Google Pixel

One of the best features of the Google Pixel, by a long shot, is the fantastic rear camera. The 12.3MP sensor is capable of taking some breathtaking pictures and some incredible video, however, it’s not perfect. We’ve already seen that the Pixel has some lens flare issues under certain lighting conditions, but now, some users are reporting some strange issues with the camera app.

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Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are wrapped, we’re starting to see some data roll in that shows the most popular purchases of the weekend. New data from Localytics shows that, in terms of smartphones, the Google Pixel beat out the iPhone 7 as the most popular purchase this weekend, but it’s not as simple as that…

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With initial Pixel pre-orders exceeding expectations and promising activation numbers from Verizon, Google is on track to sell three million phones with revenues of $2 billion in 2016. The Morgan Stanley estimate comes as the Pixel reportedly captured 10% of the premium smartphone market in India.

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Earlier this month, the Pixel and Pixel XL received their first update since launch in the form of the November security patch. Users of both devices on multiple Canadian carriers are now reporting receiving a further update that’s labeled as “Security Update + Bug Fixes” on one support site…

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Unlike with past releases, Google is actually pushing the Pixel to customers, and it’s pushing it hard. Ads air on TV seemingly every time you turn it on, and in the US, most of those ads pick up Verizon’s name at the end…

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If there’s one thing that’s undeniably true about the Pixel, it’s that it has a higher level of fit and finish than any Nexus smartphone — or maybe even perhaps Android smartphone — preceding it. A couple of ways this is most obvious is the phone’s collection of high-quality wallpapers, and its unique specially-designed sounds that are both distinctly Google-y and pleasing to the senses.

Today, Google has published an article on its Google Design blog explaining how the team used these seeming minor details to create an experience with the Pixel that’s “confidently minimal” and stays true to Google’s design principles of “simplicity, intelligence, customization, and trustworthiness.”

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Google has taken security pretty seriously on the Pixel and Pixel XL which includes file-based encryption. For consumers, this is great since it makes for a more secure device. However, for developers, it makes things a bit complicated.

For anyone looking to flash ROMs, file-based encryption poses a challenge to installing a custom recovery. However, after some work was done to get around that, some developers have been able to get the popular custom recovery, TWRP, working on both Pixels.

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After the success with the Nexus 6P in 2015, many assumed that Huawei would jump on the chance to build the next Nexus device, which later turned out to be the Pixel. However, as previous reports have stated, Huawei skipped that chance due to conflicts with Google, specifically with the branding.

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Along with third-party case makers, Google has slowly been releasing official case options through the Google Store for the Pixel and Pixel XL. Now, Google has added four more options for Pixel and Pixel XL users.

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Google’s latest Pixel smartphone has been hacked by a team of hackers at the PWNFEST event. The Qihoo 360 team was able to demonstrate the ability to achieve remote code execution to win a $120k prize.

The exploit launched the Google Play store before opening Chrome and displaying a web page reading ‘Pwned By 360 Alpha Team’ … 

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Google’s new Pixel smartphones feature compatibility with the new, faster AWS frequencies, specifically Band 4 which is commonly used in North and South America. Several readers from Android Police, members of MobileSyrup, and multiple users in Google’s own forums are reporting issues connecting to Band 4 LTE.

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We took an in-depth look at the Google Pixel last month, but something you might not have known was that around that time I also went ahead and ordered a Google Pixel XL “Places” Live Case from the Google Store. Today that case arrived at my doorstep, and it being my first Live Case — I didn’t grab one for the Nexus 6P/5X — I thought I’d share a few thoughts…

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Google’s “Live Cases” debuted on the Nexus 5X and 6P, since expanding to the Pixel and Pixel XL. To date, we’ve seen three main options for these customizable cases ─ photos, places, and artwork. However, it seems Verizon has jumped the gun a bit, showing us two new Live Cases that have yet to be announced.

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While designed by Google, the Pixel and Pixel XL share more than a few similarities with current HTC devices. Besides appearance, it turns out the screen of both phones can be turned on/off when used with cases that feature embedded magnets in the cover…

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It’s the first Monday of the month, and that means it’s time for Google’s monthly slew of security patches. This month is also the first with the Pixel smartphones included. Updates are available now for both Nexus and Pixel owners running 7.0 and 7.1.

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Compared to previous Nexus generations, Google and its carrier partners are doing significantly more advertising around the Pixel and Pixel XL. Both have better adoption than last year’s phone according to mobile marketing firm Appboy, but rates could be higher if it were not for constrained supply.

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Google’s new Pixel phones come in two sizes, 5-inch and 5.5-inch. Aside from the size, there aren’t many differences between the two phones. The Pixel has a 1080p display, the XL has QHD. The Pixel has a 2,770 mAh battery, the XL has a 3,450 mAh battery. However, it seems like there’s one other difference which Google neglected to tell anyone about…

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