2017 Pixel Smartphones could feature Snapdragon 836 SoC

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 23, 2017       

The entire world is looking for next Google flagship smartphones the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 to release at the earliest, but one has to wait until this October to get hands on it. And leaks about the phones are keeping you at bay, especially about the design and specifications.

We have already seen our first potential look at what to expect from the Pixel XL 2. Now, According to the latest reports, we now have a little more details about the Specifications of both the upcoming Pixel devices.

In the latest report, provided by Fudzilla and its unnamed source, the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will feature Snapdragon 836 SoC. Additionally, Snapdragon 836 is going to be relatively similar to the Snapdragon 835 in terms of hardware but will feature higher peak GPU and CPU clock speeds.

The report also says that the 2017 Pixel phones will be having a better camera, and that's something really interesting. We have seen Google doing wonders with the 2016 Pixel cameras and it seems that Google will be breaking the walls again to create new Imaging Standards with the Pixel 2. 

Source

Few Pixel XL users are getting Android 8.0.0 with August Security Patch

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 19, 2017       

It seems that Google just dropped an unexpected OTA for a few Pixel XL users. It is probably rolling out in phases because only a few users have reported getting the latest update. If it is the Developer preview 4, the full system images, OTAs will be live soon.

The latest update comes with August 5, 2017 Security patch and Android version 8.0.0. One of the user who got the update claimed that he bought the device directly with Android O Pre-Installed. We're still not sure, if this is the Dev Preview 4 or Google accidentally updated a few devices.

If it's really Dev Preview 4, you will be getting the update soon on selected Android Smartphones including Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel, and Pixel XL.

We'll update this Article, once we get more information on this. The below are the screenshots of Android 8.0.0 with August 5, 2017 Security patch. Got the update? Let us know in the below comment section. 

Thanks Mardo Cordero

Pixel XL 2 could Feature Always-On OLED Display and Squeezable frame

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 14, 2017       

The entire world is looking for next Google flagship smartphones the Next-Gen Pixel and Pixel XL to release at the earliest, but one has to wait until this October to get hands on it. And leaks about the phone are keeping you at bay, especially about the design and features.

We have already seen our first potential look at what to expect from the Pixel XL 2. Now, According to the latest reports, we now have more details about the Pixel XL 2.

In the latest report, provided by XDA and its unnamed source, the Pixel XL 2 will feature an OLED display, with the panel measuring in at 5.99″. Additionally, it will be coming with an Always-On feature, which allows you take a sneak-peek to the notifications and other information without unlocking the device.

The new report also confirms that the Pixel XL 2 will sport squeezy sides, just like on the HTC U11. The device will also feature display profiles including sRGB, Vivid, etc. 

XDA

2017 Pixel XL Render Offers Direct Size Comparisons With Pixel and Pixel XL

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 13, 2017       

Google is planning to announce new Pixel devices for 2017 later this year, and we have already seen our first Potential Look at what the 2017 Pixel XL will look like.

Summing up the leaks, the Pixel XL 2 will be having a 6-inch near bezel-less AMOLED display with 18:9 ratio. Additionally, the Google Pixel XL 2017 might feature a squeezy side, just like we have seen on the HTC U11, which will allow you to interact with the phone, primarily when using Google Assistant.

Many of the leaks we've been tracking in the last few days in particular offer only few design details beyond what we've already heard about Google's upcoming Pixel XL, but thanks to Benjamin Geskin's render, we now have a clearer idea of how the new handset might look alongside current Pixel smartphones.

The 6-inch Pixel XL 2 with 18:9 ratio do looks beautiful as compared to the duo-Pixel devices. The huge-chin is now gone and we now have the 3D glass instead of the flat display. So, will you be upgrading your current Pixel/Pixel XL to Next-Gen Pixel(s)? 

This is what Google's 2017 Pixel XL will look like in Very Silver

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 12, 2017       

Earlier today, we saw our first potential look of what the 2017 Google Pixel XL will look like. Now Benjamin Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) has created another concept render of this device in Very Silver color.

The render do looks stunning and is on par with previous leaked renders. As you can see in the below render the device is 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. On the bottom, a Google “G” is present, but it is unknown if that will remain on the final design.

According to the leaked information, the device will feature a 6-inch LG-made AMOLED display with a 2:1 ratio. Additionally, the Google Pixel XL 2017 might feature a squeezy side, just like we have seen on the HTC U11, which will allow you to interact with the phone, primarily when using Google Assistant.

Earlier rumors says that the Pixel XL 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. Do share your initial thoughts on the design below.

Benjamin Geskin

Google is working on Always On Display for Pixel phones

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 09, 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. With well optimized Pure Android UI, Google Pixel is one of the most fluid Smartphone

Now to enhance the Software experience, Google is reportedly working on Always On Display mode or an always on Ambient Display mode for the Pixel Smartphones. 

Inside the latest Android O Developer Preview 3, the folks over at XDA Developers found a SystemUIGoogle.apk file that contains source code of “doze_always_on,” which suggests Always On Display could be on its way to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. That means, Pixel users might get AOD with Android O Final Update.

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on July 05, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for July 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 July Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NHG47O, NJH47D, NKG47M, NZH54B), Pixel C (N2G48B), Nexus 6P (N2G48B), Nexus 5X (N2G47Z), and Nexus Player (N2G48B).

Nexus 6 (N6F27H) and Nexus 9 (N4F27I, N9F27F) gets July security patch based on Android 7.1.1.

Note that for the Google Pixel, NHG47O is for Verizon models, NZH54B is for Deutsche Telekom, NKG47M is for T-Mobile, Fi users, and Rogers, while NJH47D is for everyone else.

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

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

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