Google Pixel

Update: We’ve now been provided an additional image of the Pixel 2 shown in these photos, proving that the Pixel 2 in “Kinda Blue,” which was revealed in a press render, is this same device. It just so happens that the lighting for these photos was not that great. The headline has been updated to reflect this. Here’s the first real-life look at the bottom of the device. There is a case wrapped around the device that we blurred out (as in the above image) because it could potentially identify our source.

With the release of the second generation Pixel phones drawing ever nearer, there aren’t many details about the Mountain View company’s forthcoming flagship handsets that we haven’t heard already. But 9to5Google has now obtained some new images of the smaller non-XL model from a trusted source, alongside a few little tidbits about the phone that haven’t been reported up to now…

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One of the key parts of the Pixel experience last year was helping users switch from iPhones and other Android devices, with Google including a USB adaptor in the box to sync data during the initial set up process. That “Data Transfer Tool” hit the Play Store earlier this morning with a screenshot of a phone that very much looks like the Pixel 2.

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Earlier this morning, Verizon announced that it was rolling out Android Oreo to last year’s Pixel and Pixel XL. However, the release notes detailing the 8.0 update make reference to a feature that is not included in the current 8.0 build: Instant Apps integration for the Pixel Launcher.

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Just about a week ago, Google released the official factory images for Android 8.0 Oreo following the unveiling of its dessert name and statue. Eight days after that announcement, Verizon is already starting to push the 8.0 update to Pixel and Pixel XL handsets on its network.

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With Samsung announcing the Note 8 today and LG unveiling the V30 next week, the Google Pixel 2 is really the only other flagship that we are currently anticipating for the latter half of 2017. Thanks to a new leak, we might just know when Google’s latest and greatest will be officially shown off…

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Following Developer Preview 4 at the end of June, Google is now rolling out the final version of Android 8.0 Oreo. Unlike previous years where the release coincides with an OTA update for recent devices, Google is today only pushing the latest version of Android to AOSP for other manufacturers. However, Google does note that it plans to start rolling out to Pixel and Nexus devices soon.

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Over the past month, some Pixel users began noticing a transparent Google Feed to the left of their homescreen. Over the past few days, Google has been more widely rolling out the redesigned interface, with many users now seeing the new design this evening.

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Just like last year, Google released the first developer preview for its forthcoming major software update in the middle of spring — March, to be exact. Now, just about 5 months later, Android 8.0 (Oreo?) is finally nearing public release. According to some tweets from a pair of well-connected Android reporters, the specific day to mark on your calendar is August 21st.

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Project Fi, Google’s own mobile carrier, piggy backs on T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular networks to bring cheap data plans and an easy-to-use interface when dealing with data usage and bill payments. Its biggest downside, though, is the limited number of compatible phones.

Once several new phones are announced this fall, which device would you buy to use on Project Fi?

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I’ve had the privilege of testing out most flagship and mid-range Android phones over the last couple of years. While in the past I have always been partial to Nexus devices because of its “stock” Android, I always preferred other OEM’s hardware and features.

This all changed with the Google Pixel, the first phone which, at least for me, was the most ideal package of software and hardware Android has seen to date…

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Late last month, Google announced that Android O’s official launch is coming soon. In the meantime, the August security patch is now rolling out. It contains the usual minor bug fixes and security patches for current Pixel and Nexus devices.

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Cases aren’t for everyone. While protecting your investment is important, many just don’t want to lose the thin profile their phone has out of the box. With recent phone designs, though, scratches are incredibly easy. That’s where Peel cases come in. These ultra-thin cases protect from scratches without adding any bulk.

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Developers have long paid much closer attention to Apple’s platform due to the sole fact that people are more likely to fork over cash on an iPhone compared to most Android devices. Now, new data is showing that the gap is finally closing, at least on some devices.

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Hot on the heels of the leaked render of Google’s forthcoming Pixel XL 2 (or whatever it ends up being called), another report out of XDA is adding a few more details about the phone. The site claims the higher-end Pixel will have always-on ambient display features, a variety of use cases for the phone’s purported squeezable frame, a few different display profile options, and other miscellaneous features…

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Following a set of sketchy case leaks earlier today, the first big Pixel leak for 2017 has hit the web. In this first render, we get a look at the somewhat familiar design of the next phone as well as getting some new details on what Google has in mind for its 2017 flagship.

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As we get closer to the release of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, we’re unavoidably going to start hearing more rumors. While we’ve already heard some tidbits about each of the devices, we haven’t yet seen what they might look like. We’re now possibly one step closer to that, however, as a pair of purported cases for both the Pixel 2 and XL 2 have now leaked.

But as for the legitimacy of these cases, unfortunately, we’re leaning towards dubious at best.

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When Google unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL late last year, the company announced that the phone would, of course, be available in the typical black and silver colors. What surprised people was a bright blue variant that Google deemed “Really Blue.”

With the next generation of Pixel smartphones supposed to be announced in the coming months, what color do you really hope Google decides to ship the handsets in?

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The Google Pixel and Pixel XL do not take full advantage of their AMOLED panels. While there is an Ambient Display, other devices like the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 have long offered always on modes. Fortunately, Google appears to be working on such a feature for the Pixel according to code in the Android O Developer Preview.

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