynamic user interface

Comparison Between Google Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a: Assessing the Worth of Upgrading

Google has formally announced the Google Pixel 10a, providing an exciting choice for individuals in search of a superb midrange smartphone. Anticipation for the 10a has been building since its design was leaked in October 2025, with the Pixel-a series serving as an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers. Although Google is pricing the Pixel 10a unexpectedly low, especially with 2026 poised to be the priciest year for tech, there might be justification for the lower price point. It’s easy to observe that the specifications of the Google Pixel 10a closely mirror those of last year’s Pixel 9a.

Both models boast the same processors, cameras, and RAM/storage configurations, with only a few minor distinctions setting them apart. Google is providing attractive incentives for early purchasers of the Pixel 10a, but for those already using the Pixel 9a, convincing oneself to upgrade could prove challenging. With AI contributing to a chip shortage that may drive smartphone prices up, Google had to make some difficult choices to maintain the Pixel 10a’s affordability. The Pixel 10a is currently up for preorder, with shipments scheduled for March 5, and users can acquire the device for less than the $499 retail price if they trade in an older model.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a – analyzing the specifications

Comparing the Google Pixel 9a and the 10a reveals numerous similarities. To start, both are equipped with the Google Tensor G4 processor alongside a Titan M2 security coprocessor, 8 GB of RAM, and options for 128 GB or 256 GB of storage. The cameras are also alike, featuring 48 MP wide and 13 MP ultrawide lenses on the rear and 13 MP front-facing cameras. One would need to thoroughly examine the Pixel 10a press release to uncover the variances. According to Google, the Pixel 10a presents an 11% brighter display, though both devices sport a 6.3-inch pOLED display. The 10a peaks at 3000 nits, outshining the 9a’s 2700 nits.

Google claims quicker charging times with the 10a, thanks to its 45W fast charging capability, although both devices maintain a 30-hour battery life. Additionally, there’s enhanced screen protection featuring Gorilla Glass 7i, which surpasses the Gorilla Glass 3 utilized in the 9a. The 10a also introduces extra camera tools, including Auto Best Take for selecting the optimal photo and Camera Coach for AI-driven suggestions on lighting and composition. Furthermore, the Pixel 10a incorporates a greater percentage of recyclable materials compared to the 9a, including gold, tungsten, copper, and cobalt recyclables.

Is the price justified?

The Pixel 10a is priced at $499 and is now available for pre-order. With color options such as Obsidian, Lavender, Berry, and Fog, buyers can receive $100 in Google Store credit or the new Pixel Buds 2a if they purchase the unlocked device before March 11. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a, being last year’s model, is readily available for under $500; for instance, Amazon lists the Pixel 9a at approximately $400. Nevertheless, opting for the Pixel 10a presents advantages beyond the new camera enhancements and improved specifications.

The 10a comes with Android 16, as opposed to Android 15 on the Pixel 9a, thereby ensuring you remain slightly ahead with 7 years of updates. If you’re in the market for a new midrange smartphone, the Pixel 10a is the more logical choice; it’s the latest model. However, the Pixel 9a remains a strong contender, making it a worthwhile option if you want to save some money, particularly if you find one priced around $350-400. But for those owning a Pixel 9a — hold onto it. There’s no need to purchase the same phone again.

Google Executive Proclaims AI Mode Upgrade Improving Source Verification Effectiveness

**Be Confident I’m Monitoring This Every Time**

In the constantly changing realm of technology, Google’s recent enhancement of its AI Mode and AI Overviews showcases the company’s dedication to improving user experience. Robby Stein, Google’s VP for Search, recently announced a notable upgrade that aims to make navigating AI-generated content even more straightforward and effective.

### Essential Information

1. **Improved Link Interaction**: The update from Google introduces a floating sub-menu for “groups of links” when users hover over the link icon in AI Overview or AI Mode. This modification is intended to simplify access to source information, allowing users to verify the content they encounter with ease.

2. **Aesthetic Enhancements**: The link icon has undergone a redesign to make it more prominent, ensuring users can quickly spot and engage with it. This update aligns with Google’s wider initiative to render AI-generated content more transparent and user-friendly.

3. **Advancements in AI Mode**: AI Mode has previously been improved to function as a personal assistant, able to schedule appointments and offer detailed information. The newest update expands on this capability by incorporating Gemini 3, a robust AI model that boosts the relevance and speed of subsequent inquiries.

### Consequences of the Update

Google’s move to enact these modifications indicates an increasing awareness of the need for transparency in AI-generated content. By enhancing the accessibility of source links, Google empowers users to validate the information they receive, cultivating a more knowledgeable and discerning user community.

### User Interaction

For desktop users, the updated floating sub-menu offers an effortless method to access various sources without navigating away from the current page. This feature is especially advantageous for users who depend on AI Overviews for swift information while still wanting to confirm the content’s accuracy.

### Broader Implications

This update is part of a larger movement towards a deeper integration of AI into everyday tasks. As AI technology progresses, features like these will be increasingly crucial in ensuring that users can trust and depend on the information provided to them.

### Final Thoughts

Google’s recent enhancement to AI Mode and AI Overviews is a minor yet meaningful advancement towards a more transparent and user-centric digital experience. By making source links more accessible and refining the visual design of link icons, Google is establishing a new benchmark for AI-generated content. As users grow accustomed to these features, they can be confident in receiving the most accurate and trustworthy information available.