Scam calls are the bane of my life. Maybe it’s because of my unusual name, or maybe I need to be more careful with my online security. Either way, scammers are getting hold of my phone number with alarming frequency.

Google's finally taken the wraps off the Pixel 9a, its next midrange smartphone. On paper, it looks like a hell of a bargain: for $500, you get a Tensor G4 chipset, a comparatively huge 5,100 mAh battery, and a quality plastic and aluminum build.

For shoppers in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, the Pixel 9a hits retail shelves on April 10. A few days later on April 14, Pixel 9a sales expand to 23 European countries. Australians will be able to get their hands on the phone starting on April 16 along with customers in India, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia.