Latest news with #Superfans
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Invitation from Google hints at earlier than expected Pixel 10 release
Google used to release the latest Pixel models each October but this became a problem. With Apple launching its newest iPhone handsets each September, those looking for a new phone and blessed with having money in their pockets wouldn't feel like waiting for the new Pixel. They would see that there was a new iPhone available and would buy it. So Google decided to release last year's Pixel 9 series in August leapfrogging the release of the iPhone 16 series. Now, Google appears to be looking to move up the release of the Pixel 10 to late June or early July. Some Pixel Superfans have received an invitation to Pixel Penthouse. Google says that this is 2025's exclusive pre-launch event and that it will be attended by 25 "lucky" Superfans who will be allowed to get handsy with pre-release Pixel devices while also checking out new features. They will also receive what Google calls "Pixel-themed goodies." 25 lucky Pixel Superfans will get to go hands-on with new Pixel handsets and features late next month. | Image credit-Android Authority The event is taking place in London on June 27th and it will run for 90 minutes. The Superfans will also have the opportunity to sit in on a Q&A session with real-life Googlers. The Superfans who received the invite will need to answer some questions posed to them by Google to see if they are worthy enough to be one of the lucky 25 Superfans attending the Pixel Penthouse.R The questions are: What is your favorite Pixel feature and why? What does being a Pixel Superfan mean to you? When purchasing a Pixel what information or offers do you look for? When you receive your new Pixel, is there anything more that we could provide that would create more of a special moment when transferring to your new Pixel? Respond to the questions and submit the answers to Google. The winners will be announced on June 11th. To add some credence to the idea that Google will unveil and release the Pixel 10 earlier this year, Android 16 is expected to be released in early June which makes it quite likely that we will see the Pixel 10 hit the market in late June, or early July. The Pixel 10 series will be powered by the Tensor G5 which will be the first Tensor application processor (AP) made by TSMC instead of Samsung Foundry. It was also designed from scratch by Google getting rid of the Exynos base that all previous Tensor APs used. This should allow Google to design some exclusive features into the Tensor G5 which will be built by TSMC on its second-generation 3nm node (N3E). If you live in the U.S., you can try to be a Pixel Superfan by tapping on this link and filling out the form. You must be over 18 and not employed by Google or the government. And you cannot be a member of the press which probably explains why I've unfortunately never been able to join.
The Verge
3 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
May 30, 2025 at 5:55 PM EDT
Google is gearing up for its next round of Pixel launches. The company is giving 25 Pixel Superfans a chance to attend its pre-launch event in London on June 27th, according to a message sent to Superfans on Friday. At its 'Pixel Penthouse,' Google will offer up a sneak peek at its next-gen devices and features, which will likely include the Pixel 10 and maybe even its new buds, smartwatch, and tablet, too. Pixel Superfans invite hints at a shockingly early Pixel 10 launch [
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
The Pixel 10 lineup could launch sooner than we think thanks to a Google hint
In 2024, Google moved up its launch date for the Pixel 9 series from the usual October window to August. This year, an invite sent to members of the Google Pixel Superfans program hints at an even earlier look at the Pixel 10 lineup. The invite (spotted by Android Authority) was sent to the Superfans describing an event in late June where attendees will get a "sneak preview of our upcoming devices." Google's invitation asks Superfans to apply to win one of 25 slots to attend the event in London on June 27. The Superfans program is a free hype program set up by Google that Pixel owners can sign up for to get benefits and early news about Google's phones and wearables. No where does the company explicitly say the "Pixel 10" but it does say the "next Pixel line" and the header image shows a Pixel phone and watch. Unless Google has a surprise Pixel device launching soon, it's likely this will be a first look at the Pixel 10 series. As rule this year, Google has been pushing up release dates. Android 16 is also getting an earlier launch and the Pixel 9a debuted in March, way ahead of the May debut in 2024 of the Pixel 8a. So it's not out of the realm of possibility that Google is looking at a June or July release for the Pixel 10. Still, I am inclined to think July won't see a release since that will be it in direct competition with Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 phones. Samsung is also expected to release OneUI 8, its Android 16-based operating system, around that time. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Google has provided sneak peeks at hardware before, showing the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at Google I/O 2022 in May, ahead of the fall launch of those two phones. This could be another super early look for Pixel mega fans ahead of the new August launch window. We'll know a bit more closer to the end of June when the sneak preview takes place.
Axios
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
From Chicago to "Cheers": Remembering George Wendt's lasting legacy
George Wendt, star of stage and screen, passed away early Tuesday at the age of 76. The big picture: The star of television shows like " Cheers" and "Saturday Night Live" grew up in Beverly and carved out a successful career in Hollywood by playing into his Chicago roots. What they're saying:"He brought a uniquely Chicago sensibility to a national stage," Second City producer Kelly Leonard tells Axios. "Sure, it was a Boston bar, but that was a Chicago guy." " Generations of people understand how funny our city is because of people like George." Comedian and filmmaker Scott Goldstein agrees. "I loved George. He left Chicago over 40 years ago, but it never left him." Flashback: Wendt started his career improvising and performing in Second City revues in the 1970s. After he left town in 1980, he bounced around Los Angeles before he was hired to play the character Norm Peterson on a new NBC sitcom called "Cheers." The show was almost canceled after one season because of low ratings, but the network gave it another chance, and Wendt starred in 275 episodes. "Cheers" helped Wendt go from a working stage actor to a household name, landing him commercial gigs, movie roles and even a recurring guest stint on "SNL." He guest-starred in the famed "Superfans" sketch in 1991 alongside greats like Mike Myers, Robert Smigel and Chris Farley. Zoom out: Wendt fondly remembered his Chicago years, telling the Tribune in 1990 about the freedom of growing up in Beverly. "We could just jump on the Western Avenue bus and eventually be at Riverview — at Western and Belmont — without even having to ask our parents if we could go." "Or we could take a bus to 35th, and we'd be at Sox Park. We could hop on the Rock Island and go downtown and cavort around horrible tattoo parlors and try and peek into the burlesque houses." Wendt and his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, met in Chicago in 1976 and were married in 1978. They have lived together in the same L.A. house since 1985. He is survived by Birkett and their three children. Wendt is also the uncle of another former Chicago improviser, Jason Sudeikis. The intrigue: Wendt's death Tuesday coincided with the anniversary of the series finale of "Cheers," 32 years ago. The bottom line: Wendt may be most known as a Boston barfly, but he'll forever be a Chicago legend. Here are some reflections from Chicagoans on the passing of Wendt: Kelly Leonard, vice president of creative strategy, Second City: "George was brilliant and funny, but also like the best dude ever. I started Second City in 1988 as a dishwasher and George was the same way then as when I was running the place. He was such a generous person who always gave back every time we had an event. He was lovable and he also knew his stuff. He was deep. I'm just gonna miss all of that." BJ Jones, artistic director, Northlight Theatre:"It's a loss for all of us and an indelible memory in television history. But what most people don't realize is that he was a remarkable stage actor. Maybe the most underrated I've ever worked with and I did four shows with him, two world premieres. He even did Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" in Toronto. Most of all, I'm going to miss the monthly phone calls when we'd catch up on what's happening in the theater. A dedicated husband, father, artist and friend, he was a gift to us all." Susan Messing, Chicago actor:"Grounded, humble, hysterical and very kind. He treated everyone so well. He was very good to Michael and he extended that kindness to me. A mensch to the core." Marj Halperin, former head of the League of Chicago Theaters: "I'm stunned by the news of George Wendt's passing. George was very kind to me throughout my league years—did whatever I needed. Rest in good humor, George." Eric Spitznagel, Chicago-based writer and author: "The first celebrity interview I ever did was with George Wendt. I was working part-time at the Second City in 1991, just out of college, and trying my luck at journalism. I wanted to write a story for a local indie mag about 'funny fat guys,' and SC producer/den mother Joyce Sloane, who was ridiculously kind to so many of us, overheard me talking about it at the theater's front bar. 'You should talk to George Wendt,' she said. She picked up the bar phone, dialed a number, and then handed me the phone. 'This is George,' the voice said. 'Joyce said you want to ask me about being funny and fat. Whatcha wanna know, kid?' I was... not prepared. But like Joyce, he was so kind and patient and eager to help, and so much smarter than my stupid questions." Scott Goldstein, comedian and filmmaker:"I'm forever grateful that my last conversation with him was about the Southside Pope and I'm glad he got to see it happen. He was a smart, funny, kind man who always gave credit to the writers for those great 'Norm' one-liners, but he had the talent and the timing to nail each one of them." Katie Rich, former Second City Mainstage cast member:"Being a blue-collar gal from the South Side, I always felt like George was family even though I had never met him. One time, he and his Second City cast came by the Mainstage and I poured my heart out to him about how it had always been my dream to be at Second City, but I had done that, so what do I do NOW? And he just grabbed me and hugged me. He said, 'That's exactly how I felt. I was this kid from the South Side and all I wanted was Second City. Now what? And then I ended up on a bar stool with the best writers in the world. It'll work out for you, too.'"
Axios
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Chicago celebrates hometown pope with memes, Malört, deep dish jokes
Robert Prevost has been elected the first American pope in history, and Chicago is here for it. The big picture: When word came of Pope Leo XIV's Chicago roots, witty local comments flooded social media timelines, even from our elected leaders. "Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago," Mayor Brandon Johnson posted. The vibe: Jokesters quickly pointed to Chicago's famous "dems and dos" speech pattern, calling the new pope "Da Pope" and sharing memes of the "Superfans" sketch from "Saturday Night Live." Zoom in: Chicago, a historically Catholic city, didn't stop with references to Coach Ditka, George Wendt and Chris Farley. Here are some of the best early reactions: "Deep dish eucharist," Eion Higgins posted on Bluesky. "Finally Rome will have good pizza," Rory Cooper shared. "Cannot wait for holy water & wine to be replaced by Malort & Old Style," Shane Riordan mused. Our Axios colleague Alex Fitzpatrick thought along similar lines: "When does he start turning water into malort?" "Previously on Chicago Pope…" comedian Sandy Marshall joked, in reference to Dick Wolf's Chicago procedural television dramas. "Chicago Pope about to walk out to this," Kara Fagan posted with the intro video and song for the Chicago Bulls. "The new pope is a @Cubs fan which means he ironically hates the Cardinals," broadcaster Caitlin Hendrix posted. "The new Pope says he's from Chicago but he's *actually* from Naperville," broadcaster Mike Golic Jr. joked. "Would be great if he can do something about the construction on the Kennedy," Ben Wittenstein joked. "Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to know exactly what Dave Matthews did on Aug. 8, 2004," Mike Beauvais posted, cleverly referencing when Matthews' bus dumped waste onto a boat full of tourists on the Chicago River. "Payton, Jordan, Oprah, Ditka, Royko and now…God."
