In an unexpected move, Nothing has unveiled an updated version of its Phone 2a, just a few months after the original model’s release in March. The new Phone 2a Plus offers a few noteworthy enhancements over its predecessor, while maintaining much of the same hardware and design.

Key Features and Improvements

• Upgraded Processor: The most significant change in the Phone 2a Plus is its new MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chip, which boasts a clock speed of 3.0GHz, compared to the original 2a’s Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro that maxed out at 2.8GHz.
• Enhanced Charging Speed: The wired charging capability has been slightly improved, with the 2a Plus supporting 50W charging, up from the 45W of the original model.

Unchanged Aspects

• Camera System: The camera setup remains the same as the original Phone 2a.
• Battery: No changes have been made to the battery specifications.
• Display and Design: The Phone 2a Plus features the same display and aesthetic design as its predecessor, maintaining the unique look that was praised in the original review.

Availability and Pricing

• US Market: The Phone 2a Plus will be available to US customers through Nothing’s beta program. However, only the gray version will be available, and it will not support true 5G connectivity on major US carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
• Price: Priced at $400, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
• Release Dates: Beta members in the US can order the phone starting August 3. UK residents can purchase it directly from Nothing on the same day. Global availability details are expected to be announced in September.

Upcoming Software Updates

Nothing OS 2.6: Alongside the hardware announcement, Nothing also shared insights about the forthcoming Nothing OS 2.6. The update will feature an improved Game Dashboard with new functionalities and the ability to block notifications from third-party apps.

The Phone 2a Plus represents a modest but meaningful upgrade, providing enhanced performance and faster charging while retaining the elements that made the original Phone 2a popular. As Nothing continues to refine its offerings, users can look forward to both hardware and software improvements designed to enhance the overall user experience.

As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its lifecycle, Nintendo has announced a new accessory for the hybrid console: a dedicated charging dock for Joy-Con controllers. This new charging station is set to launch in the fall, sparking speculation about its connection to the rumored Switch 2.

The “Joy-Con Charging Stand (Two-Way)” was revealed by Nintendo Europe on social media. The device resembles a Joy-Con grip with a USB-C port and a small platform for stability. Although the price is not yet disclosed, the charging stand will be available starting October 17.

Fans have mixed reactions to the announcement. Some believe the accessory should have been available years ago, while others joke about using it to fix Joy-Con drift issues. Modern consoles typically include controller charging accessories, so this addition seems overdue.

While the Switch’s docking station already charges Joy-Con controllers, the new stand offers convenience for multiplayer sessions and those who frequently swap out Joy-Con sets. The timing of this release aligns with the launch of games like Nintendo World Championships and Super Mario Party Jamboree, which are scheduled for the same day.

There’s also speculation that this new accessory hints at the upcoming Switch 2. Rumors suggest that the Switch 2 might feature magnetic strips on its sides, potentially preventing existing Joy-Con controllers from attaching directly. In such a scenario, a dedicated charging dock would be essential for older Joy-Con controllers.

Nintendo may reveal more about the Switch 2 in September, during their traditional end-of-year Direct. This would mirror the original Switch’s reveal in 2016, followed by its launch in the spring of 2017. Current rumors about the Switch 2’s specifications have already begun circulating, fueling anticipation among fans.

Sony has launched its 2024 collection of Bravia TVs, introducing enhanced technological features and a simplified naming strategy to ease customer experience. The new lineup includes several models, ranging from basic 4K LED TVs to advanced mini LED and OLED options, each tailored to different viewing preferences and budgets.

The entry-level Bravia 3, starting at $600, offers a standard 4K LED display with dynamic HDR and upscaling technology, capable of a 60Hz refresh rate. Available in sizes from 43 to 85 inches, this model is designed to consume 8% less power than its predecessor, making it an eco-friendlier choice for the cost-conscious consumer.

Progressing to the higher end, the Bravia 7, priced between $1,900 and $3,500, steps up with mini LED technology and an impressive 790% increase in dimming zones over last year’s model. This enhancement sharpens the contrast and precision of the display, supported by Sony’s Backlight Master Drive local dimming algorithm. The Bravia 7 also introduces a specific calibration mode optimized for Prime Video content, reflecting the growing trend of TVs tailored to streaming platforms.

For those preferring the pinnacle of color and contrast, the Bravia 8 offers Sony’s latest OLED technology, ensuring the deepest blacks and vibrant colors. This model is significantly slimmer than its predecessors, boasting a 31% reduction in thickness, which complements its sleek, minimal bezel design. The OLED lineup is available from $2,000 for the 55-inch model to $3,900 for the 75-inch version.

The flagship Bravia 9, ranging from $3,300 to $5,500, builds on the Bravia 7’s features with even greater enhancements. It claims a 50% increase in brightness and a 325% boost in dimming zones compared to last year’s X95L model, aiming to replicate the quality of a mastering monitor. Additionally, it incorporates new beam tweeters for superior audio and offers a 20% reduction in energy use.

With these updates, Sony aims to cater to a broad audience also sets a new standard in the television industry, offering a range of products that promise to enhance any home entertainment system.