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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."
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.
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.
Galaxy S10+ vs. the competition: The cameras are just the beginning
The S10+ isn't pushing any boundaries with the size of its 6.4-inch display: However, it is the company's first dynamic AMOLED screen. And it really stands out with its new triple rear camera setup. However, that's not all that distinguishes Samsung's new large handset in 2019. Check out the table below to see how the S10+ stands up against its closest competition like the Pixel 3XL and iPhone XS Max. And don't forget to check back in a few weeks for our full review of the S10 and S10+, when we'll look at more than just the numbers.
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.
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,
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 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 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.
Google is adding an option to hide the Pixel 3 XL’s notch
We've all had a little bit of fun at Google's expense about the notch on the new Pixel 3 XL smartphone. It's not exactly the most flattering look, after all. But now, apparently, the company is adding an option to hide the notch on this handset. We've reached out to Google for confirmation.
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.
