Items tagged with pixel 2
It's only been in recent years that smartphone makers have had the audacity to routinely charge four figures for their flagship phones, and even for some models that are a step below. If you find that to be a tough pill to swallow and don't need to be on the cutting edge, we have good news—all the way on the opposite side of the spectrum, you can snag a Google Pixel 2 for $89.99 right now, or a larger Pixel 2 XL for just $119.99. Both phones are currently available on Woot, the daily deals site that is owned by Amazon. These are also fully unlocked handsets. So, what's the catch? Well, there are two. The first is that we're dealing with older phone models released in late 2017 (though they're...
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Google recently launched the first Android 11 Developer Preview, and code sleuths are quickly scouring through the OS to see what new features await users. While Google announced a number of new features coming to Android 11 earlier this week (including better support for 5G phones and folding displays), some new ones have been uncovered including double tap gestures for Pixel smartphones. The gesture system was developed under the codename "Columbus" and is initiated by double-tapping on the back of the smartphone. Right now, these are the double tap gestures that are currently available with Columbus according to XDA-Developers: Dismiss timer Launch camera Launch Google Assistant...
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Owners of the aging Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones have a new issue to fight that takes away one of the most important features of the smartphone line. The latest update from Google has seemingly caused an issue that prevents the camera from launching; impacted users report that the camera is essentially dead. The camera fails to show an image in the camera app viewfinder or capture photos. The video attached below shows one user with a camera that stopped functioning. In the video, the camera UI launches briefly, and the viewfinder remains black. Some impacted users report that the front camera works without issue. Remedies that have been tried for the rear camera issue include resetting...
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It appears that the rumors swirling around the web yesterday were correct: Android 10 has just been released today for Google's first-party Pixel smartphones (Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a families). This latest version of Google's mobile operating system was previously known as Android Q, and we were expecting it to be named after so sweet delicious treat like its predecessors. However, Google confirmed late last month that it was simply going with the Android 10 nomenclature. Android 10 isn't exactly a huge rethink of the most popular operating system in the world, but it does bring with it a wealth of improvements and refinements that make it easier to live with on a daily basis....
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For developers and enthusiasts looking to get an early taste of the next version of Google’s Android operating system, the release of new betas is always a highly-anticipated event. And while there's always the promise of cool new features and performance enhancements, there's always the possibility that things could go wrong with this early software -- after all, it is still in beta. Such is the case with Android Q Beta 4, which first landed earlier this week. Almost immediately, Pixel owners began complaining about problems with the over-the-air (OTA) update. Many users said that the Beta 4 update failed to install and, in some cases, put them into reboot hell. Others were cast...
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It looks as though Google is trying hard to clear out inventory of its previous generation Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL handsets. For the second time since October, Google is discounting the Pixel 2 series, this time with both models marked down to $599. That's a $50 discount for the Pixel 2, which debuted at $649, and a generous $250 discount for the Pixel 2 XL, which debuted at $849. Obviously the Pixel 2 XL is the better value, compared to the original MSRPs. It's also the larger of the two, with a 6-inch QHD+ (2880x1440) display. That works out to 538 pixels per inch. For anyone who prefers a smaller handset, the regular Pixel 2 features a 5-inch FHD (1920x1080) display. Pixels aren't as densely...
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If you're looking for a fast Android flagship with fast OS update availability, but don't want to pay $800 or more for a current-generation model, Amazon has you covered. The online retail giant, through its Woot subsidiary, is selling refurbished versions of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL at steep discounts (read the HotHardware review of the phones here). If you're looking to spend the least amount of money possible, you can get the Pixel 2 (64GB) for only $359.99 for the Just Black color option. If you want Clearly White, you'll have to pay an extra $10. For those that want a larger display, the Pixel 2 XL (64GB) can be yours for $395.99 in Clearly White. The Just Black color...
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There has been a myriad of complaints about the new iPhone models in their short time on the market. Some of the big complaints about the iPhone XS and XS Max include unreliable charging with many users claiming that the smartphones often won’t recognize the charger. Users have also complained that the new iPhones have less run time per charge and that the cellular and WiFi signals are weaker than on previous iPhone models. PC Magazine has taken an iPhone XS and had Cellular Insights perform testing on it and other smartphones using fancy Rohde & Schwarz measuring equipment. The iPhone XS and XS Max both use an Intel XMM7569 in part because of the legal wrangling going on between...
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Google decided to take Android 9 Pie out of the oven a little early, and while there are certain parts that could use a bit more baking, it is out of beta and ready to install on Pixel and Pixel 2 handsets. Well, sort of. Google is not pushing Android 9 Pie out to the masses yet, but has made available the source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). What that means is you can download and install Android 9 Pie on your Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, or Pixel 2 XL by manually sideloading it onto your device. That is a different process than just heading into settings and fetching it as an over-the-air (OTA) update. There is some prep work involved, especially if you have never done this sort...
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Do you think you have a strong eye for photography? OnePlus aims to put that to the test as part of a clever (and fun) marketing strategy to promote the upcoming launch of its next flagship phone, the OnePlus 6. The company has assembled a collection of photographs taken with the OnePlus 6, iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S9, and Pixel 2, and is asking users to vote on the best one in each category. What makes the challenge so interesting is that the photos are not labeled—there is no indication of which photo was taken with which phone. There is no identifying information in the metadata either, and every shot is the exact same size. You can enlarge each image for a closer look at the details,...
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There are plenty of reasons to consider the Pixel 2 XL as your next smartphone, not the least of which is the handset's excellent camera performance. However, if you are looking for added incentive, Google is providing it right now in the form of a $200 statement credit when you take advantage of Google Store Financing. On top of that, you can score a free 18W USB-C charger when you buy a Pixel 2 XL or the non-XL version. To get the free charger, just add it to your shopping cart alongside either handset before checking out of the Google Play Store. When you get to the checkout screen, you should see a $35 credit to offset the retail cost of the charger. As for the $200 discount, it appears that...
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Google has been knee deep in the machine learning sector for a number of years, and the company isn't afraid to share some of its knowledge with the world for the greater good. The company has been particularly skillful in creating robust AI-powered image manipulation technologies, which is one of the reasons its Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL boast really impressive photo capabilities. This week, the big G open sourced its DeepLab-v3+ "semantic image segmentation" model, implemented in TensorFlow. With it, AI can be used to separate people (or other objects) from the background, allowing users to create really stunning photos with minimal effort. Bokeh effects are all the rage (and for good reason),...
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One of the strengths of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is battery life, as both perform well compared to other smartphones in the same size and performance class. And because they are official Google devices, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL both receive frequent and timely updates. Unfortunately, Google's latest update appears to be working against its flagship handsets, with several users reporting issues of overheating and shortened battery life. For affected users, the issues came into play after applying Google's February security update earlier this month. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners have been posted complaints of overheating and reduced battery life on Google's community forum and Reddit, though...
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Google is rewarding "loyal Nexus" owners with a tantalizing discount on new hardware. In emails sent out to Nexus owners, Google pitches an exclusive 20 percent discount on the cost of a new Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL handset, valid through the end of February. Unfortunately the deal is not available to the general public, but for those who own a Nexus device, this is a pretty sweet discount on a high-end Android phone. Exactly how much you stand to save depends on which model you go for, along with the amount of onboard storage. The Pixel 2 line ranges in price from $649 (Pixel 2 with 64GB) to $949 (Pixel 2 XL with 128GB). Here is a rundown of each SKU and how much Nexus owners can save on each one:...
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The smartphone business is quite cutthroat, and has seen a shifting dynamic among the top players in recent years. We've seen a steady rise in power from Chinese OEMs that are looking to challenge the market dominance of Apple and Samsung. But what about Google? The company has long sold its Nexus-branded smartphones and more recently introduced its Pixel family. The smartphones are highly regarded in the enthusiast community, but how well are they actually selling? According to IDC, Google's Pixel shipments for all of 2017 doubled compared to 2016. The finally tally for 2017, according to IDC, was 3.9 million units. Compared to the Essential Phone, which by all accounts was a flop following...
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We've known since the Google Pixel 2 smartphone launched that it had a dedicated imaging chip lurking inside that allows the camera to take HDR+ quality pictures when using the main photo app. Since the smartphone launched, that image processor has been just out of reach for third-party apps, but Google has finally activated the Pixel Visual Core. This means that Pixel 2 users can soon take images with HDR+ quality using apps like Instagram and Snapchat. If you aren’t familiar with the Pixel Visual Core, the imaging chip uses computational photography and machine learning to improve image quality. Pixel Visual Core can now make images taken in those third-party apps brighter, more detailed,...
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One of the distinguishing features of Google's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL flagship Android Oreo smartphones compared to their predecessors is the inclusion of Portrait Mode. Portrait Mode allows the main cameras on the Pixel 2 family to produce a synthetic shallow depth effect in photos with a single camera lens, whereas most competitors use a dual-camera setup to achieve the same results. "For shallow depth-of-field, synthetic defocusing is not the same as real optical defocusing, but the visual effect is similar enough to achieve the same goal, of directing your attention towards the main subject," wrote Google engineers Marc Levoy and Yael Pritch in a research blog back in October. While Portrait...
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If you're currently the owner of Google's first-party Nexus or Pixel hardware, we have some good news for you today. Google just pushed out the final release of Android 8.1 Oreo, which brings with it a number of tweaks, with the biggest one being reserved for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. For starters, you will have quick access to the battery status of connected Bluetooth devices by accessing the Quick Settings menu. Google has also implemented a feature to help mitigate screen burn-in on the system bar (which was most notable on the Pixel 2 XL, which features an LG OLED display) by inverting the color scheme in certain situations. System buttons will also be allowed to dim while idle to help...
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Owners of Google's flagship Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices can't seem to catch a break. It seems there has been one annoying issue after another, such as the distracting, high-pitched buzzing sounds that some users observed emanating from the earpiece, and inaccurate battery life estimates, to name a couple recent issues. Luckily Google's been good at rolling out fixes, one of which it's working on for a random reboot issue. Some Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners have complained about their phones restarting at random. One user said it even happens in Safe Mode, seemingly indicating it is not an issue with an app, but the phone itself. There are lots of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners experiencing...
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A little over a month after publishing the first Android 8.1 Developer Preview, Google is back at it with Developer Preview 2 (DP2). If you want to be at the forefront of Android Oreo releases, you can download the latest system images from the Android Developer site, or you can opt to receive the build over-the-air (OTA) through the Android beta program. The big change with Android 8.1 DP2 is that the previously dormant Pixel Visual Core on Google’s 2017 flagship Pixel 2 smartphones is now enabled for developers. For those that need a refresher course, the Pixel Visual Core is Google's first custom-designed co-processor for consumer applications. The chip features 8 custom, Google-designed...
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If you've had your eyes on the hot new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, now might be the prime opportunity to score one Google's latest flagships. Google's Cyber Monday promotion requires you to purchase a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL at full price (starting at $649 and $849 respectively), but you'll receive a $100 store credit that you can use towards a future purchase. While most customers would prefer to have the $100 taken right off at the time of checkout, they will instead need to wait up to four weeks to receive an email from Google with their store credit. In addition to the store credit offer, customer will also be eligible to receive a free Google Home Mini AI smart speaker. Again, you...
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Estimating your available battery life on your Pixel smartphone is getting a lot smarter. A New York-based Google product manager just revealed that the company has made changes to the way that that Pixel devices determine how much battery life is remaining once you unplug from the wall. According to Google, Pixel smartphones previously used rigid assumptions to calculate how much battery life was remaining at any given time. "If you’ve used about 10% per hour over the past few hours, we would guess you will keep using 10% per hour," wrote Michelle. "As you might expect, this wasn’t always very accurate." Google has now switched to an on-device model that will continually monitor...
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