Nexus-N/Pixel XL ( 2016 )

[GigabitEthernet]

My Pixel has shipped in the UK

 

[mi7chy]

That's what makes the future interesting. It could be a new partner and even a new form factor such as a voice driven shirt button that's powered by body movement and electrostatic discharge.

 

[tbayrgs]

I really wonder who Google will get to manufacture the next Pixel. Is this going to be like the Nexus where they pick a partner every year, but now with more control? Does that mean each year's Pixel will be completely redesigned from the previous year, too? Or will Google try to design something out of the Pixel aesthetic to really grow the Pixel brand (like Apple/Samsung do)?

Many interesting questions.

I seriously doubt we'll be seeing new manufacturing partners every year going forward, but rather I suspect Google will be/is looking for a longterm partner to handle their manufacturing, a la Apple/Foxconn. I think your latter statement is probably more likely.

 

[bmac4]

Because let's face it, not many people are getting Sony devices solely for the waterproofing. Too much compromise elsewhere.

Whereas when the S7 got it, this was the first mainstream flagship device that had such a feature. Then you throw in the iPhone, an even more popular and known flagship? That's what's changed. The big players are waterproofing their flagship devices. There's no more need for some other version like the Samsung Actives to provide waterproofing; you get it right in the device you want to get.

Is it a must? That'll depend on each individual. Should Google have included it to stay competitive with exactly the competition they want to go head to head with? Absolutely. The standard has changed, and for the better.

Bare in mind I'm not a Pixel hater. I'm likely preordering after I hear more real world user feedback from you guys and the rest of the community. As I've said before, in some ways, you can forgive Google since this is the first generation Pixel. Still, I think it's a big misstep that takes away from the marketing push.

Yeah I get what your saying. Sony's waterproofing did not matter because no one was buying their phones anyways. Now the big boys decided it was needed, so from here on out it's pretty much expected from a flagship.

The only thing I would say, is that Google had to have a reason. It seems like it would be a no brainier if it is really easy to make your phone waterproof. Like I said before, many are saying Apple had to sacrifice a few things to be able to make the 7 waterproof. Maybe Google did not want to sacrifice anything. Who knows, but I agree that if the others are doing it, if you want to hang with them you might want to match key features.

I don't know that it will kill Google not having it, but I can't think it really helps them. Adding it I think would have draw more customers. I am just not sure what the trade off would have had to been to get it done.

 

[epicrayban]

Yeah I get what your saying. Sony's waterproofing did not matter because no one was buying their phones anyways. Now the big boys decided it was needed, so from here on out it's pretty much expected from a flagship.

The only thing I would say, is that Google had to have a reason. It seems like it would be a no brainier if it is really easy to make your phone waterproof. Like I said before, many are saying Apple had to sacrifice a few things to be able to make the 7 waterproof. Maybe Google did not want to sacrifice anything. Who knows, but I agree that if the others are doing it, if you want to hang with them you might want to match key features.

I don't know that it will kill Google not having it, but I can't think it really helps them. Adding it I think would have draw more customers. I am just not sure what the trade off would have had to been to get it done.

I bet it has to do with Google Assistant. That's being "blamed" for everything, including the large bezels. We won't really know until they do a teardown, but apparently the microphone and speaker required such large bezels. I'm sure that affected waterproofing capabilities, too.

And to be fair, if Google Assistant really is that good -- to pick up your speech near perfectly even in loud/crowded places -- then I can forgive the bezels, and to a lot lesser degree, perhaps the lack of waterproofing, too. We knocked Apple for not having it when the S7 had it, and so should we knock Google. It's all fair game in this premium space at these premium prices.

Next year, there will be zero excuses. Get engineering, Google!

 

[bmac4]

I bet it has to do with Google Assistant. That's being "blamed" for everything, including the large bezels. We won't really know until they do a teardown, but apparently the microphone and speaker required such large bezels. I'm sure that affected waterproofing capabilities, too.

And to be fair, if Google Assistant really is that good -- to pick up your speech near perfectly even in loud/crowded places -- then I can forgive the bezels, and to a lot lesser degree, perhaps the lack of waterproofing, too. We knocked Apple for not having it when the S7 had it, and so should we knock Google. It's all fair game in this premium space at these premium prices.

Next year, there will be zero excuses. Get engineering, Google!

Haha yeah they seem to be blaming Google Assistant for everything. Like you said, if it is as good as they say. These things might just be forgivable. I do agree that next year the phone has to be on par with whatever Apple and Samsung have done. We shall see.

 

[epicrayban]

Have at you, folks. You can download the APK now!

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/1...re-predictably-compatible-pixel-apk-download/

Pixel Launcher lands in the Play Store, predictably only compatible with the Pixel [APK Download]
[doublepost=1476891694][/doublepost]It's neat that the Pixel launcher lets you create new shortcut icons from the long-press shortcut menu.

What are those bars on the right of the shortcut menus?

 

[The Game 161]

So this is the new nexus then?

Camera looks very good from what I've seen.

 

[msavic]

Have at you, folks. You can download the APK now!

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/1...re-predictably-compatible-pixel-apk-download/

Pixel Launcher lands in the Play Store, predictably only compatible with the Pixel [APK Download]
[doublepost=1476891694][/doublepost]It's neat that the Pixel launcher lets you create new shortcut icons from the long-press shortcut menu.

What are those bars on the right of the shortcut menus?

I believe that allows you to reorder the shortcuts.

 

[epicrayban]

I believe that allows you to reorder the shortcuts.

That's pretty neat if that's the case.

Google should let you customize what shortcuts pop up, too, one day.

 

[mclld]

Nova all day over that launcher

 

[tbayrgs]

Nova all day over that launcher

This is the first that may pull me from Nova. I really like the new app drawer implementation and as a fan of 3D Touch shortcuts on the iPhone, can't wait to have them back again. Conversely, not in love with the circular icons or the non-removable time/weather 'widget'.
[doublepost=1476894588][/doublepost]Well, one less Pixel exclusive...

Google releases Pixel's awesome Wallpaper app for all Android devices

 

[epicrayban]

This is the first that may pull me from Nova. I really like the new app drawer implementation and as a fan of 3D Touch shortcuts on the iPhone, can't wait to have them back again. Conversely, not in love with the circular icons or the non-removable time/weather 'widget'.

Speaking of which, unless I'm mistaken, there doesn't seem to be a theming feature on the Pixel, something both Samsung and HTC (and others?) have gone to town with.

Maybe in Android O.

 

[tbayrgs]

Speaking of which, unless I'm mistaken, there doesn't seem to be a theming feature on the Pixel, something both Samsung and HTC (and others?) have gone to town with.

Maybe in Android O.

In theory we wouldn't have to wait until 'O' since the Pixel Launcher is on the Play Store, no? They could push out an update for this in a month if they wanted, couldn't they?

 

[MRU]

In theory we wouldn't have to wait until 'O' since the Pixel Launcher is on the Play Store, no? They could push out an update for this in a month if they wanted, couldn't they?

They certainly could, though with Google trying to control more aspects of the OS both software and hardware, it would not surprise me if like apple they would not allow theming inside their launcher.

Theming will still be available with third party launchers though ....

 

[AppleRobert]

I am in a loop, every time I click to download it just takes me back to the original screen where the apk is, never starts downloading.

 

[mclld]

I downloaded that wallpaper app, very nice

 

[epicrayban]

I finally read through The Verge's camera comparison between the iPhone, Pixel and the S7. The Pixel came out on top. And I agree with what they say about the iPhone's more "true to color" tones:

You could make the argument that Apple offers a "flatter," more true-to-life image, or at least one that is better suited for editing. But the chances are that many people don’t want that, or at the very least, it’s not as big a deal-breaker as the rest of a phone’s features. And to my eyes, the iPhone’s photos are starting to look a bit bland in comparison to the photos that are coming out of Google’s and Samsung’s phones.


I've preferred Samsung's image processing more. It sounds like the Pixel is a happy middle ground between the iPhone and the Galaxy. Sounds just right.

Google really needs to be congratulated again for the camera.

 

[tbayrgs]

Google really needs to be congratulated again for the camera.

Bout damn time.

 

[bmac4]

I finally read through The Verge's camera comparison between the iPhone, Pixel and the S7. The Pixel came out on top. And I agree with what they say about the iPhone's more "true to color" tones:

You could make the argument that Apple offers a "flatter," more true-to-life image, or at least one that is better suited for editing. But the chances are that many people don’t want that, or at the very least, it’s not as big a deal-breaker as the rest of a phone’s features. And to my eyes, the iPhone’s photos are starting to look a bit bland in comparison to the photos that are coming out of Google’s and Samsung’s phones.


I've preferred Samsung's image processing more. It sounds like the Pixel is a happy middle ground between the iPhone and the Galaxy. Sounds just right.

Google really needs to be congratulated again for the camera.

I am not sure how I feel about the camera in terms of liking the true to life color or more saturation. I tend to lean toward the more true to life. I have use Samsung phones before and always preferred the screen on the iPhone more. Never have enjoyed the over saturated Oleds that Samsung has. I kind of feel the same with the camera, but who knows.

I think the biggest take away is that Google made such a good camera. The one thing people have complained about for years, and they got it right this time. The rest comes down to preference, but if this thing can run with the iPhone and Samsung. Google is doing something right.

 

[Fernandez21]

They certainly could, though with Google trying to control more aspects of the OS both software and hardware, it would not surprise me if like apple they would not allow theming inside their launcher.

Theming will still be available with third party launchers though ....

True, but that's only theming the home screen, with Samsung and HTC you also theme the lock screen, the notification screen, and the stock oem apps (phone, messages, calendar, etc...).

Also, anyone know how the "3D touch" menu works? I've downloaded the pixel launcher, but every time I long press it zooms out for me to move the icon.

 

[epicrayban]

True, but that's only theming the home screen, with Samsung and HTC you also theme the lock screen, the notification screen, and the stock oem apps (phone, messages, calendar, etc...).

Also, anyone know how the "3D touch" menu works? I've downloaded the pixel launcher, but every time I long press it zooms out for me to move the icon.

Yeah, it's not part of the Pixel launcher in the play store. To get that you'll have to get a pixel it seems. Doubtful Google will implement the full feature list in the launcher in the play store.

I quickly uninstalled the launcher. Back on the Google now launcher on my s7e.

 

[mclld]

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=VmJxLXowQ1Z0UlhXRW5lbEpKeXRtcDdLU2Y3TXJn

 

[spinedoc77]

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=VmJxLXowQ1Z0UlhXRW5lbEpKeXRtcDdLU2Y3TXJn

Wow great pics! I haven't been there in years, but it's nice to experience a trip like that with beautiful pictures.

 

[skiburro]

Just got the DP Android 7.1 installed and running on my Nexus 6P. Have the Pixel Launcher, Wallpapers, Weather and Google Now all working without root. In DP 7.1 long press on app icons work. Live wallpaper is beautiful. Camera is so insanely fast now (same as the one in the Pixel image). Dialer is updated. Have a restart option. lol. Only thing I am missing in built in assistant and I won't mess with my build.prop because I love Android Pay.

Google came through getting this all out to the 6P quickly. Makes it much easier to wait another year on the Pixel.