TechDroider: Pixel-XL

Google accidentally releases confidential test build of May 2017 security update to Pixel XL

Google accidentally releases confidential test build of May 2017 security update to Pixel XL
Google's Pixel XL users are reportedly getting "Confidential Internal Only" OTA with May 2017 security patch on their devices. The size of the software was just over 62MB in file size and was meant to hit the devices in May.

The screenshot below clearly states that the software update was for Googlers-only, who test the upcoming software updates for Google devices. The screenshot also mentions that the Google employees are not allowed to "discuss or comment" externally regarding the Confidential Internal Only OTA(s).

The update doesn't seem to bring any visible changes or new features. The update comes with build no. N2G470. Like every other security patch update, Google is expected to roll out the May, 2017 security patch to Pixel and Nexus devices on the first Monday of the month.

Via: AndroidPolice

[Download] Android O Preview Images for Pixel/ XL, Nexus 5X, 6P, Player, and Pixel C

Download Android O Preview Images for Pixel/ XL, Nexus 5X, 6P, Player, and Pixel C

Android O was surprisingly announced yesterday with tons of new features. The latest OS's Developer preview is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, the official Android Emulator, and you also get an emulator for testing Android Wear 2.0 on Android O.

Also Read: Google announces Android O: Here's what's new


Download the Android O developer preview firmware images for the Pixel and Nexus devices from the direct link below:

Note that these are strictly development images and they could be very buggy and unstable, and are not suitable for daily use.

You can find the complete instructions of "How to flash a Factory Image" Here

Google Assistant gets Payments Support

Google Assistant gets Payments Support

Google Assistant, the personal digital assistant exclusive to Pixel phones is now getting a new update which adds new Payments option that allows users to add credit card and personal information for future purchases.





According to 9to5google, the rollout of this new update started on Wednesday evening and is available for few Google Pixel users.


Tapping up the Payment option will start a tutorial explaining how you can set up your payments and delivery info for all kinds of purchases. You can also disable the option through unchecking "Pay through your Assistant" option.


Screenshots:



But, there is no timeline on when the feature will fully roll out to public, but this is a much-needed addition for several people out there.


Source: 9to5Google | Via: AndroidHeadlines

Toast's Wood Cover For The Google Pixel is Simply Sublime

Toast's Wood Case For The Google Pixel is Simply Sublime


Google's Pixel and Pixel XL are one of the best Android Smartphone you can buy out there. Both of the devices come in three different color choices Very Silver, Really Blue, and Quite Black.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL look stunning in the stock colors, but one can make it more stylish by adding Real wood-made cover.



U.S. company Toast offers wrap cover for both the standard, 5-inch Pixel, as well as the larger Pixel XL. You’ll be able to skin the front, back, glass, and logo on the Pixel with a variety of different options including walnut, ash or ebony. The kit costs $44, you can also select catchy etchings, custom text for $5 extra.

Buy Here


Toast's Wood Case For The Google Pixel is Simply Sublime

February security patch coming to Google Pixel and Nexus 6P on February 6

February security patch coming to Google Pixel and Nexus 6P on February 6


Telus, Canada's mobile operator has updated its software update schedule list revealing the February security patch update Release Date.




As listed, February security patch for Pixel, Pixel XL and Nexus 6P will begin rolling out from February 6. There's no information regarding the release date of this month's security patch for the Nexus 5X, However, it is likely to get the new update along with above mentioned devices.

Last week, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Nougat Beta for the Pixel and Nexus devices. So, those who are running Android 7.1.2 Beta will not be able to receive February security patch update via OTA.


Source: Telus | Via: Phonearena

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

Last year, Google gave us the first two Pixel Smartphones i.e. Pixel with 5" Display and Pixel XL with 5.5" Display, with some extra Artificial intelligence in the form of the fledgling Google Assistant. 

Both Google Pixel and Pixel XL were great devices but things like water resistance and an orignal design were left out because they ran out of time. For 2017, Google has already decided and is all set to really show their vision for the highest-end Android phones. 



Also Read: Google Pixel 2: What Features to Expect

Now, Designer Milineam N from behance has come up with an exciting new concept of Google's next flagship. Take a look-


What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

This new concept shows 2017 Google's Phone with a all-glass back and a metal uni-body structure. 

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

To the back, we have a centered sensors and dual microphone followed by Camera and fingerprint sensor. You will find Google's "G" logo at the bottom.


What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?

What do you think about this Google Pixel 2 concept?
If this goes real, will you buy it? Share your thoughts below! 

Source:- Behance

Google Pixel 2: What Features to Expect

Google Pixel 2: What Features to Expect


Last year, Google gave us the first two Pixel Smartphones i.e. Pixel with 5" Display and Pixel XL with 5.5" Display, with some extra Artificial intelligence in the form of the fledgling Google Assistant. 

Both Google Pixel and Pixel XL were great devices but things like water resistance and an orignal design were left out because they ran out of time.

For 2017, Google has already decided and is all set to really show their vision for the highest-end Android phones. 




Here are Some expected features of Google Pixel 2nd Generation (AKA Google Pixel 2017) -




Snapdragon 835 processor - Qualcomm has already announced it's top-tier mobile processor which will be powering flagship devices this year including the Note 8, S8 and 2017 Google Pixel Devices.

Dual Camera - Google Pixel and Pixel XL are probably the best Camera Smartphones of the year 2016. In 2017 Google might implement dual-camera setup to make Google Pixel 2nd Generation the best Camera smartphone.

QHD Display - Google might upgrade the Pixel smartphone display from 1080 x 1920p to 1440 x 2560p, making the display at level with the Pixel XL.



Water Resistant - 2016 Google Pixel were not Water resistant, but in 2017 Google wants your phone to be there for you, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Water resistant feature will keep your Google Pixel phone safe from splashes and drops in water. 

What features you expect in 2017 Google Pixel Phones? Share your thoughts below!

January’s factory images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

January’s factory images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices


Google's January 2017 Security patches and updates are now available for Supported Nexus Smartphones and Pixel Devices.

The new build no. are as follows-

Pixel and Pixel XL (NMF26U, NMF26V), 
Pixel C (N4F26I), 
Nexus 6P (N4F26I, N4F26J), 
Nexus 5X (N4F26I), 
Nexus Player (NMF26R), 
and Nexus 9 (N4F26M).






You can download the factory images and OTA files from the below link-


Factory Images | OTA Files



January’s Android security update for Google Pixel will go live next week!

January’s Android security update for Google Pixel will go live next week!


Google is all set to release latest Android Security update for Google Pixel and Pixel XL next week.

Support pages on Verizon Wireless show that the upcoming Android Update for Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones could go live on Tuesday, January 3.



According to Verizon Wireless Support pages shows that the build no. of new software update will be NMF26U and the same will contain latest January Security patch.

Via:- AndroidAuthority | Source: Verizon

Some Google Pixel and Nexus 6P are Shutting Down at Early Battery Percentages



Google Pixel is probably one of the best Android Smartphone of the year 2016. The smartphone received a ton of praise and at the same time some criticize due to its software and hardware issues.

It seems that after Google's latest Android Software update, Some Nexus 6P and Pixel users are facing an early battery shutdowns at 30% or so.



As reported by VentureBeat, both Google and Huawei are investigating Nexus 6P premature shutdown issues. 

Well, it looks like the issue isn’t unique to those Nexus 6P users. A few Reddit users are reporting that their Pixel Smartphone are also suffering from the same shutdown bug.


My Google Pixel (32 GB), less than a month old is facing worrisome battery issues. Twice in last 5 days, has the phone shutdown abruptly while I am in middle of something. In both instances, battery was between 25-35%, and the phone under normal conditions should have lasted for at least next 3-4 hours.
It seems that this issue mainly occurs when battery levels are around 30% remaining.



We have yet to know what is the actual cause of this issue. It seems that this issue is'nt hardware related, but rather something in Android Nougat Update since both the Pixel and Nexus 6P have been recently affected.

Via:- 9to5Google

Google giving away mini sweaters for your Pixel in NYC

Google giving away mini sweaters for your Pixel in NYC



Google Pixel owners who are in New York City can have a free mini sweater for their Smartphone and, just maybe, for you as well.

All you have to do is just visit Made By Google pop-up store location on Mercer Street at Spring in SoHo, wait in line with your Pixel, and Google will let you spin a prize wheel.


Spinning the wheel will let you have the opportunity to take home a sweater-shaped cookie, a Pixel-sized sweater, a human-sized sweater, a Pixel phone, or a combo of all these items.

"If you visit the Pixel Sweater activation from noon-6pm any day from 12/17-12/23 (Friday to December 23) you'll have the opportunity to take home a sweater-shaped cookie, a Pixel-sized sweater, a human-sized sweater, a Pixel phone, or a combo of all these items."

Google giving away mini sweaters for your Pixel in NYC



Via:- AndroidPolice

Google Pixel and Pixel XL Silicone Cases Now Available In New Colors

Google Pixel and Pixel XL Silicone Cases Now Available In New Colors


Google has announced four additional colors for their microfiber-lined silicone case which is now available for Pixel and Pixel XL.

The microfiber-lined silicone case has been available in Gray color variant only but is now available in multiple bright colors including Blue, Green, Peach, & Coral.



These cases cost $35 and comes with a "Case by Google" label. There's also a Google's "G" branding at the back of these cases.

You can Grab these cases for your Pixel or Pixel XL from Google Store

Pixel XL's back in stock on the Google Store (Including Really Blue)

Pixel XL back in stock on the Google Store


I’ll keep this short as to not waste time, but Google's Pixel XL (including Really Blue) is now available on the Google Store.

Google Store Link


Android 7.1.1 brings VoLTE support to Pixel and Pixel XL, leaves Nexus 6P behind!

Android 7.1.1 brings VoLTE support to Pixel and Pixel XL, leaves Nexus 6P behind!


This week, Google launched the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat update for Supported Pixel and Nexus Devices. Along with new sweet features, Android 7.1.1 Nougat update also brought the much-requested VoLTE support for the Pixel and Pixel XL in India.


After updating to Android 7.1.1, Pixel user needs to enable Enhanced 4G LTE Mode in-order to Use LTE services to improve voice and other communications.

But, Where's VoLTE for Nexus 6P? Even after Android 7.1.1 update Nexus 6P doesn't get VoLTE support for Reliance Jio. 

Reliance Jio has already acquired over 50 million subscribers and most of the 4G smartphone supports VoLTE in India (Even the Nexus 5x, when compared to Nexus 6P).



Google needs to push an update ASPA to enable VoLTE support for Nexus 6P.

Google Pixel: Android 7.1.1 Update adds Double Tap and Lift To Wake

Update(December 6):- Android 7.1.1 contains the new moves for Pixel and Pixel XL


November 22-



It seems that All Google Pixel users from Canada is getting a new Software update, which includes security update, bug fixes and two new "Moves".

The two new "Moves" includes, Double-tap to check phone and Lift to check phone (Just like Moto Display). 



The update costs 261MB and has a build no. NPF26J. This seems to be an experimental update and will be rolled out globally very soon.


New Pixel Update adds Double Tap and Lift To Wake

Via:- Reddit | Google Plus

Android 7.1.1 Nougat now Available for Pixel/XL, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player and Pixel C

Android 7.1.1 Nougat now Available for Pixel/XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C



Android 7.1.1 Nougat is now Available for Pixel/ Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player and Pixel C | Download the OTA, Factory Images here!


Android 7.1.1 Nougat is finally available for Supported Nexus Smartphones, Pixel C and Google Pixel and Pixel XL.

The latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat firmware comes with December Security patch and bugs fixes. Verizon has already provided a changelog of this update for Pixel Phones.



The new Android 7.1.1 Developer has build NMF26O for Pixel and Pixel XL, NMF26F for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X and NPF26H for the Pixel C, NMF26J for Nexus Player , and Nexus 9 has NMF26F 

You can download the Factory Images and OTA .zip from the link below.

Download:- Factory Images | OTA

[Update] Verizon to release new updates for Pixel and Pixel XL Today with Build NMF26O

Verizon to release new updates for Pixel and Pixel XL Today with Build NMF26O


As tipped earlier by Rogers that the Android 7.1.1 update would go live for Pixel, Pixel XL and Nexus 6P on December 5. Well, It seems that the Canadian operator was right about roll-out date, at least about Pixels. 

According to Verizon, Pixel and Pixel XL users can expect an new update today with a build no. NMF26O. The update will probably feature December Security patch, bunch of fixes and improvements. We still don't know whether the update is an incremental update from 7.1 to 7.1.1 or not.




Here's the full Changelog by Verizon-




This update fixes these issues:
  • Customers couldn't retrieve their Visual Voicemail messages and were getting an error 9999 in some areas.
  • Voicemail icon notification was not displaying when a new voicemail message was received.
  • Device stopped playing voicemail messages over Bluetooth® after the screen timed out.
  • Device occasionally went to blue screen during an inbound call.
  • Email font was too small.
  • Text was garbled on the call screen/dialer and the text was corrupted on the Recent Calls and contact list screens.
This update improves:
  • You can now choose Cellular or Wi-Fi as your preferred way of calling while roaming internationally.
  • Latest Android™ security patches.

Update:- Factory Images are available now, Grab them here



Source:- Verizon | Via:- DroidLife

Some Google Pixel Phones are facing Camera glitch

Few Google Pixel Phones facing Camera glitch


Google Pixel users are reportedly facing issues with the device Camera. After iPhone 7 to Pixel Image bug, some users are reporting major Camera glitch.



The Google Pixel Camera has best-ever 89 DxOMark Mobile score, but there's a Camera issue which is affecting few Pixel Smartphones, Here's how a Pixel XL user describes his problem-


My Pixel XL camera is having major issues. It freezes with pink/purple vertical lines very regularly although not all the time. It also ends up with large blocks moved randomly around the screen.

After using support chat, Google told him to clear the cache and data, delete and reinstall the camera app, but the issue persists. Even the third-party camera apps do not solve the issue.


Few Google Pixel Phones facing Camera glitch


For now, Only international Pixel/Pixel XL variants are facing this issue. Google support staff is now aware of this issue, but there's no indication when the same will be fixed. 



Source:- Google Product forum | Via:- PhoneArena

Android 7.1.1 Nougat update coming to Pixel,Pixel XL and Nexus 6P on 5th December

Android 7.1.1 Nougat update coming to Pixel,Pixel XL and Nexus 6P on 5th December


Android 7.1.1 Nougat update coming to Pixel,Pixel XL and Nexus 6P on 5th December 


Rogers, Canada's largest mobile operators has updated its software update schedule list revealing the Official Android 7.1.1 Nougat Release Date. 



As revealed earlier by Vodafone Australia, Rogers has also confirmed the Release date as 5th December for Both Pixel and Nexus 6P.


Android 7.1.1 Nougat update coming to Pixel,Pixel XL and Nexus 6P on 5th December

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL will be updated to Android 7.1.1, which will be an incremental update over Android 7.1 with December Security patch and bug fixes. 

The Nexus 6P will get updated from Android 7.0 to Android 7.1.1. There's no information on when Nexus 5X will get the Android 7.1.1 update.



Source:- Rogers

Google Pixel and Other Android 7.1 devices facing issues seeing screenshots sent from iPhones

Google Pixel and Other Android 7.1 devices facing issues seeing screenshots sent from iPhones


Google Pixel Owners are reportedly seeing image bugs in screenshots sent from iPhones. The Problem occurs when one sends a screenshot from iPhone to a Pixel or other devices running Android 7.1 Nougat.



According to a discussion on Google's product forum, Pixel users claims that it (The bug) only happens with a screenshot from iPhone 7 Plus. The screenshots from older iPhones i.e. (6 and older) works fine.


Google Pixel and Other Android 7.1 devices facing issues seeing screenshots sent from iPhones


Apart from Pixel/Pixel XL, a Nexus 6 user running Android 7.1 has also reported the same issue. 

Google support staff is now aware of this issue, but there's no indication when the same will be fixed. 




Via:- Android Police | Source:- Google Product Forum