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Google brings automatic call screening to all of its Pixel phones
Over the last couple of years, Google has updated older Pixel devices with features that first appear on its most recent phones. The latest tool to make its way from Pixel 4 to the original Pixel, Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 is automatic call screening, which debuted on the former in December.
Google's powerful Recorder app now works on older Pixel phones
Over its last few Pixel cycles, Google has made a point of bringing some features of its most recent phone to other devices. This week, for instance, Pixel 4's live audio captioning tool expanded to Pixel 3 and 3a devices. Now, owners of older Pixel handsets can check out one of Pixel 4's niftier aspects: the Recorder app that can capture and transcribe audio simultaneously.
Android 10 goes live for Google's Pixel phones today
Android 10 might not have a delicious, dessert-themed name (and for good reason), but some of you can take solace in the fact that it's available to install today. As usual, Google Pixel owners are getting first crack at the update, and we wouldn't be surprised if other phone makers announce their own Android 10 upgrade plans throughout the day. That's no guarantee of news, though: OEMs like Samsung, Sony, Lenovo and others often handle these announcements at their own pace, and all Google will say on the matter is that it's "working with a number of partners to launch or upgrade devices to Android 10 this year."
The Pixel 3a vs. the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2: What's changed?
It's only May but we're already getting new a Pixel phone, just in time for Google I/O. But this release isn't a full-fledged Pixel 4, which we'll probably see this October. Instead, it's the 3a, a slightly stepped down version of Google's flagship with a discounted price to match. How stepped down is it, exactly? We've lined up all the important details about both the 3 and 3a as well as 2017's Pixel 2 to see what corners got cut. However, to see if it's really worth your time and money, we recommend giving our review of its larger sibling a peep.
Google cuts Pixel 3 prices in half for Project Fi birthday
It's the fourth anniversary of Project Fi, and to celebrate, Google is offering half off of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones for today only. There is one catch: The offer is only available to new and existing Google Fi customers, and applies once you connect to the network. If you're in that category, there are some serious savings to be had.
Google stops selling the Pixel 2 and 2 XL
Google is no longer selling the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL through its store, in the hope you might instead buy the Pixel 3. As spotted by Android Police, the older devices are no longer visible on the Phones section of the Google Store, and if you try to visit the Pixel 2 page directly, you'll be redirected to the Pixel 3 listing. The devices are also no longer available through the Google Fi store.
Here’s what our readers think of the Google Pixel 3 and 3XL
With last year's release of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL Google answered the call of competing smartphones by adding some significant software upgrades, and subtle hardware changes, to its flagship line-up. Aside from the addition of the controversial notch to the XL, the Pixel's body didn't change much from previous iterations; the company also switched to a glass back and provided a full HD+ HDR screen. Indeed, most of the real developments were on the software side. While these were substantial enough to wow reviewer Cherlynn Low and earn the phones scores of 90 and 89 respectively, users were less enthusiastic.
Google's repair center will finally take your Pixel 3
Until now, you've had to visit a uBreakiFix location to get your Pixel 3 fixed in an official capacity. That's helpful if you're nearby, but an absolute pain if your phone breaks and you'd rather not risk voiding the warranty. After today, you can relax -- Google has finally given Pixel 3 owners the option to send their devices to its mail-in repair center. While it could take up to 10 days to receive your phone, it beats having to turn to third parties.
Tell us about your experiences with the Pixel 3 and 3 XL!
When Google released its latest Pixel phones back in October, we suggested in our review that the company had played it safe with the hardware. Even so, Android Pie (not to mention the Pixel-specific software tweaks Google made) are valuable enough that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL are worth their $799-plus asking price. With features such as transcribing voicemail calls, expanded screen-time controls and dedicated image processing chips, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL earned impressive scores of 90 and 89, respectively. But we'd like to hear from those of you who actually bought either of these two handsets. Write your own review of these flagship smartphones on Engadget's product pages and weigh in on how they're working for you. You had a lot to say in the comments -- now it's your turn to tell us if you really hate that notch and if the photography features are worth upgrading for. Note: comments have been turned off for this post; please go to the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL review pages to leave your thoughts!
Verizon will deliver RCS chat to the Pixel 3 on December 6th
Verizon has confirmed that multimedia-rich RCS chat is coming to Google's Pixel 3 devices tomorrow on December 6th, according to Droid Life and other sites. You might be more familiar with it as "Chat," the snappier name Google uses for its upcoming RCS SMS service (built into its Message app) that aims to compete with Apple's iMessage. The news that Chat will arrive soon to Verizon first leaked onto Reddit via an internal employee document.
Pixel 3 update addresses multitasking woes
Google's initial Pixel 3 software had multiple rough spots, but one of the most common complaints has centered on memory management -- users have seen their phones close apps when doing something as simple as taking a picture. That might be less of a problem going forward. The company has detailed an imminent December update that promises "improved memory performance in certain circumstances" on all Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 variants, not to mention faster camera capture.There's no guarantee this will solve every complaint (the Pixel 3 does have just 4GB of RAM, after all), but it should help.
Google's call screening transcripts roll out to Pixel owners
You no longer have to stare at your Pixel to see whether or not that Assistant-screened call was worth answering. Pixel owners have reported that Call Screen transcripts are starting to reach their devices, including older devices as well as the Pixel 3. Check the recent calls in your phone app, choose Call Details and you'll find a See Transcript option if you have the feature. If you do, you can review what a mysterious caller said and decide whether or not it's worth a follow-up.
Google explains the Pixel 3's improved AI portraits
Google's Pixel 3 takes portrait photos that are more accurate than its predecessor could take when new, which is no mean feat when you realize that the upgrade comes solely through software. But just what is Google doing, exactly? The company is happy to explain. It just posted a look into the Pixel 3's (or really, the Google Camera app's) Portrait Mode that illustrates how its AI changes produce portraits with fewer visual glitches.
Best Buy offers a steep discount on Verizon's Pixel 3 phones
Despite some teething problems, Google's Pixel 3 smartphones combine incredible power and features with a pure Android experience. If you've been thinking of jumping in but are dissuaded by the $900 Pixel 3 XL price, now's the time. Best Buy is offering the Verizon version of both devices at a steep $400 discount, so you might never find them cheaper.
Google's conversational Duplex AI rolls out to some Pixel owners
After months of hype, Google's reservation-placing Duplex AI is available to the general public -- if only just. The company has confirmed to VentureBeat that Duplex is rolling out to a "small group" of Pixel phone users in "select cities." It wasn't specific about those cities, but it likely includes the previously announced cities of Atlanta, New York City, Phoenix and San Francisco. Google is starting with a "slow rollout" to ensure a "good experience" for both Pixel owners and businesses,
Google’s Pixel phones will soon save transcripts of screened calls
Google's Call Screen feature has been a boon to Pixel 3 owners wary of tedious telemarketing calls. Instead of taking your chances on an incoming 'Scam Likely' call, you can just get Google Assistant to answer for you. One of the major criticisms of the service, though, is that once the call is complete, the transcript of the conversation disappears. So unless you managed to grab a screenshot of the transcript, or were paying attention to the screen during the call, you'd have nothing to refer to later beyond a caller number. None of this is really conducive to fuss-free spam filtering. But Google has been paying attention to feedback, and it seems that Call Screen transcripts are on the way.
Pixel 3 bug disables the phone's camera
Pixel 3 owners are dealing with another software glitch, and this one could prove to be a showstopper for some. Owners on Google's forums, Reddit and elsewhere (including an Engadget staff family member) report a flaw that prevents them from using the Pixel 3's official camera app. Some get a "fatal error" message when they use the camera app, while others will get a "can't connect to camera" message in a third-party app and lose access from then onward. Rebooting only temporarily fixes the issue, and it can occur even if you've factory-reset the phone or are using Safe Mode.
Google Photos update brings depth control to iOS
Google has added a useful feature to its Google Photos app for iOS. You'll be able to tweak background blur levels and adjust the focus on portrait mode photos. The depth editor tool is arriving on iOS soon after Google added it to the app on Pixel 2, Pixel 3 and some Moto phones. Notably, Pixel 3 phones have a built-in depth control feature, as do iPhone XS and XS Max.
Rumored 'mid-range' Pixel 3 might include a headphone jack
Rumors have swirled for months of Google developing a lower-cost Pixel 3 that would offer the core experience at a lower price, and there might be evidence it's real. Rozetked (which posted accurate Pixel 3 XL leaks) claims to have obtained photos and details of "Sargo," a mid-tier Pixel 3 device. It would share some style cues with the regular Pixel 3, but would use a 5.5-inch 2,220 x 1,080 LCD in place of the OLED screen, a plastic body, an upper-mid-range Snapdragon 670 instead of the 845 and 32GB of storage rather than 64GB. Even the stereo front-facing audio would be gone. However, it might have an addition that would make some people happy -- a headphone jack.
Google's Pixel 3 Black Friday deals prove it's better to wait
The Black Friday onslaught is underway ahead of the big day on November 23rd. Google is the latest to tease its deals, slashing the prices of its latest products: the Pixel 3 and 3 XL and Google Home Hub. Starting tomorrow, its flagship phones will go up for a buy-one-get-one 50 percent off deal through to November 21st. If you just want the one handset, you'll have to wait a tad longer for savings -- Google is trimming $150 off the Pixel 3 and $200 off the Pixel 3 XL for three days beginning November 22nd.
