Pocket-lint Daily - Pixel 7a hands-on photos & GM to use ChatGPT in cars

All the tech daily! By Rik Henderson | Monday March 13 2023 - If you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here](. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Instagram]( [Website](  Google Pixel 7a hands-on photos leak shows a familiar phone but with upgraded camera bar ZING NEWS What's happened? Hands-on images of an [alleged Google Pixel 7a]( have appeared online, showing a device not dissimilar to the existing Pixel 7. Why does it matter? We're not expecting the handset to launch until Google I/O in May at the earliest - possibly even beyond that. However, a device that's claimed to be a test model for developers has found its way into the wild in Vietnam, with multiple hands-on photos being taken before it was locked remotely by Google. What's my take? It might not be the final model and just a prototype for developers, but considering Google is said to have locked the device after learning about its use in the wild suggests it is the real deal. In all honesty, there's not a huge amount to learn from the hands-on images, save for the fact that it looks similar to the Pixel 7 and even last year's Pixel 6a. However, the camera band has reportedly been upgraded and we have no doubt that this more affordable Pixel phone will prove very popular on its release in a few months' time. One thing's for sure is that this won't be the last of the leaks and rumours on it we'll see and hear ahead of Google I/O.  General Motors wants to incorporate ChatGPT AI in future cars UDAYADITYA BARUA / UNSPLASH What's happened? General Motors is [considering employing ChatGPT AI services]( in its future vehicles. Its vice president of software, Scott Miller, believes that "ChatGPT is going to be in everything" eventually and his company clearly wants to be at the forefront of making cars smarter. Why does it matter? It has been revealed that GM is developing its own AI assistant using OpenAI's technology and Microsoft's Azure cloud service. It could enable drivers to simply ask the car what to do when there is a fault, and it will guide them through the process. The service could, in fact, replace owner manuals entirely. What's my take? There's definitely a change occuring in the automobile industry, with car manufacturers wanting to take control of the technology in their cars, not just the traditional elements. This might not be great news for Apple with its CarPlay, or Google and its Android Auto, but could mean in-car systems can be better tailored for specific vehicles. And, as there are plans to ditch mobile connectivity in favour of direct network connection, you won't be so reliant on your phone and its apps. One downside is that, once the manufacturers supply their own ecosystems, it follows that they'll lock many features behind subscriptions and paywalls. Some already do. So, when you buy a car in the near future, it's likely you'll also have to set aside a new monthly amount to benefit from some of the capabilities and functions you currently get for free.  Acer Chromebook Vero 514 review: An eco-friendly productivity machine POCKET-LINT What's happened? Acer's Chromebook 516 GE did a good job of bringing gaming to the Chromebook platform - albeit via subscription-based streaming services such as GeForce Now. Its Chromebook Vero 514 is a more conventional option that simply aims to provide a versatile 14-inch laptop at a competitive price. It succeeds on that score, with a smart, lightweight design, 12th gen Intel processor, and a lower price than the larger, 16-inch Chromebook 516 GE. Our quick verdict The Chromebook Vero 514 is a well-built and lightweight Chrome-based laptop that provides a versatile workhorse computer at a competitive price. It can handle a variety of routine tasks with no trouble at, and will certainly appeal to people who are fans of ChromeOS, or simply want to try an alternative to Windows for a change. [Read our review](.  In Case You Missed it Arlo Pro 5 moves to a 12-bit sensor and [here is why that's important](. --- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE confusion reigns - [will it ever happen](? --- There's a 30% discount on the Blink Video Doorbell right now, [priced at $34.99]( (was $49.99). That's a $15 price cut on the security camera, which can be wired or battery powered, with day and night video and two-way audio.  From The Gear Loop RAB The best Gore-Tex snow sports jackets: Piste-proof outerwear. [Read more](.  And finally... A24 Want to know where to watch the Oscar winners and nominees? Check out [our streaming guide right here](.  Have you checked out our weekly podcast that comes out every Friday? It's packed with news, interviews, and top things to get. You can subscribe to the Pocket-lint Podcast via [iTunes]( and [Spotify](,  or access it on the web via [Acast](. This week, the Pocket-lint Podcast talk about the devices and technology they saw in Barcelona during MWC 2023, including rollable phones and satellite communications. [Listen to the latest episode today.]( Thanks for reading - if you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( [The Trust Project] [Why you can trust Pocket-lint]( You are subscribed to this email as {EMAIL}. Click here to modify your [preferences]( or [unsubscribe](.