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

[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!