ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from LG's excellent new OLED TV to our Assassin's Creed Shadow review

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from LG's excellent new OLED TV to our Assassin's Creed Shadow review

  • 22.03.2025 09:40
  • techradar.com
  • Keywords: NoCompanies, NoImpact

The week featured major tech news including Google's Pixel 9a with design tweaks and a Tensor G4 chip, NVIDIA's AI robot Blue, Pebble's new smartwatches offering long battery life, LG's impressive C5 OLED TV, free Deep Research for Gemini users, positive reviews of Assassin's Creed: Shadows, and Lego's upcoming Pokémon collaboration.

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Context

Business Insights and Market Implications Analysis

1. Google Pixel 9a Launch

  • Design Update: Flatter sides, larger display (brighter), and rear camera modules.
  • Hardware: Tensor G4 chip for Google Gemini AI tools, larger battery.
  • Price: Same as predecessor but with no major differences from the Pixel 8a.
  • Market Impact: Targets budget smartphone market; potential competition with other brands like Samsung and Xiaomi.

2. NVIDIA & Disney's Blue AI Robot

  • Introduction: NVIDIA showcased an AI-powered robot (Blue) at GTC 2025, developed with Disney Research.
  • Capabilities: Advanced navigation and interaction, similar to Star Wars droids.
  • Market Implications: Potential breakthrough in humanoid robotics for entertainment, healthcare, and industrial applications.

3. Pebble's Core Devices Smartwatches

  • Products: Core 2 Duo (black-and-white MIP screen) and Core Time 2 (color touchscreen with heart rate monitor).
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 days, 40x longer than average smartwatches.
  • Market Strategy: Limited release with plans for expansion if successful; pre-orders available until July 2025.
  • Competitive Edge: Appeals to retro tech enthusiasts and niche markets.

4. LG C5 OLED TV

  • Features: Stunning picture quality, gaming performance, AI tools, and built-in sound.
  • Market Positioning: Priced higher than LG C4 but seen as a premium successor.
  • Competitive Landscape: Strengthens LG's position in the high-end TV market against Samsung and Sony.

5. Google Deep Research Free Access

  • Functionality: AI-powered research tool generating detailed reports from multiple sources.
  • Use Cases: Ideal for complex queries (e.g., "What percentage of dogs in the US are puppies?").
  • Market Impact: Free access could drive adoption, positioning Google as a leader in enterprise-grade AI tools.

6. Assassin's Creed Shadows Success

  • Game Features: Immersive open-world gameplay, fluid combat mechanics, and engaging exploration.
  • Reception: Critically acclaimed with over 40 hours of gameplay tested; main story minor weakness noted.
  • Market Impact: Boosts Ubisoft's reputation in gaming; highlights demand for high-quality RPG experiences.

7. Lego & Pokémon Partnership

  • Collaboration: Teaser reveals Pikachu-themed sets, timed for Pokémon's 30th anniversary (2026).
  • Potential Products: Over 1,000 species of Pokémon could inspire diverse Lego sets.
  • Market Appeal: Appeals to nostalgia-driven consumers and expands Lego's IP portfolio.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tech Innovation: NVIDIA's AI robot and Google's Deep Research highlight advancements in AI and robotics.
  • Consumer Demand: Strong reception for LG C5 TV, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Pebble smartwatches underscores demand for premium and niche products.
  • Market Expansion: Lego-Pokémon partnership taps into nostalgia-driven consumer trends, while Google Pixel 9a targets budget smartphone competition.
  • Strategic Moves: Free access to Deep Research positions Google as a leader in AI tools, potentially disrupting enterprise research workflows.