If we are honest, so long as a smartwatch does notifications, HR, and passable workout tracking everything else is pretty expendable
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Google Pixel 9 Series (9/9 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold)
- Thread starter BMox81
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Need to return my 9 Pro XL this week ready to go back to my P8 before the regular 9 Pro arrives. Feels like forever away and I don't want to part with my 9!
However I know I'll be happier with a smaller device.
I did find the 8 Pro to feel smaller in the hand but I think that's because it tapered and curved at the edges whereas this is very flat and squared off. I prefer the new design aesthetically, though, so it's all good.
Now I've had a taste of that sweet SWEET 9, I have no patience for the regular pro 😅😁.
However I know I'll be happier with a smaller device.
I did find the 8 Pro to feel smaller in the hand but I think that's because it tapered and curved at the edges whereas this is very flat and squared off. I prefer the new design aesthetically, though, so it's all good.
Now I've had a taste of that sweet SWEET 9, I have no patience for the regular pro 😅😁.
Not for me it isn't. I need quality navigation, music, podcast (via Pocket Casts) and audiobook playback as well as good to do app integration. I also would love Authy integration. I love to go phone free whenever possible and these functions allow me to do just that.
I was going to say what's the point in a phone if you do all that on a watch 😅🤣
Phone obviously has its place and there are clearly things I can't do with just a watch. But if I don't need to enter long form text (i.e. emails, long notes, etc) or take photos/video for a stretch of time, it's nice not having to lug around my phone. Don't need it at the gym, when running errands to shops, going for a bike ride or long hike with the dogs. Keeps me from doom scrolling the little bit of social media I use or news sites when I shouldn't be.
Those times aren't a majority of my day but it's nice being able to separate from the phone for longer stretches but still having the core functionality I want/need.
None of those are the niche health features that are exclusive to Samsung phones for the galaxy watch.
This
I work from home; I've 2 devices with me everywhere I go at home. But when I need to be out and about (ie shopping, nipping out to do chores etc), I rarely take my phone with me unless I know I'll need it / travelling further afield
My AWU2 was brilliant for that; the Samsung WU is just as good
But I don't use it for anything like podcasts etc
I am really looking forward to the day that smart watches can really take the place of a phone for most tasks.
Trying out Gemini live and how good it is at being conversational gives me hope that it can do a good job of transcribing text messages, or reading you a summaries of emails etc.
I had the cellular plan for my watch, but it didn't do a good enough job to completely supplant my phone.
I need at least basic access to email, and all messaging apps in case an emergency pops up
Trying out Gemini live and how good it is at being conversational gives me hope that it can do a good job of transcribing text messages, or reading you a summaries of emails etc.
I had the cellular plan for my watch, but it didn't do a good enough job to completely supplant my phone.
I need at least basic access to email, and all messaging apps in case an emergency pops up
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro And Pixel 9 Review: Android Excellence
Google's new Pixel 9s are infused with AI for sure, but there's a lot more going on here and they're excellent values among flagship Android handsets.
They are working on smart glasses that have really discreet screens. I can see myself combining those with a watch to take a ton of use off of my phone.
How about trying to see if Gemini can find it?
Replacement (Obsidian) 9XL arrived today, no micro scratches or any defects. I actually like Obsidian more than I thought I would, very sleek looking. No camera tilt either on this one. Phew. 👍
Wow.
There is a bathroom at work, on the very bottom floor that gets very little use as it is out of range for wifi, and cellular.
I just went in there, and the Pixel has no issue at all in there. Was just watching a YouTube video with no buffering while handling my business.
This means the modem is BETTER than the one in my Samsung, and iPhone. Neither of them can even load a webpage in there.
There is a bathroom at work, on the very bottom floor that gets very little use as it is out of range for wifi, and cellular.
I just went in there, and the Pixel has no issue at all in there. Was just watching a YouTube video with no buffering while handling my business.
This means the modem is BETTER than the one in my Samsung, and iPhone. Neither of them can even load a webpage in there.
Loving the phone but a couple small issues. Anyone else experience or have suggestions on a fix?
1. Adaptive display - I notice myself picking up my phone and the screen being so dim I can't see it. I have to manually increase brightness despite adaptive display being on.
2. I "missed" my alarm 2 out of 3 days. I tested it out before bed and it works perfectly. Then I wake up late to a missed alarm. I definitely double check it and make sure the volume is on loud. No way I'd sleep through it. Seems it's muted or put to sleep or something.
1. Adaptive display - I notice myself picking up my phone and the screen being so dim I can't see it. I have to manually increase brightness despite adaptive display being on.
2. I "missed" my alarm 2 out of 3 days. I tested it out before bed and it works perfectly. Then I wake up late to a missed alarm. I definitely double check it and make sure the volume is on loud. No way I'd sleep through it. Seems it's muted or put to sleep or something.
#1 for me. Seems waking up the screen, it doesn't kick in the brightness by itself. I'm having to adjust the slider manually, which I've never had to do on other Pixel's.
Does anyone know if Pixel 9 Pro cases fit the regular 9? It seems they are the same but Bellroy do a specific 9 case without magsafe and a 9 Pro with magsafe...
I ordered the wrong quadlock case, and it says it does 9 and 9 pro, I think googles case fit both
The fingerprint reader works perfectly for me with this screen protector: https://www.amazon.com/JETech-Prote...rint-Compatible/dp/B0D9LM386Y?ref_=ast_sto_dp
(Yes, I covered the selfie camera when testing)
(Yes, I covered the selfie camera when testing
)
I've never liked the adaptive brightness of Pixels that always seem too dim, most of the time I go without it and have it set at my own level. I do like to kick in adaptive brightness when I'm outdoors for long periods. I will have to test the alarm as I don't use it.
Has the 9 Pro XL had many software updates since launch especially as regards camera and video performance?
One update and no issues with the camera or video performance here
The alarm works fine for me, even if the "Snooze" and Stop catchphrases needed to be toggled back on