Google Pixel Explained

Google Pixel
Developer:Google
Manufacturer:Various

Google Pixel is a brand of portable consumer electronic devices developed by Google that run either ChromeOS or the stock version of the Android operating system. The main line of Pixel products consist of Android-powered smartphones, which have been produced since October 2016 as the replacement of the older Nexus, and of which the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are the current models. The Pixel brand also includes laptop and tablet computers, as well as several accessories, and was originally introduced in February 2013 with the Chromebook Pixel.

Phones

See also: Comparison of Google Pixel smartphones.

Legend:
ModelAnnouncedReleaseDiscontinuedSupportLifespan
DateWith OSDate[1] Final OS
Pixel / XLOctober 4, 2016October 20, 20167.1 NougatApril 11, 2018December 2, 201910
Pixel 2 / XLOctober 4, 2017October 17, 20178.0 OreoApril 1, 2019December 7, 202011
Pixel 3 / XLOctober 9, 2018October 18, 20189 PieMarch 31, 2020June 6, 202212
Pixel 3a / XLMay 7, 2019May 15, 2019July 1, 2020September 5, 202212.1
Pixel 4 / XLOctober 15, 2019October 23, 201910August 6, 2020February 6, 202313
Pixel 4aAugust 3, 2020August 20, 2020January 31, 2022November 6, 2023
Pixel 4a (5G)November 5, 202011August 20, 2021February 5, 202414
Pixel 5September 30, 2020October 15, 2020
Pixel 5aAugust 17, 2021August 26, 202111July 21, 2022At least August 202414
Pixel 6 / ProOctober 19, 2021October 28, 202112October 6, 2022At least October 2026—
Pixel 6aMay 11, 2022July 21, 2022—At least July 2027
Pixel 7 / ProOctober 6, 2022October 13, 2022 13At least October 2027
Pixel 7aMay 10, 2023May 10, 2023 At least May 2028
Pixel FoldJune 20, 2023At least June 2028
Pixel 8 / ProOctober 4, 2023October 12, 202314At least October 2030
Pixel 8aMay 7, 2024May 14, 2024At least May 2031
Pixel 9 seriesAugust 13, 2024August 22, 2024 At least September 2031

Pixel and Pixel XL

See main article: Pixel (1st generation).

Google announced the first generation Pixel smartphones, the Pixel and the Pixel XL, on October 4, 2016 during the #MadeByGoogle event.[2] Google emphasized the camera on the two phones, which ranked as the best smartphone camera on DxOMarkMobile with 90 points until HTC released the U11, which also scored 90 points.[3] This is largely due to software optimizations such as HDR+. The Pixel phones also include unlimited cloud storage for pictures on Google Photos[4] and, for devices purchased directly from Google, an unlockable bootloader.[5] In 2019, a class action lawsuit[6] over faulty microphones in some devices enabled Pixel owners to claim up to $500 in compensation.

Pixel 2 and 2 XL

See main article: Pixel 2.

Google announced the Pixel 2 series, consisting of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, on October 4, 2017.

Pixel 3 and 3 XL

See main article: Pixel 3.

Google announced the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL at an event on October 9, 2018, alongside several other products.

Pixel 3a and 3a XL

See main article: Pixel 3a.

On May 7, at I/O 2019, Google announced the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, budget alternatives to the original two Pixel 3 devices.[11]

Pixel 4 and 4 XL

See main article: Pixel 4.

Google announced the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL at an event on October 15, 2019, alongside several other products.[12]

In 2019, Google offered a bug bounty of up to $1.5 million for the Titan M security chip built into Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 4.[13]

Pixel 4a and 4a (5G)

See main article: Pixel 4a. Google announced the Pixel 4a on August 3, 2020 and the Pixel 4a (5G) on September 30, 2020, as budget alternatives to the original two Pixel 4 devices.

Pixel 5

See main article: Pixel 5. Google announced the Pixel 5 on September 30, 2020.

Pixel 5a

See main article: Pixel 5a. Google announced the Pixel 5a on August 17, 2021.

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

See main article: Pixel 6.

Google announced the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on October 19, 2021.

Pixel 6a

See main article: Pixel 6a. Google announced the Pixel 6a on May 11, 2022.

Pixel 7 and 7 Pro

See main article: Pixel 7. Google announced the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro on October 6, 2022.

Pixel 7a

See main article: Pixel 7a. Google announced the Pixel 7a at its annual Google I/O on May 10, 2023.[23]

Pixel Fold

See main article: Pixel Fold. Google announced the Pixel Fold at its annual Google I/O on May 10, 2023.

Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

See main article: Pixel 8. Google announced the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro at Made by Google on Oct 4, 2023. They were released 8 days later on Oct 12, 2023.[24]

Pixel 8a

See main article: Pixel 8a. The Pixel 8a is a midrange addition to the Pixel 8 series. It was announced on the Made by Google blog on May 7, 2024.[25]

Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL & 9 Pro Fold

See main article: Pixel 9. Google announced the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold at Made by Google on Aug 13, 2024.

Tablets

Pixel C

See main article: Pixel C.

The Pixel C was announced by Google at an event on September 29, 2015,[27] alongside the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P phones (among other products). The Pixel C includes a USB-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.[28] The device shipped with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, and later received Android 7.x Nougat and Android 8.x Oreo. Google stopped selling the Pixel C in December 2017.[29]

Pixel Slate

See main article: Pixel Slate.

The Pixel Slate, a 12.3inches 2-in-1 tablet and laptop, was announced by Google in New York City on October 9, 2018,[30] alongside the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. The Pixel Slate includes two USB-C ports but omits the headphone jack. The device runs ChromeOS on Intel Kaby Lake processors, with options ranging from a Celeron on the low end to an i7 on the high end. In June 2019, Google announced it will not further develop the product line, and cancelled two models that were under development.[31]

Pixel Tablet

See main article: Pixel Tablet. The Pixel Tablet was announced by Google at I/O 2022. It comes with a stand, similar to that of a Home Hub; however, it is detachable.[32] It was released on June 20, 2023.[33]

Laptops

Chromebook Pixel (2013)

See main article: Chromebook Pixel.

Google announced the first-generation Chromebook Pixel in a blog post on February 21, 2013.[34] The laptop includes an SD/multi-card reader, Mini DisplayPort, combination headphone/microphone jack, and two USB 2.0 ports. Some of the device's other features include a backlit keyboard, a "fully clickable etched glass touchpad," integrated stereo speakers, and two built-in microphones.[35]

Chromebook Pixel (2015)

See main article: Chromebook Pixel.

On March 11, 2015, Google announced the second generation of the Chromebook Pixel in a blog post.[36] The laptop includes two USB-C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card slot, and a combination headphone/microphone jack. The device also has a backlit keyboard, a "multi-touch, clickable glass touchpad," built-in stereo speakers, and two built-in microphones, among other features.[37]

Google discontinued the 2015 Chromebook Pixel on August 29, 2016.[38] [39]

Pixelbook

See main article: Pixelbook. On October 4, 2017, Google launched the first generation of the Pixelbook at its Made by Google 2017 event.[40]

Pixelbook Go

See main article: Pixelbook Go. On October 15, 2019, Google announced a mid-range version of the Pixelbook, named the Pixelbook Go, at its Made by Google 2019 event.[41]

Smartwatches

Pixel Watch

See main article: Pixel Watch. The Google Pixel Watch is a first-generation wearable made by Google that released in October, 2022. It features a circular display. Multiple wristbands for the watch are available on the Google Store for purchase.

Pixel Watch 2

See main article: Pixel Watch 2. The Pixel Watch 2 is a second-generation wearable made by Google that released in October, 2023. It features a similar design to the first-generation Pixel Watch's circular display. Multiple wristbands for the watch are available on the Google Store for purchase.

Pixel Watch 3

See main article: Pixel Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 3 is a third-generation wearable made by Google that released in August, 2024.

Accessories

Pixel Buds

See main article: Pixel Buds.

At Google's October 2017 hardware event, a set of wireless earbuds were unveiled alongside the Pixel 2 smartphones.[42] The earbuds are designed for phones running Android Marshmallow or higher, and work with Google Assistant.[43] In addition to audio playback and answering calls, the earbuds support translation in 40 languages through Google Translate.[44] The earbuds are able to auto pair with the Pixel 2 with the help of the Google Assistant and "Nearby".[45] The Pixel Buds are available in the colors Just Black, Clearly White and Kinda Blue. The earbuds have a battery capacity of 120 mAh while the charging case that comes with the Pixel Buds have a battery capacity of 620 mAh.[46] The earbuds are priced at $159.

A second generation of Pixel Buds were released in 2020, omitting the cord between the two earbuds. In June 2021, a mid-range variant of the second-generation earbuds were released as the Pixel Buds A-Series.

At the 2022 Google I/O event, an enhanced version of the second-generation earbuds was announced and later released in May 2022, as the Pixel Buds Pro, which featured Active Noise Cancellation mode, transparency mode, and spatial audio (added in a subsequent software update). The "Pro" earbuds are priced at $199.

Pixelbook Pen

Alongside the launch of the Pixelbook in October 2017, Google announced the Pixelbook Pen, a stylus to be used with the Pixelbook. It has pressure sensitivity as well as support for Google Assistant. The Pen is powered by a replaceable AAAA battery and is priced at US$99.[47]

Pixel Stand

In October 2018, Google announced the Pixel Stand alongside the Pixel 3 smartphones.[48] In addition to standard 5 watt Qi wireless charging, the Pixel Stand has wireless 10 watt charging using a proprietary technology from Google.[49] It also enables a software mode on the Pixel 3 that allows it to act as a smart display similar to the Google Home Hub. In October 2021, alongside the release of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones, a second-generation Pixel Stand was made to support the phones' new wireless charging speeds of 23 watts.[50]

Software

Pixel UI (Pixel Launcher)

Pixel Launcher
Screenshot Size:130px
Developer:Google
Family:Unix-like (modified Linux kernel)
Working State:Current
Latest Release Version:Android 14
Marketing Target:Smartphones and tablet computers
Other Articles:Android version history

Google Pixel UI[51] is an Android skin used for the Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet, and developed by Google. Starting from first generation of Google Pixel phones,[52] [53] Google had replaced the launcher for their smartphone with Pixel Launcher instead of Google Now Launcher which is the default launcher for Nexus series.

Unlike the Nexus phones, which Google shipped with "stock" Android (AOSP), the Pixel UI that came with the first generation Pixel phones were slightly modified compared to "stock" Android. Currently, Pixel UI and its home launcher are available on Pixel family devices only. (However, third-party modifications allow non-Pixel smartphones to install the Pixel Launcher with Google Now feed integration).[54]

During the launch of Android 4.x "Ice Cream Sandwich", Google had started to replace some of the stock Android apps with Google apps, including the stock Android music apps with Google Play Music, and Android browser with Google Chrome. By the launch of Android 4.4.x "KitKat", most of the stock Android apps had been replaced with Google apps, such as the stock Android gallery being replaced with Google Photos, etc.[55] This also includes the Android home launcher being replaced with the Google Now Launcher, allowing users to access to their Google Now feed more conveniently.[56] However, the rest of the UI was still similar to stock Android, including the settings menu and toggles buttons colors.[57]

Google officially launched the Pixel Launcher and Pixel UI together the Pixel phones; unlike the Google Now Launcher which allowed non Nexus phones to install, the Pixel Launcher was only available on the Pixel phones. Most Android smartphones including Nexus phones are not compatible with the launcher.[58] Some of the modifications Google had done to differentiate Pixel UI with stock Android included the setting toggle's buttons colors, and 24/7 online support which allowed the user to get direct support from Google's customer support.[59]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices . Android Developers. February 10, 2023.
  2. Web site: Pixel 'Phone by Google' Announced. The Verge. October 4, 2016 . October 4, 2016.
  3. Web site: DxOMark Mobile. Dxomark.com. en. February 21, 2017.
  4. Web site: Google is giving free, unlimited original-quality photo and video backups with the Pixel phones. October 4, 2016. The Verge. March 21, 2017.
  5. News: It's Official: Pixel Phones from the Google Store Will Be Rootable with Unlockable Bootloaders. WonderHowTo. October 6, 2017. en.
  6. Web site: Villas-Boas. Antonio. Google Pixel owners have a week to get up to $500 as the result of a lawsuit over faulty microphones — here's how to claim your money. 2021-02-12. Business Insider.
  7. Web site: Google Pixel product page. Made by Google. de. February 21, 2017.
  8. Web site: Introducing Android Q Beta . March 13, 2019. Android developers blog. March 14, 2019.
  9. Web site: Compare Pixel Phones and Specs . 2024-04-03 . Google Store . en-US.
  10. Web site: Google Pixel 3 review . GSMArena.com . 5 . 2018-10-31 . Audio is recorded in stereo at 192 kbps - a new development after the Pixel 2's mono audio.
  11. Web site: Google unveils the lower-cost Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Engadget. Fingas. Jon. May 7, 2019.
  12. Web site: Google announces October 15th hardware event for Pixel 4. Welch. Chris. 2019-09-16. The Verge. en. 2019-09-24.
  13. News: $1.5m 'reward' for spotting bugs in Google phones. 2019-11-22. 2019-11-25.
  14. Web site: Compare Pixel 4a 5G Tech Specs - Google Store. 2020-09-30.
  15. Web site: Pixel 4a Hardware Specs - Google Store. 2020-09-30.
  16. Web site: Compare Pixel 5 Tech Specs - Google Store. 2020-09-30.
  17. Web site: Pixel 5a Hardware Specs - Google Store. 2021-08-17.
  18. Web site: Pixel 6. 2021-10-19. Google Store. en.
  19. Web site: Pixel 6 Pro. 2021-10-19. Google Store. en.
  20. Web site: Pixel 6a Hardware Specs - Google Store. 2022-05-12.
  21. Web site: Pixel 7. 2022-10-06. Google Store. en.
  22. Web site: Pixel 7 Pro. 2022-10-06. Google Store. en.
  23. Web site: Here's everything Google just announced: A $1,799 folding phone, A.I. in Search and more. CNBC. May 10, 2023. Kif Leswing. Jennifer Elias. Jordan Novet. Rohan Goswami. August 11, 2023.
  24. Web site: Rich . Jason R. . October 4, 2023 . Google just announced the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. Our phone experts reveal if they're worth it . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240129205045/https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/google-pixel-8-and-pixel-8-pro-smartphone-announcement/ . January 29, 2024 . February 14, 2024 . CBS News.
  25. Web site: 2024-05-07 . Meet Pixel 8a: The Google AI phone at an unbeatable value . 2024-05-07 . Google . en-us.
  26. Web site: 2024-05-23 . Pixel 8a Battery, Screen, Processor and AI Specs . Google Store.
  27. Web site: Opam. Kwame. Google unveils Android-based Pixel C tablet. The Verge. September 29, 2015 . Vox Media, Inc..
  28. Web site: Pixel C specifications. September 2, 2016.
  29. News: The Pixel C has been dropped from the Google Store. Whitwam. Ryan. December 28, 2017. Android Police. January 7, 2018.
  30. Web site: Pixel 3, Google Home Hub and Pixel Slate: Everything Google Just Announced. Lori. Grunan. Alina. Bradford. October 9, 2018. CNET.
  31. Web site: Google's officially done making its own tablets. J. R.. Raphael. June 20, 2019. Computerworld.
  32. Web site: The new Google Pixel Tablet, coming in 2023 . 2022-11-27 . Google Store . en.
  33. Web site: Google Pixel Tablet is finally here: Price, specs, features, dock, and more . 2023-05-11 . Android Authority.
  34. Web site: The Chromebook Pixel, for what's next. September 2, 2016.
  35. Web site: Chromebook Pixel specifications. September 2, 2016. October 11, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161011052035/https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/2762037?hl=en. dead.
  36. Web site: Meet the updated Chromebook Pixel and the new Google Store. September 2, 2016. October 11, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161011052035/https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/2762037?hl=en. dead.
  37. Web site: Chromebook Pixel (2015) specifications. September 2, 2016. October 11, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161011051941/https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/6164568. dead.
  38. Web site: Novet. Jordan. Google discontinues the Chromebook Pixel 2. August 30, 2016 . September 2, 2016.
  39. Web site: Parker. Peter. Google discontinues the Pixel 4 less than 1 year after launch. August 7, 2020.
  40. News: Google's Pixelbook is a 2-in-1 premium Chromebook. Engadget. October 4, 2017. en-US.
  41. Web site: Pixelbook Go: Google finally made a reasonably priced Chromebook. The Verge. Bohn. Dieter. 15 October 2019. 16 October 2019.
  42. Web site: Google Pixel Buds: Assistant-enabled Bluetooth neckbuds from Google. Li. Abner. October 4, 2017. 9to5Google. October 4, 2017.
  43. News: Google's Pixel Buds are the company's first wireless headphones. Carman. Ashley. October 4, 2017. The Verge. October 4, 2017.
  44. News: Google Pixel Buds are wireless earbuds that translate conversations in real time. Pallandino. Valentina. October 4, 2017. Ars Technica. October 4, 2017.
  45. News: Google's Pixel Buds use Assistant to auto-pair to your phone, just like Apple's AirPods [Update]]. October 4, 2017. 9to5Google. February 8, 2018. en-US.
  46. Web site: Google Pixel Buds. Google Store. en-US. February 8, 2018.
  47. News: Google's Pixelbook Pen searches for what you circle. Engadget. October 14, 2017. en-US.
  48. Web site: Pixel Stand: 5 things to know about Google's wireless charger. October 22, 2018. Cipriani. Jason. January 4, 2019. CNET.
  49. Web site: Google Pixel Stand Review. October 26, 2018. Chokkattu. Julian. January 4, 2019. Digital Trends.
  50. Web site: 2021-10-19 . Pixel Stand 2 brings 23W wireless charging to new Pixel 6 and more . 2023-05-12 . Trusted Reviews . en.
  51. Web site: Pixel UI guide: Everything you need to know about Google's Android skin . June 1, 2022 . Brown . C. Scott . Android Authority . July 12, 2022.
  52. Web site: Pixel Launcher . 2018-01-15 . Play Store.
  53. Web site: Pixel – The First Phone by Google. Google. 2018-01-15.
  54. Web site: Rootless Pixel 2 Launcher with Google Now page working. paphonb – XDA-Developers. October 13, 2017 . 2018-01-16.
  55. Web site: Google's iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary. Ars Technica. 2018-01-11.
  56. Web site: In Android 4.4, Google Now is finally part of your home screen. Android Central. 2018-01-11.
  57. Web site: Android 7.1.1 in pictures: Nexus versus Pixel. Ars Technica. December 6, 2016 . 2018-01-11.
  58. Web site: Goodbye Google Now Launcher, hello Pixel Launcher. TechRepublic. 2018-01-11.
  59. Web site: The Pixel's secret weapon: 24/7 support. Android Central. October 18, 2016 . 2018-01-11.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Google Pixel".

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