Google Pixel

While the first beta of Google’s next mobile operating system is now available, Android 11 remains the stable release for the next few months. Google is rolling out the June security patch with a Feature Drop to the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 5 today.

The June update for Pixel phones is coming later than usual this month, but it does bring a Feature Drop that’s more packed than recent releases. Highlights include the ability to take Astrophotography time lapses and a Locked Folder for Google Photos, while several capabilities are now more widely available abroad.

Midway through March, Made by Google started the “Switch to the New Google Pixel” ad campaign. These videos posted to YouTube range from two to five minutes and match the process of setting up a new Pixel (from your old phone) with a random activity.

Sad as it is to say, people of color are often an afterthought when it comes to cameras and that includes even Google’s. This year, at I/O 2021, Google has announced an effort to create a more “accurate and inclusive” camera for Android smartphones.

First introduced with the Pixel 4 in 2019, Car Crash Detection can automatically call 911 if you’re in a vehicle accident. Google is now highlighting that safety feature, along with Live Caption, in a new True Pixel Story video series. 

Just last week we asked you, our readers, what Google Pixel device you are using daily, and we had what we would consider a massive response with almost 40,000 responses officially recorded.

We recently asked you just how often you upgrade your Google Pixel, with mixed results. However, we now want to know just which Google Pixel device you are currently using on a daily basis.

Google next month will stop providing unlimited free backup in Photos. Although existing Pixel phones are exempted, future devices — as of today — will miss out on a great perk that helps emphasize the camera. An update to Google Photos today reveals apparent work on a new “Storage saver” tier that will be “free and unlimited” for Pixel.

Ahead of the first Android 12 Beta later this month, Google is rolling out the May security patch to address bugs on the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 5.

Last week we asked you just how often you upgrade from one Google Pixel to another. It was a popular poll, with over 8,000 responses officially recorded — although many more left us a comment describing their process of upgrading from one device to another.

After Google confirmed the Pixel 5a 5G exists earlier this month, we revealed that the phone will be shipping with the same Snapdragon chipset that powers the Pixel 5a and the Pixel 4a 5G — the phone this device replaces. So, what might the Pixel 5a 5G bring to the table that’s new? Let’s discuss.

Following Black History Month and International Women’s Day, Google is introducing a handful of new Earth Day-themed Pixel wallpapers this week. 

Our colleagues over at 9to5Mac recently shared details of a report that suggests iPhone owners tend to hold onto their devices for on average three years. This got us thinking about how the supposed “iPhone of Android” fares. Do Google Pixel owners wait longer to upgrade or are you looking to get a new device when the newest Made by Google cohort joins the wider hardware family?

With a relative lull until the next wave of product launches, the Google Store is starting to show reviews and ratings. An early effort, it’s not clear where the reviews are being sourced from as you can’t leave them directly on the site.

The April security update is rolling out this morning, with the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G benefiting from a pair of camera and graphics performance enhancements. Older phones also get some functional fixes from this patch.

While not as packed as last month’s quiet Feature Drop, the April security patch is rolling out today to address bugs on the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 5.

This week we exclusively reported that the upcoming Google Pixel 6 would be the first smartphone from the company running on a custom-designed chipset currently know as “Whitechapel.” The move has major implications for the Pixel lineup as a whole, but why is Google doing it in the first place? Let’s take a look at the potential pros and cons.