Pixel 2 'walleye' and 'taimen' Specifications and Design leaked!

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 25, 2017       

Google's upcoming flagship smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL have been leaked online various times. However, all leaks till date suggested the references of the upcoming Pixel Smartphones in AOSP source code.

That's going to change from today as a new leak from a XDA is speculating the complete specs of Pixel 2 along with Larger Pixel 2 and their design as well. The larger Pixel device "taimen" will feature a 5.99-inch display (tiny bezels) with a 1440p OLED panel provided by LG, Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. 

Also, the interesting suggestion is that the Larger 2017 Pixel Smartphone will be having similar rear design as the current Pixel phones with a two-tone glass and metal finish, though the glass window is located near the top and no longer encloses the fingerprint scanner. Unlike OnePlus 5, Xiaomi Mi6 or iPhone 7 Plus, the device will feature a single camera with dual LED flash.

The Walleye (Smaller Pixel), on the other hand will feature a 4.97-inch display with FHD resolution, Snapdragon 835 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Google might ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers to blame. Design wise, the Pixel 2017 (Walleye) will be having familiar large bezels surrounding the display and similar rear design.

The report also says that the larger Google device "taimen" could be called "Nexus" as the device uses the name “Nexus Imprint” when referring to the device’s fingerprint scanner. That said, Google might launch these new devices later this year, Will you be buying any of them? Let us know in the below comment section!

Via: XDA

Google Pixel 2 concept shows a huge Battery Bump, No Ports, and 4 Cameras

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 21, 2017       

Various recent reports claimed that Google is already working on the Google Pixel 2 series of phones. A total of three two smartphones named Walleye, Muskie, and Taimen codenames have popped online in recent times in the Android Open Source code.

And now, a Reddit user have designed a concept of the upcoming Google Pixel 2, and I must say it craziest concept ever. The front design of the phone looks similar to the first generation Pixel phones with trimmed down bezels.

Also, he imagines the unusual dual camera setup at the back and the sensors are vertically placed to each other. Aforesaid, the phone has almost same design language as Pixel with three quarters glass and One quarter metal back with "G" branding. The crazy thing about this mock up is the giant battery (4800mAh) bump with a 8X optical zoom camera for high-quality images. The concept maker also killed all the ports in favour of Wireless tech.

However, Google won't go with this design language definitely as the search giant will go for the Infinity Display with almost zero bezels as already a concept with the same have surfaced online, which looks a lot more beautiful than this.

Via: Reddit

This Pixel 2 concept is the Smartphone we want Google to build

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 17, 2017       

This year's Google Pixel 2 will be the most anticipated phone of 2017, which is rumored to release in October. A new concept of the Pixel and Pixel launcher has posted online by a Reddit user Bobby Mckenzie and it looks absolutely stunning.

As you can see in the images, the Pixel 2 will have almost zero sized bezels on either sides and bottom, same as the LG G6 and Essential PH-1. Also, the phone in the images has very small top compared to current Pixel phones.

The rear side of the Pixel 2 Concept shows interestingly arranged dual-cameras and LED Flash, which looks unique. Also, it has the back-mounted fingerprint sensor similar to the current Pixel phones, Google branding and an Antenna band placed slightly above the bottom.

Coming to the Pixel launcher, it is the same one seen the Pixel phones, but Google will probably bring something exclusive and new with the 2017 Pixel Smartphones.

Google has already confirmed the existence of Google Pixel 2 and it stay premium as per one of the company's official. Would you like to see the upcoming Pixel 2 with thin bezels? Let us know in the comments below.

Via: Reddit

Report: Google reaches 1.8 Million in Pixel sales

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 16, 2017       

Google had a promising start to their own smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL impressing everyone right from day one. According to new reports from BayStreet Researchers, Google has sold close to 1.8 million Pixels since it launched nearly eight months ago.

The Pixel and Pixel XL were the best phones of 2016, but getting a hand on one of them was difficult as the phones were already out of stock. The report also states that around 475,000 Google Pixel devices were sold in the second quarter of the year 2017 (which ends on June 30th.)

Google is already looking for the next generation Pixel phones, As per earlier rumors Google is investing an amount that is close to $1 billion to develop OLED panels and if this rumor is believed to be true and if LG accepts the deal, we don't have to face any availability issues with the upcoming Pixel 2 flagship phone and the sales will apparently surpass the current numbers.

Via: AndroidHeadlines

New Google Pixel 2 Concept Suggests Vertical Camera and it Looks Gorgeous

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 14, 2017       

This year's Google Pixel 2 will be the most anticipated phone of 2017, which is rumored to release in October. A new concept of the Pixel with Pixel launcher has posted online by DBS DESIGNING and it looks absolutely stunning.

As you can see in the video, the Pixel 2 will have almost zero sized bezels on either sides, same as the LG G6. Also, the phone in the images has very small chin compared to current Pixel phones. Coming to the rear, it is having the vertical dual-camera setup, fingerprint sensor and the Google's "G" branding.

Google has already confirmed the existence of Google Pixel 2 and it stay premium as per one of the company's official. Would you like to see the upcoming Pixel 2 with thin bezels? Let us know in the comments below. 

Rumor states Google will not release the second-gen Pixel XL this year

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 13, 2017       

There's no denying the fact that Google has already started working on next generation Pixel Smartphones. Already there are couple of leaks speculating the codenames of the phones- walleye, muskie, and taimen.


According to the latest reports, Google will not release the 2017 Pixel XL (Pixel XL 2) codenamed muskie, which was leaked last week with 5.6-inch display, 18:9 aspect ratio, and Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 128GB Internal Storage.

The reports also claims that Google plans to release only two Smartphones i.e. "walleye", the successor of the Standard Google Pixel and "taimen", the beast Pixel Smartphone with a larger display.

Rick Osterloh (Google's head of hardware) has already confirmed that the second-generation Google Pixel(s) will be released this year and will stay premium.

Via: AndroidPolice

Google Pixel XL 2 Leaks: 5.6-inch Display with 18:9 aspect ratio and more!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

Alright Guys! There's no denying the fact that Google has already started working on next generation Pixel Smartphones. Already there are couple of leaks speculating the codenames of the phones- walleye, muskie, and taimen.

As spotted by Roland Quandt of Winfuture, the 2017 Google Pixel XL under codename muskie has appeared in the GFXBench revealing most of the specification of the Smartphone.


Starting with the display, the Pixel XL 2 will feature a 5.6" 2560 x 1312 Screen resolution. The device could join the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 with an unusual 18:9 aspect ratio. The leak also reveals that the device will be powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 128GB Internal Storage.

As far as the camera is concerned, the Pixel XL 2 will feature a 12MP Rear Camera, we don't have any info whether the camera is a Dual or Single. There's going to be a 8MP front-facing shooter and It will support 4K Video recording as well. The Google Pixel 2 is expected to come with a much improved camera hardware with the key focus on enhancing the low-light photography. 

The device will feature almost all the sensors except altimeter (altitude meter) and heart rate sensor. You will find the latest bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and Android 7.1.1 or Android 8.0 (if released) out of the box. Speculations are also such that the Pixel 2 is reported to ditch the 3.5mm audio jack. All said, we now have the upcoming Pixel XL phone specs confirmed. 

Thoughts?

Via: Winfuture | Source: GFXBench

Android O Developer Preview 3 now Available for Pixel and Nexus Phones

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

The Android O Developer Preview 3 Factory Images are now available for the Nexus and Pixel Smartphones. For those not in the Android Beta Program, have to flash the firmware manually.

The new Android O Developer preview 3 has build OPP3.170518.006 for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. You can download the Factory Images from the link below.

Android O Preview 3 Images | Release Notes

Google now lists expiry dates for Nexus and Pixel Telephone, Online support

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 09, 2017       

We already know that approximate length of Nexus and Pixel Devices to get Android software updates is 18 months and Security Patch is 3 years after available on the Google store and Google already made this clear by providing the exact end-of-life (EOL) dates.


Now, Google has updated its Android updates page to clarify how long they will support both Nexus and Pixel devices with telephone and online support.The Pixel and Pixel XL will be getting Online and Telephone support until October 2019 and so (three years after their initial launch), Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X until September 2018, and Nexus 9 or Nexus 6, until October 2017.

Via: Google Support

June's Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on June 05, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for June 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have May Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NHG47N, NJH34C, NJH47B, NKG47L), Pixel C (N2G47W), Nexus 6P (N2G47W), Nexus 5X (N2G47W), and Nexus Player (N2G47X). 

Nexus 6 (N6F27E) and Nexus 9 (N9F27C, N4F27E) gets May security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, NHG47N is for Verizon models, NJH34C is for Deutsche Telekom, NKG47L is for T-Mobile, Fi users, and Rogers, while NJH47B is for everyone else.

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Google now lists expiry dates for Pixel and Pixel XL Software updates

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 28, 2017       

We already know that approximate length of Nexus and Pixel Devices to get Android software updates is 18 months and Security Patch is 3 years after available on the Google store. But now Pixel owners can get exact time when their devices will stop getting software updates.

Google has now added the Pixel and Pixel XL to its end-of-life (EOL) support page. As expected, the Pixel and Pixel XL will be getting Android version updates up to October of 2018 (two years after their initial launch), and security updates till October 2019 (3 years after launch).

We already know that the recently launched Android O is the next iteration of Android and will be available for the Google Pixel and Nexus devices by the end of this year (2017). So, eventually Android P (if ever released) will be the last Android software update, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will see. 

Source: Google

Florian Kainz, a Google Daydream Software Engineer Captures Insane Nighttime Low Light Images From an Experimental Pixel and Nexus 6P Camera App

 By Unknown on April 27, 2017       

Well, Google employees love challenges and it they have proven it again. Florian Kainz, a software engineer at Google Daydream department, was recently tested by one of the teammates when he showed an image of Golden Gate in San Fransisco captured by a DSLR. 

His teammate challenged him to show the same DSLR image results with a smartphone camera. Kainz developed his own camera application, which allows to manually control the exposure, focus, and ISO on the phone. He then installed the application in a Pixel and a Nexus 6P smartphone.

He first sets up the focus on the object and the application will start capturing images with different exposure levels. That said, the images came out stunning.

Later on, he transferred the images to his computer and they are insanely good; in-line with the shots that were captured with the DSLR camera. You can catch the entire story and images from here.

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 19, 2017       

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

Stable Android 7.1.2 is rolling out to Pixel phones Beta Testers

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 17, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Stable build with April 2017 Security patches for the Nexus and Pixel devices. The OTA's and Firmware are already available for selected phones.

Today, Google has started rolling out the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update though the OTA (Over-The-Air) for Google Pixel and Pixel XL Beta testers, while it might still take some time for all Pixel phone owners.



The update weighs in around 31MB with build no. N2G47E and is readily available for the Google Pixel/Pixel XL beta testers on Android 7.1.2 Beta. Along with the Android 7.1.2 goodies, the update brings a number of bug fixes, general performance/stability improvements, and adds new features including Enhanced notification stability, Fingerprint swipe, General connectivity improvements, and Battery usage alerts.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Software updates menu in Settings, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.


Via: Droid-Life

Here Are Google's Best Tips for Creative Flower Photography from Pixel Phones

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 10, 2017       

Spring is here! The time has finally come to get outside and enjoy some long awaited sunshine. As the flowers start to emerge from the soil, we all get ready to capture the spring flower and starts sharing photos of flowers on social media.

Flower photography is probably the most explored area of amateur photography, but the results for many people are never in touch with what they saw. So, Google has gathered a few tips to help
you to take and share the prettiest photos of different flowers with the help of your Pixel Smartphone.

Lighting is key. Check your exposure to ensure you're giving your plants and flowers the right amount of light to see the details. On Pixel, you can easily brighten or darken your shot to get the perfect amount of exposure. Tap the camera, the slide your finger up or down to adjust the exposure depending on the lighting conditions.

Consider your frame. Take note of the surrounding area (is it worthy of the ‘gram?). If it’s not, zoom in. If it is, capture a wider angle that shows the full view. On Pixel, you can use a compositional tool to help frame your shot. Look for the grid in the top right of the camera—your arrangement should be at the center of the grid. We recommend 3 x 3 as a ratio for flowers.

That Lens Blur, tho. This Pixel feature will make your photos look professional. Start by clicking on the menu bar at the top left; you’ll see the Lens Blur option second from the bottom. Click on it, take your photo and slowly raise your phone to capture the perfect lens blur. After you snap a photo you can also edit the placement and degree of lens blur. This is a great for up-close shots!

Grab a friend. Have him or her pose with your flowers to bring them to life and add depth to the photo.

Take as many as you want! With Pixel, you get unlimited high-quality storage with Google Photos for free, so you can try out as many shots as you need without worrying about filling up your phone with dud buds.


Find ‘em later. Just type “flowers” into the search bar in Google Photos for a bouquet of photos just waiting to be shared.

Source: Google Blog

Google Reportedly Investing Close to $1 Billion to Develop OLED Display Panels With LG

 By Unknown on April 10, 2017       

According to new reports emerging online, Google is investing an amount that is close to $1 billion to develop OLED panels. And as expected, Google is in talks with the South Korean vendor, LG to produce the OLED display panels. 

Google is making this decision especially after looking at the availability of the Pixel phones. The Pixel and Pixel XL were the best phones of 2016, but getting a hand on one of them was difficult as the phones were already out of stock. 



The report also cites that Google struggled for the OLED panels to integrate them in the Pixels, but couldn't find a reliable source. Also, LG is one of the pioneers in the OLED panel display technology, not for integrating them on their phones, but for selling them to other phones. 

That said, Google is already looking for the next generation Pixel phones and if this rumor is believed to be true and if LG accepts the deal, we don't have to face any availability issues with the upcoming Pixel 2 flagship phone. 

These companies are fighting to build the 2018 Pixel Smartphones

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 30, 2017       

Image: Benjamin Geskin

Last year, Google and HTC 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. According to the recent reports, Google has already sold over 2.1 million units of Pixel phones since their release in fall 2016. So, it's no surprise that the company is planning new models for 2017. 

HTC will continue to be Google's manufacturing partner for this year's Pixel smartphones as the Taiwanese Smartphone maker scored a two-year manufacturing deal from Google last year.

As reported by Digitimes, HTC is now competing with LG, TCL, and Coolpad for the Pixel 3 smartphones, which Google will release in 2018. The same report also notes that LG is more likely to win orders for the Pixel 3 smartphones. 

2017 Google Pixel rumors have been surfacing over the last couple of months and many of those rumors have been consistent across multiple reports. As per the initial reports, 2017 Google Pixel will be codenamed "Walleye" and the 2017 Pixel XL will be codenamed "Muskie", Google is also working on a third larger Smartphone under codename "taimen." 

Which company should make the 2018 Pixel Phones? Should it be HTC with its awesome designs? Or LG with its mind-blowing specs? Or Coolpad with affordable prices? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Google has already sold 2.1 million units of Pixel and Pixel XL

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 30, 2017       

In 2016 we saw some incredible decisions taken by some of the reputed companies over the globe. One such decision that stands out from every other is that Google releasing their own smartphones. The Google Pixel phones were the search giant's first attempt to take on the Apple iPhone.

And, they succeeded in doing that. The Pixel and Pixel XL is widely regarded as the best smartphone of 2016 and best camera smartphone of all time. However, Google has done a poor job of shipping adequate supply of both Pixels.

Despite of Google's inability to maintain supply for its Pixel-branded smartphones, HTC has reportedly already shipped more than 2.1 million Pixel and Pixel XL units to Google since their release in fall 2016.

Comparing with Apple or Samsung, the numbers are quite low. However, if we consider how bad the Nexus sales were and Pixels are supposedly available only in a handful of countries, this number seems pretty impressive.

The 2017 Pixel Smartphones are still a few months away and hopefully by then a healthy number of units will be shipped.
Source: Ctee

A new Pixel Launcher is coming?

 By Unknown on March 29, 2017       

AndroidPolice is reporting that the Pixel Launcher got redesigned overnight to include many new design elements. As you know, Google has its own launcher, that a few OEMs use, while other build their own. But the Google Now Launcher had become quite a popular alternative.

This launcher showed what a pure android experience means, and over the years, Google has added and removed a couple design feats. This time, the source reports that the search bar is back after being gone for a while.

The source also points out that the weather and clock widget are gone with this redesign, but that it might come back later with a new update. You can see the differences in the following picture:

If you are wondering how to get the new design with the search bar, which to me looks nicer, the source says all you need to do is clearing App data from the settings. Tell us what you think about this new design in the comments section.

Google fixes Bluetooth connectivity issues on Pixel devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 24, 2017       

Google had a promising start to their own smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL impressing everyone right from day one. However, it was from software side where several users of both the phones complained to have issues. 

From the last month, 100's of Pixel and Pixel XL users started complaining about an issue with Bluetooth connectivity. Nevertheless, we believe that the security update of February might have broke something related to Bluetooth files, which is apparently causing this issue. Even the March Security Patch did not rectify the Bluetooth issue.

The actual issue is the Bluetooth is turning off automatically without any signs, however, it can be turned on manually again, but that's annoying. Finally today, a Googler posted in the product forum that the Bluetooth issue has been fixed with "some server-side changes." The fix is being rolling out to the affected Pixel/ Pixel XL users in the form of Google Play services update.

Source: Google | Via: 9to5google