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

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 22, 2017       

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:

• Nexus 5X "bullhead"
• Nexus 6P "angler" 
• Nexus Player "fugu" 
• Pixel C "ryu"
• Google Pixel "sailfish"
• Google Pixel XL "marlin"

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

[Update: Beta 2] Google announces Android 7.1.2 beta for Nexus and Pixel devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 21, 2017       

Article: 31/01/2017

Google has just announced Android 7.1.2 Beta, which is an incremental maintenance release focused on refinements, so it includes a number of bugfixes and optimizations, along with a small number of enhancements for carriers and users.

The initial devices to get Android 7.1.2 Nougat Public Beta includes, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. While, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 won't get 7.1.2 Update.



Google says to expect the final release of latest Android version (7.1.2) in just a couple of months. For now, users can grab the Beta Factory Images from below link.


Download: Android 7.1.2 Factory Images

Via: Android Developers

Update: 21/03/2017

Android 7.1.2 Beta 2 with build NPG47I is now rolling out for selected Pixel and Nexus Devices

The update adds new Notification Gesture to the Nexus 6P and it also brings Pixel Launcher, Pixel-style nav buttons to the Pixel C.

2017 Google Pixel Phones to be codenamed “Muskie” and “Walleye”

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 15, 2017       

The Nexus line (and now Pixel) has a long history of fish or aquatic life inspired device codenames, and the same have an equally long history of getting leaked via rumors and AOSP commit comments.

According to Android Police, the codenames for the 2017 Pixel devices are “Muskie” and “Walleye”. Walleye being the Smaller Pixel device while Muskie will be the larger one. Confirming the codename, Walleye has already made its way to the AOSP gerrit.

We already have several rumors going on for the Next-Gen Google's Pixel, catch them here.

Source: Android Police | AOSP | Image: Deepal Pallav

Google Pixel, Pixel XL users facing microphone failure, Google offers warranty replacements

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 09, 2017       

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

That said, here comes another issue. From the last week or more than, 100's of Pixel and Pixel XL users are complaining about the issue of microphones failure when on a call or while recording a video with the camera app. 



Nevertheless, According to a Google employee, the defected phones have a problems in one of the three microphones on the devices. It can also be an issue with a hairline crack in the solder of the microphone component going into the mainframe of the Pixel.

An employee of Google on Support forum responded related to this issue and said that the company is offering replacement for all defective units since they are still within the warranty.

Source: Google Support forum | Via: GSMArena

Google rumored to ditch headphone jack on 'Pixel 2'

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 07, 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. 



However, according to the latest report from 9to5google, Google might follow Apple's iPhone 7 strategy to remove the standard 3.5mm headphone jack from the Pixel 2. This means that all of your existing headphones will not be compatible with the 2017 Pixel unless you use a USB Type-C adapter.

With the Pixel 2, Google is expected to bring new features and upgrades with some improvements in various areas like the camera, design and SoC. But, all these are just rumors, so take them with a grain of salt. 

March’s Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 06, 2017       

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


As you can see, we are sticking to Android 7.1.1 for all devices.

The new build no. are as follows-

Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF27B), 

Pixel C (N4F26T), 

Nexus 6P (N4F26T), 

Nexus 5X (N4F26T), 
Nexus 6 (N6F26U- 7.1.1),

Nexus Player (NMF26X), 

and Nexus 9 (N4F26T)

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

Factory Images | OTA Files

Google confirms Pixel 2 is coming this year & it's staying premium!

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 03, 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 XL is widely regarded as the best smartphone of 2016 and best camera smartphone of all time. 

The latest rumors about Google's upcoming flagship date from January claimed that Google is working on a budget-segment "Pixel 2B". Despite of all these rumors, Rick Osterloh (Google's head of hardware) has confirmed that the second-generation Google Pixel will be released this year and will remain "premium".

"There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it."


"Pixel stays premium, Google will continue to leave lower price segments to other manufacturers."

With the Pixel 2, Google is expected to bring new features and upgrades with some improvements in various areas like the camera, design and SoC.

What features and changes do you want to see in Google Pixel 2? Let us know in the comment section below!

Source: AndroidPit | Pixel 2 Concept: Deepal Pallav Suthar

Bluetooth Bug Fix Will Be Coming Soon to the Google Pixel

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 24, 2017       

The latest security update of February might have broke something related to Bluetooth files in the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, apparently causing the Bluetooth to turn off automatically without any signs, however, it can be turned on manually again, but that's annoying.



After numerous reports submitted by Pixel Users , Google has now acknowledged the issue and is said to be working on the fix.

Thank you all for your detailed feedback, and to those that submitted bug reports. It has been extremely helpful. The team has identified a fix, and it will be rolling out in an upcoming release. I'll keep you all posted with any other details!

We expect Google to release Bluetooth Bug fix update along with March's Security Patch.

Source: Google

Google Pixel and Pixel XL Users Reporting Automatic Bluetooth Disconnection Issue

 By Unknown on February 23, 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. 

That said, here comes another issue. From the last week or more than, 100's of Pixel and Pixel XL users are complaining about the issue of Reddit. 



Nevertheless, we believe that the security update of February might have broke something related to Bluetooth files, which is apparently causing this 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. 

An employee of Google on Reddit responded related to this issue and said that the company is on the fix. So, hope the gets fixed at the earliest. 

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 21, 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 XL is widely regarded as the best smartphone of 2016 and best camera smartphone of all time. However, as the same case with every other smartphone, the both the Pixels were criticized for their poor design language and lack of waterproofing. 



Earlier leaked rumors suggest that Google Pixel 2 might come with a revamped design, Water-resistant feature and much better Camera. Google has also started taking feedback from users on Next Gen Pixel's Design. 

Now, Designer Deepal Pallav Suthar has come up with an exciting new concept of Google's next flagship.The phone’s fingerprint scanner is placed on the back, just like current Google Pixel. It has a dual camera setup at the rear. If you take a closer look at the phone’s back, you’ll also notice that it has tiny top and chin bezel, which makes device beautiful.

Deepal Pallav Suthar shared a couple of different color variants of the Pixel 2, there are seven colors pictured in the gallery, in total, Blue, Grey, Carbon, Graphite, Silver, White and Gold.

Is this the best-looking Google Pixel 2 concept yet? Share your comments below!

Don't forget to follow: Deepal Pallav Suthar

Google is Now Asking Users Opinion on Pixel's Design

 By Unknown on February 17, 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 XL is widely regarded as the best smartphone of 2016 and best camera smartphone of all time. However, as the same case with every other smartphone, the both the Pixels were criticized for their poor design language. 



And now, Krishna Kumar, Product Lead for Pixel phones at Google himself came out and posted in Google forums asking about the good and bad things about Pixel's design. That's such a nice thing from the man himself who leads the team. 

That said, Google is already looking at the next generation Pixel phone, the Pixel 2. So, head over the below provided URL and give your thoughts to make the Pixel 2 better. 

Google Product Forms

Google Assistant gets Payments Support

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 16, 2017       

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

Really Blue Google Pixel Coming soon to Canada through Rogers

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 13, 2017       

Google and Canadian carrier Rogers have announced (via a YouTube Video, posted by Rogers) that they are bringing the "Really Blue" Google Pixel and Pixel XL to Canada as a carrier exclusive.



Rogers didn't provide Pricing details or a date for the device's availability, but they have a one-minute video for you!

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 10, 2017       

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

The February security patch fixes Pixel's speaker issue for some people

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 08, 2017       

Recently Google started rolling out February's Security patch update for eligible Pixel and Nexus devices. The update not only brought latest Monthly security patch, but it also fixed one of the most annoying bug of few Google Pixel units.



According to r/GooglePixel users who tested the device's audio playing "Perfect Piano" and watching "The Mummy" trailer on full volume, the audio crackling noise bug seems to be fixed after February's Security patch. 

Source: Reddit

February’s Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 06, 2017       

Google's February 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 (NOF26V, NOF26V), 

Pixel C (N4F26O), 

Nexus 6P (N4F26O), 

Nexus 5X (N4F26O), 
Nexus 6 (N6F26R),

Nexus Player (NMF26X), 

and Nexus 9 (N4F26Q).

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

Factory Images | OTA Files

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

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 05, 2017       

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

Google Assistant coming soon to Nexus 5X/6P and Nexus Player

 By Vaibhav Jain on February 02, 2017       

Google's Pixel and Pixel XL comes with some extra Artificial intelligence in the form of the fledgling Google Assistant. When activating Google assistant, Four dots slide out in each respective direction, and then quickly aligning themselves horizontally. 

For now Google's Assistant is Officially Pixel exclusive, but it has been unofficially ported to tons of other devices via Xposed and other tweaks. 



According to a new report from Stephen Hall (Senior editor at 9to5google), Google Assistant will be Officially available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and the Nexus Player soon along with a major update.

Google has already announced Android 7.1.2 Beta for eligible Nexus and Pixel devices. It could be possible that final build of Android 7.1.2 might bring Google Assistant and more features to existing Nexus devices.

Google’s Pixel 2 to have improved camera and higher price

 By Vaibhav Jain on January 27, 2017       

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 waterproofing were left out because of an "internal conflict between hardware (namely, camera) and/or waterproofing vs. price point".



According to latest information out by 9to5Google suggests that 
Google's Pixel 2 will be Water-resistant, and will feature even better camera than the original, with Google reportedly aiming to master low light photography.

Google is currently testing multiple Pixel 2 prototypes with unsurprisingly a Snapdragon 83x processor, but another from Intel. 

Along with the Pixel 2, Google is working on a Cheaper "Pixel" Smartphone named "Pixel 2B" (B for budget?), which would purportedly be released either “alongside or shortly after Pixel 2”.

Google Pixel 2 is expected to be “at least” $50 more expensive than the current Pixel Smartphones.




Source: 9to5Google | Image Credits: Jonas Daehnert

Report: Cheaper "Google Pixel 2B" in works

 By Vaibhav Jain on January 26, 2017       

Latest information out by 9to5Google suggests that Google is working on a lower-priced 2017 Pixel Smartphone, that would be named "Pixel 2B".

The "Pixel 2B" will come out with moderate specification and is scheduled for release "alongside or shortly after the Pixel 2". 



Google aims to bring the lower-priced Pixel 2B at emerging markets, with a goal of bringing "Google experience and the Google Phone" outside big markets.

The report also says that, the Google Pixel 2B will be "significantly cheaper if it ever actually launches".

Google Pixel 2B will bring Nexus back to life? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

Source: 9to5Google