Google Pixel

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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Google’s Pixel smartphones support a handful of features that the Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X don’t. Why not? According to Google, the hardware doesn’t support at least some of them — namely Night Light and Fingerprint “Moves.” Google confirmed outright last month that the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X physically couldn’t support fingerprint gestures since they require the new fingerprint sensor…

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Feature Request is a 9to5Google series where authors offer their opinion on how to improve popular hardware or software products.

One feature we’ve seen floating around the Android space for the past year or so ─ most recently on Google’s Pixel smartphones ─ is fingerprint quick actions. Since picking up my Pixel, I’ve been heavily using that feature to access my notifications and quick settings, and it’s great, but I feel it could be more useful if it had a few more tricks. Let me explain…

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Last week T-Mobile announced a fantastic new offer for Pixel owners — bring the phone to T-Mobile, get half off the price of a base model Pixel. However, there was one big caveat, you had to use T-Mobile ONE.

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