Google Pixel 2

296 'Google Pixel 2' stories February 2017 - December 2017

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Google officially unveiled the Pixel 2 this morning but it was quickly overshadowed by the Pixel 2 XL. While the latter features many of the same features as the Pixel 2, this handset isn’t much of a step up compared to last year’s model. Here are the Google Pixel 2’s official specs…

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Full hardware specifications for Google’s Pixel 2:

Google Pixel 2	Specification
Android version	Android 8.0 Oreo w/ Google UI
Screen size	5-inch AMOLED
Resolution	1920×1080 pixels
PPI	441 ppi
Primary camera	12.2MP, f/1.8, 1.4μm pixels, OIS, EIS, PDAF, LDAF
Front camera	8MP, f/2.4, 1.4μm pixels, fixed focus
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Storage	64GB or 128GB
Expandable storage up to	N/A
RAM	4GB
Battery	2,700mAh (nonremovable)
Ports	USB Type-C
Weight	143 g
Dimensions	145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm
Other features	IP67 water and dust resistant, rear-facing fingerprint sensor, dual front-facing speakers, Bluetooth 5.0, Hi-Fi codecs, USB-PD, 18W rapid Charging
Color options	Kinda Blue, Just Black, Clearly White
Carrier availability	Shipping October 17
Base price off-contract	~$650
In-box accessories	TBD

Google Pixel 2’s AR Stickers launch today w/ ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Stranger Things’ content

Ben Schoon Dec 11 2017 - 9:00 am PT

The Google Pixel 2’s camera is second to none on the market today, and thanks to software updates it’s only getting better and better. Now, one of Google’s biggest camera features is officially launching with AR Stickers.

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Pixel 2 XL

Android 8.1 OTA adds HD Voice Calling for Pixel 2 XL devices on AT&T

Abner Li Dec 7 2017 - 2:05 pm PT

Besides addressing various bugs and issues, Android 8.1 adds a highly requested feature for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices on AT&T. This update, which is rolling out now, adds HD Voice Calling support for customers on the network.

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Review: Moshi’s USB-C digital audio adapter with charging is useful but also huge

Justin Duino Dec 7 2017 - 6:22 am PT

Despite mocking the iPhone last year over the lack of a headphone jack, Google decided to remove the 3.5mm port from its latest flagship smartphones. Because of this, users either have to convert to USB-C or Bluetooth headphones or use the included USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. But what if you want to charge and listen to music at the same time with wired headphones? Moshi has you covered, but it won’t come cheap…

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Google Play Services causing severe battery drain for some Pixel 2/XL users after Nov update

Ben Schoon Dec 1 2017 - 7:01 am PT

Pixel 2 XL

One of the main reasons I love Google’s Pixel 2 and specifically the Pixel 2 XL is the battery life. These phones have some serious endurance, but a recent update seems to have messed that up a bit.

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PSA: A fix for Google Pixel 2’s random rebooting problem in the works

Justin Duino Nov 28 2017 - 4:22 pm PT

Yesterday, yet another report was posted to Google’s product forums about the Pixel 2 and 2 XL randomly rebooting. While one user speculated that the problem had to do with the device’s LTE modem, Google had yet to give an official statement. Thankfully, the forum’s community manager has now commented to say that a fix is in the works and will be rolled out soon…

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How to enable the Pixel Visual Core’s HDR+ feature on Android 8.1

Justin Duino Nov 28 2017 - 2:06 pm PT

Shortly after the Pixel 2 was released, Google announced that its two new smartphones had a dedicated chip built-in that would be used to handle specialized processes like the camera app’s HDR+ image processing. Weirdly, though, Google didn’t turn on this Pixel Visual Core when it shipped its flagship devices. Now, with Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2, the Pixel Visual Core can be enabled. Here’s how…

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Android 8.1 DP2 fixes audio issues while recording video on Google Pixel 2/XL

Justin Duino Nov 27 2017 - 9:21 pm PT

As most know, the Pixel 2 and especially the Pixel 2 XL have been plagued with bugs and issues since being released back in October. Thankfully, Google isn’t ignoring customer complaints and has been working on fixes. According to several people running the second Developer Preview of Android 8.1, it appears that Google has rolled out a patch that addresses a weird microphone bug that created audio distortion when capturing video…

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Review: LifeProof’s Fre case adds weatherproofing to the Pixel 2, but that isn’t its best quality

Justin Duino Nov 27 2017 - 5:33 pm PT

For years, LifeProof cases have been the gold standard for making your smartphone water-resistant while also adding protection from drops and dings. But with most handsets now being water and dust resistant, are LifeProof’s Frē cases worth your money? While the flagship weatherproofing feature might not be as important these days, the Frē is still one of the best cases when adding 360-degree protection to your Pixel 2 while not adding too much bulk…

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Some Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners noticing random reboots, likely caused by LTE modem

Ben Schoon Nov 27 2017 - 11:34 am PT

Another day, another issue popping up with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Okay, not really, but it feels like that, right? Lately, a handful of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners have been noticing that their phones are randomly rebooting, and the cause is apparently tied to the LTE modem.

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Google Store Cyber Monday deals: Pixel 2 & 2 XL + $100 store credit, Pixelbook w/ free Home

Abner Li Nov 27 2017 - 8:25 am PT

Chrome OS

The Google Store rolled out a suite of deals on Black Friday, but on Cyber Monday announced a new set of offers on its most in-demand items. A Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL purchase nabs a Google Home Mini and $100 store credit. Meanwhile, the first Pixelbook offer throws in a Google Home.

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Project Fi extends $100 credit promo to Pixel XL, 2, 2 XL for Cyber Monday

Abner Li Nov 27 2017 - 7:41 am PT

As part of Black Friday last week, Project Fi launched a deal on the Android One Moto X4 that nabbed subscribers $100 worth of credit that goes towards their monthly bill. On Cyber Monday, the Google MVNO has extended this offer to the Pixel 2 line and last year’s Pixel XL.

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‘Smart Battery’ feature added to Google Pixel devices to more accurately predict battery life

Ben Schoon Nov 23 2017 - 9:11 am PT

Pixel 2 XL

I think it’s safe to say that one of the most important things in a phone is battery life. You can have the best phone in the world, but that means nothing if it can’t last a day. To help you better predict how your battery will perform throughout the day, Google is adding a new ‘smart battery’ feature to Pixel devices.

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Google has fixed Pixel 2 units with locked bootloaders, here’s how to get the option back

Ben Schoon Nov 22 2017 - 5:47 am PT

One of a few issues people have noticed with the smaller Google Pixel 2 is some units’ missing option to unlock the bootloader. While it’s not something that would annoy everyone, enthusiasts use this option quite often. Now, Google has fixed the problem, but you’ll need to factory reset to enable it.

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Review: Incipio’s ‘Made for Google’ cases are a perfect match for the Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL

Justin Duino Nov 21 2017 - 2:47 pm PT

There are a lot of cases on the market right now for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, with some of the best being a part of the Made for Google accessory program. But when it comes to the very best as far as looks, feel, and function, Incipio’s collection of cases are some of the best. Here are our favorites…

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Google Lens rollout in Assistant announced, coming soon to Pixel in six countries

Abner Li Nov 21 2017 - 2:16 pm PT

Over the weekend, several Pixel and Pixel 2 owners noticed that Google Lens was now available on their devices. Today, Google officially announced the rollout of visual search assistant and that it would be talking place over the coming weeks.

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Gmail 7.11 switches to light nav bar for Pixel, adds shortcuts to Google Calendar & Contacts

Abner Li Nov 20 2017 - 7:32 pm PT

In response to screen retention/burn-in issues on the Pixel 2 XL, Google announced last month that it would encourage developers to adopt a light navigation bar. Gmail with version 7.11 is the latest app to switch, while also adding shortcuts for Google Calendar and Contacts.

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Google fixes the Pixel 2’s buzzing sounds during calls, OTA coming soon

Ben Schoon Nov 20 2017 - 7:22 am PT

While Google’s larger Pixel 2 XL has seen several pretty big issues, the smaller Pixel 2 has been relatively clear of problems. One slightly annoying issue did pop up a couple weeks ago, however. Now, Google is pushing an update to fix that.

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Google Assistant can help troubleshoot problems with your Pixel 2

Ben Schoon Nov 16 2017 - 7:45 am PT

Google Assistant can do a lot of powerful things, and thanks to new gestures, it’s easier to get to than ever on the Pixel 2. Now, Google has quietly added a way to make troubleshooting your Pixel 2 easier with the help of the Assistant.

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Some Google Pixel 2 owners don’t have the option to unlock their bootloaders

Ben Schoon Nov 16 2017 - 6:49 am PT

Google’s smaller Pixel 2 has been free of a lot of the problems that have been plaguing the larger version, but it’s still had a few minor issues. Lately, a handful of Pixel 2 owners have been noticing that they don’t have the option to unlock the bootloader on their device.

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Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are in stock right now on the Google Store, minimal shipping delays

Abner Li Nov 15 2017 - 6:35 pm PT

Since their October launch, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have sporadically been in stock on the Google Store. This evening, 2017’s Made by Google phones in all unlocked configurations are available with not too outrageous ship dates.

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You can bring the Pixel 2’s always-on display to original Pixel and Nexus devices with this trick

Ben Schoon Nov 14 2017 - 7:33 am PT

Google’s Pixel 2 brings along a lot of useful software features, but one that’s easily forgotten is the always-on display. It’s a subtle thing, but useful nonetheless. Now, some clever developers have found a way to bring that feature to Google’s original Pixels, as well as some Nexus devices.

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Google opening API behind Pixel 2’s Driving DND mode for building better car experiences

Abner Li Nov 9 2017 - 4:50 pm PT

Pixel phones feature a host of customizations from Google that aim to optimize the user experience with useful features. On the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, one of these is a Driving Do-Not-Disturb mode. Google today detailed it and announced that the API powering it would be made available for other developers.

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Muted calls on Google Pixel 2, Galaxy S8, and Galaxy Note 8 fixed by blowing into the mic

Ben Schoon Nov 9 2017 - 6:04 am PT

While your phone does a million things, one of its core functions is still to make an actual phone call. Because of that, the microphones on your device are very important. Lately, a handful of Pixel 2, Galaxy S8, and even Galaxy Note 8 owners have noticed their mics being a bit quiet, and there’s a really simple fix for that…

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Free Google Home Mini promos are now available for Pixel 2/2 XL buyers

Justin Duino Nov 7 2017 - 7:10 pm PT

When Google unveiled the Pixel 2 and 2 XL, the company offered every customer who ordered one of the new smartphones during a promotional period a free Home Mini. If you’re someone who took advantage of this deal, check your email as the discount code is being sent out right now…

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