The benefit of buying a Google Nexus—now Pixel—device has always been that they are usually the first to receive major Android OS updates. Google said as much as its Tuesday event, promising Pixel upgrades as soon as they are available, downloaded in the background. If you buy your Pixel through Verizon, however, it might be business as usual when it comes to Android updates. A Google spokesman confirmed to PCMag that Verizon will handle Android update rollouts for Pixel phones on its network. "Monthly security updates will come from Google (for all models), and system updates will be managed by Verizon for Verizon models, and Google for unlocked models bought from Google Store," the company said. Last year, in the wake of the Stagefright bug, Google announced that it would roll out monthly security updates for Nexus devices. It appears that will continue with the Pixel, even for Verizon devices, but when it comes to OS updates, rollout schedules will be Verizon's call. … [Read more...] about Verizon to Handle Android Updates for its Google Pixels
Google pixel unlocked 2
From the Editor’s Desk: Google’s best phone of 2019
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more. It's exactly what you think Daniel Bader 8 Dec 2019 0 Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central Every year around this time, the internet is inundated with roundups. Lists of the best movies, albums, TV shows, and books are everywhere, and people can't wait to catch up on all the award-winning titles they missed or overlooked when the weather was warm. In the tech world, things are a bit different. Most people don't consume phones the way they consume TV shows (though I know a bunch of our most loyal readers would beg to differ), but that doesn't stop people from passing judgment on those products, often without using them. There were two products released this year, though, that received almost universal acclaim: the OnePlus 7T and the Pixel 3a. In fact, both were almost unanimously picked to be the best phone and the best value phone of 2019 respectively, and everyone I've spoken to who bought one of them … [Read more...] about From the Editor’s Desk: Google’s best phone of 2019
Why the Google Pixel Won’t Be a Game Changer
UPDATE, Afternoon 10/5: A few hours after I wrote the apology below, David Ruddock from Android Police said Google confirmed to him that HTC was, in fact, involved in the design of the device, contrary to reports from yesterday that HTC was a mere manufacturing partner for a Google-designed phone: @saschasegan @iansltx yeah I'd say that if that's the quote, they're not being accurate. HTC's role was not strictly in being a factory. — David Ruddock (@RDR0b11) October 5, 2016 I'm confused at this point, and as Google doesn't talk to me, I'm just passing along what I hear. I'm going to close this thread and move on to more important questions, like reviewing what looks to be a really nice Android phone, when we get it. UPDATE, Morning 10/5: I got this one wrong, and I'd like to apologize. I based my column on leaks and public documents available before the launch, which showed the Pixel to be an HTC product, but I learned after the launch that the extent of Google's involvement was … [Read more...] about Why the Google Pixel Won’t Be a Game Changer
Black Friday Pixel 4 deals are already discounting the phone by $400
Google's flagship Pixel 4 smartphone is just two weeks old, and we're already getting word of substantial discounts. Black Friday deals on the brand-new phone are starting to come in, and so far the high mark is $400 off the device. The biggest deal comes from Best Buy, which has already posted its Black Friday deals. The store is offering $400 off a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, provided you activate it (presumably on a contract) with Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T. That's half off the Pixel 4's $799 price tag. If you'd rather go the unlocked route, Best Buy is offering $200 off an unlocked Pixel 4 or 4XL. Both of these deals have "terms and conditions" that apply, but it doesn't look like Best Buy has posted the details yet. Further ReadingPixel 4 hands-on—Thumbs up for 90Hz, thumbs down for Project SoliIt sounds like the Pixel 4 will be discounted everywhere for the holiday season. Target is offering a $300 gift card with the "qualified activation" of a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL. According … [Read more...] about Black Friday Pixel 4 deals are already discounting the phone by $400
Google Glass Explorer Edition Set to Retire in 2020
Consumers with the Explorer Edition of Glass should be prepared for the end. Its capabilities are set to be limited early next year as Google rolls out a final software update, according to Android Police. Be sure to grab the software update before late February. Google will let Explorer Edition owners download and install it until early 2022, but the software update is required to continue using the headset as logins will be disabled on February 25, 2020. If you're already logged in and don't update Glass, just expect to lose access to backend services like everyone else. Apps such as Gmail, Hangouts, and YouTube drop functionality after the software update or when the deadline hits, whichever comes first. The limited capabilities will include taking photos and recording videos, and users can still sideload third-party apps. Needless to say, it's the end of the road for the Explorer Edition. "After February 25, 2020, this update removes the need and ability to use your Google account … [Read more...] about Google Glass Explorer Edition Set to Retire in 2020