Google lifts the veil on its new flagships, the conflict between Canal+ and TF1 drives down audiences for the group’s channels, simpler logos for the various USB cables, that’s the recap of the week.
While Google lifts the veil on the new Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Huawei sees the end of the tunnel thanks to a Chinese company that could become its regular component supplier. The conflict between Canal+ and TF1 continues and the group’s channels have seen their audiences drop by 2.7% compared to last year. This week, in good news for the future of solar energy, scientists are achieving 30.1% efficiency thanks to a new solar cell. This is the recap of the week on Phonandroid!
Google lifts the veil on its Pixel 7
After numerous leaks, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have finally been officially presented by Google. These two new flagships, as one could imagine, should be excellent photophones and could be even more powerful than their predecessors thanks to the second generation SoC Tensor G2. From October 13, the Pixel 7 will be available in stores from 640 euros and you can get the Pro version from 899 euros.
Read: Official Pixel 7 and 7 Pro: Google unveils its new low-cost photo champions
Simpler logos for USB cables
Are you lost when we tell you about the different USB cables available on the market? Rest assured, the logos will change and soon you will be able to choose the right cable for your needs at a glance. Indeed, USB-IF President Jeff Ravencraft took advantage of an interview with The Verge to explain the organization’s decision to simplify the logos so that the consumer can easily understand the capabilities of each cable in terms of speed of transfer.
Read: USB will finally become more understandable, say goodbye to SuperSpeed
Audiences in free fall on TF1
Since Canal+ decided to stop broadcasting the channels of the TF1 group on its offer, front page audiences have plummeted. Indeed, the latest barometer from Médiamétrie reveals that front page lost 2.7% of audience share in September compared to last year. While the group’s various channels compensated with some fine performances such as the first episode of the “Les Combattantes” series or the return of Quotidien to TMC, the fact remains that this crisis is detrimental to the group.
Read: TF1: audiences drop to a record level after the crisis with Canal+
Towards much more efficient solar panels
It was in the Netherlands that a team of scientists managed to achieve the feat of exceeding the usual 30% efficiency with solar cells, thanks to a tandem composed of perovskite and silicon. This new type of solar cell could make it possible, in the future, to adopt solar energy in mass production while allowing a sharp drop in electricity costs for the consumer.
Read: Solar energy exceeds 30% efficiency, a historic breakthrough
PXW: a start-up that could save Huawei?
Since the implementation of the US embargo, Huawei has struggled to obtain enough components to build its devices. Fortunately for the firm, Pengxinwei IC Manufacturing Co., a start-up located in Shenzhen and specialized in the manufacture of chips, seems to want to supply the Chinese giant with components. It remains to be seen if the chips will be up to the job and if that will be enough for Huawei to circumvent against the American restrictions.
Read: Huawei may have found the solution to circumvent the US embargo
Our tests of the week
BMW IX1: a very attractive electric SUV
Besides the lack of adaptive cruise control as standard, the latest BMW iX1 has it all. This new 100% electric SUV adopts an elegant and compact sporty style and we were amazed by its very reasonable consumption. The little extra of this third generation model: BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display screens.
Read: Getting started with the BMW iX1, the 100% electric SUV that has it all
Xiaomi 12T Pro: a good power/price ratio
If you’re not looking for a great camera phone and you don’t care about the design, the Xiaomi 12T Pro could be a good option. The Chinese brand offers here an ultra powerful high-end smartphone, pleasant to use, for a price of less than 800 euros. Battery life is impressive, as is fast charging. We have seen great progress in the Xiaomi overlay, but we regret that there is still so much pre-installed and useless software.
Read: Xiaomi 12T Pro review: lots of compromises, but a convincing result
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: too few innovations
At that price, we expected big changes from the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Unfortunately, even though the iPhone 14 Pro Max is an excellent quality product, it does not bring anything revolutionary compared to its predecessor. We obviously love its photo part, its pretty design, the addition of Bluetooth 5.3 and the arrival of the LTPO to relieve the battery. We still regret the absence of a 3.5 jack port and full audio equalizer.
Read: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max test: too much extra cost for too wise improvements
