Google’s new model of the Pixel A-series budget phones is likely to be released in May, according to FCC listings first spotted by MySmartPrice. The documents described features we’ll likely see in future Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6a, the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. At least one of the 6a models will support mmWave 5G (also known as high-band 5G), which would likely make it one of the more affordable options for 5G phones in the market.

The timing of the documents — as DroidLife pointed out — suggests that Google will release the 6a at its I/O developer conference this year, which starts on May 11th. FCC rules require certain kinds of equipment to be tested and approved before they can be released in the US market. Given that Google filed its equipment authorization documents for the 5a in July 2021 (a month before its release), we can expect similar timing with the 6a. The new phone (unlike the 5a, which was only available in the US and Japan) is also likely to be released in multiple countries. Since different countries use different network bands, smartphone makers usually submit documents for multiple models in such cases.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Pixel 5a, the $449 phone had a quiet release in August 2021 due to the pandemic. Google then released the Pixel 6 later that year, which in our review we praised for its clever AI improvements and excellent camera. The 6a will likely contain the same AI features, thanks to Google’s new Tensor mobile chip. According to renders viewed by 9to5Google, the 6a will contain the same camera as the 5a. If you were looking forward to more advanced photography modes, this is worth keeping in mind. But if you’re looking for a fast, AI-enabled 5G smartphone in an affordable package, the upcoming Pixel 6a seems like a solid choice.

Critcs have accused Chinese government of blatantly violating Hong Kong’s rights

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Hong Kong Thursday, prompting a massive security effort ahead of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city's handover to communist China.

The gruesome killing of a Hindu tailor has inflamed religious tensions in India and sparked a furious response on social media, including calls for reprisal attacks against the country's Muslim minority.

John Lee, a former beat cop who became Hong Kong's security chief and played a key role in suppressing democracy protests, became the business hub's new leader on Friday in a ceremony overseen by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Death toll expected to rise as at least 50 people still missing on second day of rescue operations

At least nine Sudanese demonstrators were killed Thursday as security forces sought to quash mass rallies of protesters demanding an end to military rule, pro-democracy medics said.

India has imposed windfall tax on oil producers and refiners who have boosted product exports to gain from higher overseas margins as the government seeks to increase local supply of fuels to meet rising demand and increase federal revenues. New taxes along with export restrictions will curb fuel exports by refiners Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, part-owned by Russia's Rosneft, and could further tighten global oil product supplies and support prices.

Singaporeans should not get worked up over comments made by former two-time Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, said Singapore's defence minister Ng Eng Hen on Thursday (30 June).

Garbage be gone: California Thursday passed an ambitious law mandating reduction of non-recyclable plastic by at least 30 percent in six years, while also placing responsibility on producers.

Erik ten Hag's reputation may be enough to convince top players to join Manchester United, but it's still a long road back to glory, says Neil Humphreys.

Astronauts lose decades' worth of bone mass in space that many do not recover even after a year back on Earth, researchers said Thursday, warning that it could be a "big concern" for future missions to Mars.

Eight teams remain in Wild Rift Icons, four of which are from the Chinese league. Here's our take on each of the remaining teams and their potential.

Dialogue between Myanmar's junta and ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the bloody crisis unleashed by the toppling of her government last year is "not impossible", a junta spokesman told AFP on Friday.

Malta's health minister said Thursday he had ordered a review of how the country's abortion ban was applied, after the treatment of a pregnant American tourist sparked headlines worldwide.

Japan's energy "interests must not be undermined", Tokyo said Friday, after Moscow issued a decree transferring operations of a key oil and gas project to a new Russian company.

The operator was awarded a Type 2 "sandbox" licence, valid for up to one year, after which it will have to apply for a Type 1 full licence to operate with a larger fleet of bicycles.

Dennis Morris was the official Sex Pistols photographer, taking some of the most iconic images of the 1970s punk trailblazers.

Controversial former Wallaby Israel Folau declared Thursday it was "awesome" to be ending a four-year Test rugby exile by making his debut for Tonga against Fiji at Saturday.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated China's President Xi Jinping on the 25th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the mainland.

Thousands of people protested in the Indian city of Udaipur on Thursday following the murder of a Hindu tailor, with many calling for the two Muslim men accused of killing him to get the death penalty.