Google Pixel XL

This morning images leaked that showed what were supposedly cases for the upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2. While it is possible that they are real, there were more than a few aspects that made it seem otherwise. Then, several hours later, a render of the Pixel XL 2 leaked, and with it, the confirmation of some the smartphone’s rumored details.

Now that we have seen the cases and the leaked render, what feature of the Pixel XL 2 are you most excited for?

Expand
Expanding
Close

As we get closer to the release of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, we’re unavoidably going to start hearing more rumors. While we’ve already heard some tidbits about each of the devices, we haven’t yet seen what they might look like. We’re now possibly one step closer to that, however, as a pair of purported cases for both the Pixel 2 and XL 2 have now leaked.

But as for the legitimacy of these cases, unfortunately, we’re leaning towards dubious at best.

Expand
Expanding
Close

When Google unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL late last year, the company announced that the phone would, of course, be available in the typical black and silver colors. What surprised people was a bright blue variant that Google deemed “Really Blue.”

With the next generation of Pixel smartphones supposed to be announced in the coming months, what color do you really hope Google decides to ship the handsets in?

Expand
Expanding
Close

In recent weeks, rumors of Google’s next generation ‘Pixel 2’ devices have increased in frequency. We reported earlier this month that LG would be manufacturing the likely Pixel XL successor, while back in March we got a look at Google documentation that suggested no headphone jack.

New rumors today corroborate both details and provide the first solid — thought expected — insight into what specs will power these upcoming devices, as well as other design changes in store.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Every smartphone and tablet has an end-of-life date when the manufacturer will stop spending the money and effort to keep it updated. Although some companies don’t actually tell customers when their devices will no longer receive updates, Google guarantees that its Pixel and Nexus devices will get feature updates for at least two years and security updates for three.

Now, Google has updated its Android updates page to clarify how long they will cover both Nexus and Pixel devices with telephone and online support…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Despite being a rather popular Android smartphone, there aren’t as many great cases available for the Google Pixel as there are for the Galaxy S8 or LG G6. Although late to the game, Mophie has finally released a version of its Juice Pack battery cases for the Pixel XL. The Juice Pack does add a bit of thickness to the handset but it also almost doubles its battery life and adds wireless charging.

But is it worth the $99 pricetag?

Expand
Expanding
Close

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are arguably two of the best Android smartphones on the market, but unlike other major handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6, there aren’t that many cases out there for it. Today, there’s another option on the market as mophie, a well-known battery accessory company, has announced the availability of a battery case for the Pixel XL…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Every phone eventually dies, even if the hardware is still holding up. The main reason for that is software, because, at a certain point, it’s no longer worth it for a manufacturer to spend the cash needed to develop and push software updates. It happens to every phone, and it’s going to happen to the Google Pixel. Today, Google has revealed when exactly that will happen…

Expand
Expanding
Close

For the past month, some Pixel and Pixel XL owners have reported that Bluetooth on their device randomly shuts down. The issue seemingly began in February after that month’s security patch and has persisted through this month’s update. However, according to Google, the issue has now been remedied server-side.

Expand
Expanding
Close

As of today, it’s been exactly 5 months since I started using the Pixel XL as my daily driver. In the time since, I’ve used several devices, including the LG V20 and Huawei Mate 9 among others, but Google’s first flagship has always held a spot in my pocket.

So, after 5 months of constant usage, how has it held up?

Expand
Expanding
Close

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL easily became our picks for the best smartphones of 2016, but they’ve not been without faults ─ and a lot of them. Since release, Google has been dealing with issues such as battery hiccups, speaker popping, camera bugs, and much more. Now, some Pixel owners are reporting a new issue with their microphones.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Google’s Pixel XL is a wonderful phone, and it’s been my daily driver for the past few months. The hardware on this phone is excellent, but whether it’s for added protection or a better look, most of us will add a case to the phone. There is an alternative, however, a skin.

There are several fantastic skin makers on the market today, but which makes the best skin for the Pixel XL? Over the past few weeks, that’s what I’ve been aiming to figure out. I’ve recently tested four different skins from dBrand, Colorware, Toast, and SlickWraps, all for the Pixel XL. Each skin was tested for a minimum of one week. So, let’s take a look.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Stock for the Google Pixel, which launched almost 5 months ago, is still hit or miss. As of the time of this writing, the 5-inch Pixel is completely out of stock on the Google Store and the 5.5-inch Pixel XL is almost completely out of stock as well. There was one random day this month that stock suddenly reappeared in full, but the story since October has been mostly just that: random.

While any company as big and with as many resources as Google should definitely have been able to figure out stock for the phone by this point — 4 and a half months after launch — I think the complaints of many would be somewhat mitigated if the Google would just let customers backorder the phone and quote some future shipping date…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Following a piece published about the design of the Pixel and Pixel XL yesterday, Google is now directly soliciting feedback about the phone’s look. In a post on the Pixel User Community, Product Lead Krishna Kumar asks what Google got right, wrong, and how it could improve future devices…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Since its launch, it’s been pretty hit or miss to pick up either of Google’s new Pixel smartphones because for the majority of the time, many variants of the Pixel have been completely out of stock. The Pixel XL has been the main culprit here, with some models being out of stock for months at this point. Today, though, nearly every Pixel model is back in stock.

Expand
Expanding
Close

I love changing up the way my smartphones look, and the Pixel is a prime candidate since its design is, well, less than beautiful. Lately, I’ve been trying out a handful of skins for the Pixel XL, including some from dbrand and Colorware. Recently, though, I’ve been trying a real-wood cover from Toast, and it’s a pretty interesting departure from your average vinyl skin.

Expand
Expanding
Close

One of the more prevalent issues affecting the Google Pixel and Pixel XL has been audio distortion at higher volumes. After some back and forth on whether this was a hardware or software defect, yesterday’s February security patch includes a fix for the issue. Meanwhile, last week’s 7.1.2 Developer Preview is still affected…

Expand
Expanding
Close

Following its launch, Google’s Pixel smartphones have proved pretty popular. Due to that, Google has had a lot of trouble keeping up with demand for the phone, with many customers complaining about that issue. Now, some are alarmingly reporting that Google has ceased production of the phone. Unsurprisingly, Google has confirmed that those rumors are false.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Google’s Pixel is one of the best devices available today, but it doesn’t offer all that much on the hardware front, rather focusing on the software. It lacks a certain flair that many other devices offer, but you can easily make up for that with a skin. Many have gravitated to dBrand for skins, but there’s another option now available, skins from Colorware, and lately, I’ve been testing one out.

Expand
Expanding
Close

When it comes to protecting your smartphone fully, LifeProof has long been one of your best options. By simply installing this case, you’re not only adding drop and screen protection, but also waterproofing it for up to two meters of water. At $90, this is definitely one of the most expensive, but maybe one of the best, premium cases you can get for complete Pixel protection…

Expand
Expanding
Close