Android fans could be in for a treat this week, with many expecting a new Pixel to be revealed by Google’s device team. Although the US technology giant is staying tight-lipped about an official launch event, it seems that something new is coming soon, and we might even see a grand unveiling tomorrow, March 19. That’s according to a report from Dealabs, who reckon the device will be available to pre-order as soon as this week.

So what might Google launch, and why will it be better than before?

All signs point to a new mid-range Pixel 9a call maker being shown to the world. An unveiling wouldn’t be a surprise, with Google often using the spring to release its more budget A-series of devices.

For example, the Pixel 8a and 7a were both announced in early May so, although this latest release would be earlier than before, it still fits in with Google’s usual launch cycle.

Whispers suggest the 9a will cost around £500 and come packed with upgrades such as a faster Tensor processor, better camera, a new look and improved AI software that should make it smarter than previous A phones.

Of course, the 9a won’t match the power or performance of the flagship Pixel 9 or 9 Pro, but it could be one to watch out for if your budget won’t stretch to a top-end phone. At its launch late last year, the 9 Pro was priced at £999 making it twice the price of the rumoured 9a.

We will hopefully find out full details, price and official specs soon but it seems Google has been beaten to punch when it comes to giving fans their first glimpse of this new call maker.

A video posted on YouTube by tech fan Sahil Karoul claims to show the 9a in all its glory with 10 minute clip even giving Android fans a full unboxing.

If real, the YouTube content shows a device with a dual-lens camera, colourful case, aluminium edges and a 6.3-inch screen.

Along with that video, top tech tipster Evan Blass has also posted photos of what appear to be official Google shots for the 9a.

The images show the Pixel 9a from several angles, though none of the display, instead focussing on a purple device as well as a black, white and pink version.

It looks like an exciting device for the price and hopefully we’ll bring you everything there is to know about it very soon.

If you have a Virgin Media TV box nestled under your telly then you could be set for your nightly watching for years to come, as the TV provider has announced a new deal with BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV.

Virgin said this deal means UKTV’s U streaming service will be available to all Virgin Media customers with the firm’s V6 set-top box, joining those customers with the Stream or Virgin TV 360 box that already have access.

The deal ensures Virgin Media TV customers will not lose access to the extremely popular U&GOLD (formerly UKTV Gold) and U&alibi channels, which air classic comedy such as Only Fools And Horses, Dad’s Army and the The Vicar of Dibley as well as dramas that include Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet, Hudson & Rex and The Red King.

Both UKTV’s U&GOLD and U&alibi are pay channel brands, but Virgin Media customers get access to the channels as part of their TV packages. UKTV’s free-to-air channels U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden remain accessible to all Virgin Media TV customers.

UKTV is owned by BBC Studios, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BBC. A recent rebranding has added the ‘U&’ branding to several UKTV channels, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels U&LAUGHS, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes and U&The Past that Virgin TV customers can also access.

“Providing our customers with access to the latest and greatest TV content sits at the heart of Virgin TV,” said David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2.

“From the launch of new FAST channels to offering access to apps and streaming platforms, we’re committed to curating the very best entertainment lineup for our customers to enjoy. This deal demonstrates the evolution of our fantastic partnership with UKTV and brings brilliant updates for our customers.”

Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV, said the deal marks the “next chapter” in UKTV’s partnership with Virgin Media.

“We are delighted to be expanding our offer for customers, complementing the brilliant channels and programming for which we are renowned with access to our U streaming app and growing suite of FAST channels.”

Virgin Media said UKTV has seen its U streaming service grow by 34 percent in 2024, with the available free content for viewers now sitting at 9,000 hours.

If you’ve got a Fitbit strapped to your wrist that’s feeling a little long in the tooth – or you’ve never had one but are interested in the benefits – then now could be the time to invest in something new. Amazon has slashed the prices of three of Fitbit’s newest smartwatches and trackers, all offering step tracking, heart rate sensors, vibrating alarms, notifications and multi-day battery life.

I wear a Fitbit Charge 6 every day to track my sleep and steps and find it blends quietly into my routine compared to a bulkier smartwatch that needs to be charged every day. I regularly get five or six days on a single charge from the, ahem, Charge 6, and now it’s on sale for 15 percent off at Amazon, down to £118.99.

That’s a solid price for a slim tracker that has in-built GPS tracking so you can track the routes of your outdoor runs and walks without taking your phone with you. And as Fitbit is owned by Google now, you can use Google Pay for contactless payments and even beam turn-by-turn directions from your phone to your wrist using Google Maps, handy if you’re cycling.

If the Charge 6 is still a little too pricey for your budget, then the Fitbit Inspire 3 is a similar product for a lot less. Amazon currently has it for just £59.99, a true bargain compared to its £84.99 RRP.

View the Fitbit sale on Amazon

You lose the Google Pay and Maps apps and there’s no built-in GPS, but otherwise the colour screen tracker can handle your steps, calories burned, heart rate and sleep and has the highest rated battery life of any Fitbit at up to ten days.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 and Charge 6 specifically are listed on Amazon as ‘limited time’ deals, so we don’t know how long these prices will be around for. But you don’t have to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to access the offers, which is a plus.

If you want a larger screen than either of these options then the Fitbit Versa 4 could be for you, and it’s now down to £129 from £179.99. It’s actually very similar to the Charge 6 but has different software because of the larger screen, so it’s the best choice if you want to have text and app notifications show up on your wrist because the text is much easier to read.

All three of these Fitbits are water resistant to 50 metres and benefit from unlockable features if you pay for Fitbit Premium, Fitbit’s £7.99 per month subscription. Luckily you can access most features for free, but paying gets your deeper data insights into metrics such as sleep and you can access guided video workouts in the Fitbit app for iPhone or Android.

The most premium Fitbit, the Fitbit Sense 2, isn’t officially on sale but Amazon is selling the device for £189, and it’s usually £219.99. It offers features geared towards stress management thanks to a skin temperature sensor that you can set to monitor ‘body responses’ 24/7. The software then alerts you to these changes so you can consider what is stressing you out.