Google Pixel 5

Avid reviewers in Google Maps are dubbed “Local Guides” by the company, with the program featuring a points-based ranking system that provides various perks. The latest sees some Local Guides get 10% off the Pixel 5.

This year, Google’s flagship phone launched in the Asia-Pacific and Europe two weeks before US and Canadian availability. Ahead of the Thursday release stateside, the Google Store has started charging Pixel 5 buyers for their pre-orders and removed the ability to cancel.

In this week’s top stories: the Pixel 5 gets off to a rocky start with potential design flaws and an unexpected “flashing dot,” we share our thoughts on the new Chromecast with Google TV, the new Google Workspace icons begin appearing, and more.

For better or worse, the Pixel 5 is not like previous flagship Google smartphones. It’s a very different proposition for buyers as a result — but is it actually a good device?

The Google Pixel 5 has started shipping globally — sorry US — which is now putting the highly anticipated device in the palms of those that pre-ordered. It’s not a traditional “flagship” Made by Google phone, but the Pixel 5 does have a host of new features, and we’ve collated a top 10 of our favorites.

One of the Google Pixel 5 features that got a lot of acclaim in early reviews was Portrait Light, the ability to adjust the light source of a photo after it’s been taken. Now, before that phone is even released in the United States, the feature is already rolling out to older Pixel phones.

The Google Pixel 5 goes back to basics when it comes to its design, but it seems that’s not even free of potential issues. As some early buyers have shown, the Pixel 5 may have a problem where there’s a small gap between the display and the rest of the phone.

While North America has to wait, some European markets already have the Pixel 5 shipping out to those that have pre-ordered early. We’ve spent 24 hours with our own retail unit to give you some of our Pixel 5 first impressions.

Software is the best part of Google’s Pixel smartphones, and a lot of that comes down to simplicity. The Pixel Launcher, for example, is barebones but a pleasure to use. With the debut of the Pixel 5, though, Google is bringing an update to the Pixel Launcher that allows users to change the grid size.

Google’s Pixel 5 won’t be available in the US for a couple more weeks, but it will start arriving on doorsteps in other countries starting tomorrow. This morning, reviews of the new Pixel 5 have hit the web and, overall, they’re very positive. Here’s what people are saying.

The Google Pixel 5 is set to go on sale in some countries starting this week ahead of a US launch later in the month, and with it comes a new version of the Recorder app that debuted with Pixel 4 last year. Google Recorder 2.0 brings a handy new editing feature to the Pixel 5, but will also be available on older Pixel phones.

Wireless charging is one of the only things that sets the new Pixel 5 apart from its mid-range brethren, but that feature still hasn’t picked up any major upgrades. As revealed by the WPC this week, Google’s Pixel 5 only feature wireless charging that’s slightly faster than the Pixel 4.

While the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G aren’t set to launch until later this month, Google has begun sending its new phones to reviewers, who have been able to share videos of the unboxing process along with first impressions.

As with any Pixel announcement — including the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 — there was a clamor for new features and additions. Despite the Launch Night In unveiling, there haven’t been many devices out in the wild for people to sink their teeth into. However, the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G look like they could ship with some more new wallpapers to the table courtesy of the Google Wallpapers application.

While Google’s flagship phone shares the Pixel 4a’s design language, one key difference is the more uniform screen bezel. In fact, there’s no top grill as the Pixel 5 likely leverages an under-display speaker.

Google’s Pixel 5 is still a couple of weeks from its proper release, but some users have managed to get their hands on the phone a bit early. In another unboxing and first-look video, we get another peek at the Pixel 5 and its camera quality, as well as the reveal of a new “audio zoom” feature.

Unlike previous years’ Made by Google launch events, the Mountain View tech giant treated us to the very first “Launch Night In” — a livestream announcement of all of their latest and greatest hardware. There was a lot to talk about so we’ve decided to recap all of the Launch Night In additions to help streamline your thought process.

When Digital Wellbeing launched, it was initially used to manage how often people use their phones. However, it broadly applies to other aspects of life and technology. Google is now bringing Digital Wellbeing to the concept of face retouching in camera and photo apps, starting on the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G.