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Google is working on a fix for Pixel 3's disappearing texts bug
The Pixel 3's early teething troubles aren't over yet. Users are reporting that some of their text messages are disappearing, It's not clear whether it's an Android-level bug or specific to the Messages app, but some owners believe the issue might have begun after installing the November 5th security update. Needless to say, that's more than a little worrying if you haven't backed up your texts and you'd really like to remember a conversation with a loved one.
Google Pixel 3 XL bug adds an annoying second notch
Several Google Pixel 3 XL owners have encountered what must be the most annoying of bugs. As if one notch wasn't bad enough, a second "software notch" is popping up on various parts of some screens, more or less making the display look like an expensive puzzle piece. Some users whose devices sprouted a second notch posted about the plague on Twitter and Reddit over the last few days.
Google limits Pixel 3's fast wireless charging to certified devices (update)
We hope you prefer wired charging if you're buying Google's Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL phone with no intention of getting a Pixel Stand. The tech giant's new flagship devices don't support 10W Qi charging and will only reach 5W charging speeds on most wireless chargers. Google has confirmed the charging cap after an Android Police reader measured it and found that to be the case. The reader contacted Anker, their wireless charger's manufacturer, and the accessory-maker told them that the phone "sets a limitation for third-party charging accessories."
Google will fix its Camera bug that fails to save photos
Now that Google's Pixel 3 phones have arrived people are finding the good and bad of the various software-enhanced features. One issue some have noticed -- across a range of devices including some non-Pixel or Nexus phones -- is a tendency to skip the important step of actually saving a photo after it's taken. Tonight Google responded, with a statement to Engadget that said simply "We will be rolling out a software update in the coming weeks to address the rare case of a photo not properly saving." The company did not address where the issue lies, but based on user reports it seems like there may be problem with waiting for HDR to finish processing before switching to another app, so an update to the company's Google Camera software could fix it. If we get more specific information about what the fix is and where it will reach, we will update this post.
Google details the Pixel 3's custom security chip
Google has bragged about its Pixel 3 phones' custom Titan M security chip, but... what is it doing, exactly? The company is happy to explain. It posted a summary explaining the core of what Titan M does, and it's clear the part is at once a watchdog and a safekeeping box. The chip is tied into Android's secure boot process and saves the last known-safe Android version to prevent attackers from rolling you back to an insecure firmware version. It also blocks attempts to unlock the bootloader (and thus run whatever firmware they like) from within Android, and they can't update your firmware unless you've entered your passcode.
Pixel 3 XL teardown reveals Google's switch to a Samsung display
When people noticed that the Pixel 3 XL's display was much better than its predecessor's, a common question emerged: did Google ditch LG for someone else? Yes, according to iFixit. The DIY repair house has torn down both the 3 XL and its smaller counterpart, and it's now clear that Google is using a Samsung-made AMOLED screen on at least the larger phone (we've asked iFixit about the regular Pixel 3). Google wasn't taking any chances on screen quality, in other words.
Pixel 3 and 3 XL review: Google’s hardware takes a backseat to software
Even if they hadn't been leaked to death before their official announcement, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL probably wouldn't surprise anyone. The hardware has barely changed (at least on the outside). And there's no difference between the two handsets apart from size -- you no longer have to spring for a bigger, more expensive phone for the best features. From more powerful camera algorithms to a smarter Assistant, the standout features on this year's models are almost all in the software. The question, then, is this: If all the best stuff about these phones is basically software updates that even older devices will ultimately get, is there a point in shelling out for the new hardware? The answer, surprisingly, is yes, but only if you can live with a giant notch.
Pixel camera app will support external mics from October 18th
Google made much ado of the Pixel line's suitability to pro photography with its Annie Leibovitz partnership, but it couldn't really say the same for video when owners still have to use the built-in microphone with the official camera app. That won't be an issue for much longer, though. Google is adding support for Android-friendly wired external mics on October 18th, the same day as the Pixel 3 launch. And you won't need one the latest models, either -- any Pixel phone will do the trick.
Watch Google's Pixel 3 event in less than 10 minutes
Google's Pixel 3 event may have been spoiled by an abundance of leaks, but that doesn't mean it was easy to follow along -- there was a veritable deluge of news. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were undoubtedly the highlights, with their larger screens and dual selfie cameras. However, Google also introduced its first in-house smart display, the Home Hub, and fostered Chrome OS tablets with the Pixel Slate. And that's not including some of the lower-key news, such as the Pixel Stand wireless charger. If that's a lot to take in, don't worry. We've rounded up the highlights of the event in a roughly 10-minute clip that should help you catch up.
The notch on the Pixel 3 XL sucks
The deep notch on the Pixel 3 XL isn't a huge surprise. It was first revealed in leaked photos posted by an XDA forum user on June 6th. Some people hoped, or prayed, that it wasn't real or could somehow be fixed before the phone's release. But as more leaks trickled out, including Engadget's own sneaky peek, it became clear that the notch was frighteningly real. Today, Google revealed the phone and its smaller notch-free sibling, the Pixel 3, at a glitzy event in New York City. I can't help but feel a tad disappointed.
Google's Pixel 3 event by the numbers
Google offered everybody a peak at its fall product lineup during its Made by Google event in New York City on Tuesday. The internet search giant cum hardware purveyor showed off its latest handset, the Pixel 3 (as well as a wireless charging dock for it), a more robust Chromecast, a smart Home Hub, and a snazzy 2-in-1 convertible tablet.
Google's $30 USB-C earbuds offer access to Assistant, translations
Google's first attempt at wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds, aren't for everyone. Not just because they don't live up to the hype -- due to jerky performance, overly sensitive touch controls and a tedious case design -- but also because they cost $159. If that's a lot more than you're willing to spend, Google has a budget-friendly option for you: the Pixel USB-C earbuds, priced at $30.
Here's all the new stuff Google's Pixel 3 phone cameras can do
The Pixel 2 had arguably the best smartphone camera on the market, and Google wants to make sure it stays that way. During its Pixel unveiling today, it introduced a raft of new camera features for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL smartphones, including an improved zoom, wider-angle camera, smile and blink detection, bokeh control and more -- all with just a single lens on the back. The quality is apparently good enough for Terrence Malick, who shot a video that was featured at the event, so it might be good enough for the rest of us, too. Some of the features are enabled with the fresh hardware, to be sure. There's a brand new 12.2-megapixel sensor on the back, with a sharper wide-angle lens to allow for zooming. On the front, you get a pair of wide-angle lenses in that large notch, letting you adjust the zoom level via a slider. However, most of the heavy lifting is done by Google's AI, which can handle HDR+ chores, merge multiple photos for zooming and low light and pick the best photo from a sequence. It's much more powerful than ever thanks to the Visual Core co-processor Google developed in conjunction with Intel. The chip powers more camera features than it did on the Pixel 2, and is powerful enough that you don't need to be online to get the benefits.
Google's Pixel 3 is $150 more expensive
Google's Pixel 3 phones sound like solid upgrades, but there's one change that might not have you racing to place an order: the price. The new Android flagships start at $799 for the base 5.5-inch phone, or a $150 jump over the Pixel 2. The Pixel 3 XL, meanwhile costs 'just' $50 more than its ancestor at $899. And you're not getting any additional storage for the money, either, since both the 2017 and 2018 Pixels start with 64GB of space. You'll now have to think considerably more carefully about leaping in, especially when the price gap between the regular and XL models has shrunk to just $100.
Pixel 3 vs. the competition: Under the surface
It's October, which means we finally get an official look at Google's big phone release for 2018. The Pixel 3 may look plain on the outside, but it's packed with improved front and back cameras with souped-up software that we hope will make the shooters better than their predecessors. Of course, to find out we'll have to wait for the full review in a few weeks. For now, we can take a look at the handset's specs and see how it stands up to this year's crop of flagship phones. Check out the table below:
Pixel 3 hands-on: Will Google's clever software be enough?
Google's hardware keynote just ended, and as usual, the horde of media professionals are raring to get their hands on all the new devices. Despite all the Pixel 3 leaks before today, I'm still desperate to get my hands on this thing too. I'll admit, I really want to see the selfies it can shoot, especially now that I can squeeze more people into my pictures with that second wide-angle camera. I've already briefly touched it and, man, I love that "Not Pink" color. The device feels really premium too.
Google's phone-calling AI comes to Pixel phones in November
Do you want to be one of the first everyday users to try Google's phone-calling Duplex AI? You'd better have a Pixel device. Google has announced that Pixel users in the US will be the first to have access to the feature in November. If you live in Atlanta, New York City, Phoenix or the San Francisco Bay Area, Assistant will book restaurant reservations for you over the phone. It'll be available in more US cities "in the future" -- sorry, there's no word on international availability.
Google Pixel 3 XL hands-on (again): Everything you didn't already know
We technically already spent some time with the Pixel 3 XL outside a dinky electronics store in Hong Kong, but this is one of the most important phones of the year. So it definitely deserves a little more scrutiny. Thankfully, Google's presentation here in New York has just wound down, so it's time to take a closer look at what the company has managed to pull off this year. I already know what some of you are probably thinking: Can a phone that has been leaked this thoroughly actually offer any surprises? Well, maybe not. What has been surprising, though, is just how complete and competent the 3 XL feels despite the fact that Google mostly played it safe with this generation of hardware.
Google's Pixel Stand is a wireless charger that doubles as a dock
Google is showing off a handful of new products today, including the highly leaked Pixel 3, and the company confirmed what leaks have suggested -- that the phone will support wireless charging. With it being the first Pixel with Qi charging, what better time to roll out a wireless charger? That seems to be Google's line of thought as today it unveiled the Pixel Stand, a dock that can wirelessly charge your phone while giving you access to Google Assistant.
Google announces the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
Google's press conference is well underway in NYC, and the most important order of business is formally announcing the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. To say we're already acquainted with the devices would be an understatement. Between our own early hands-on with the XL, the left-in-a-Lyft incident and many other leaks, we knew what we were in for: A pair of handsets that, on the hardware front, are not really designed to break to new ground, but to update the Pixel brand for 2018.
