Made by Google launched the 2nd-generation Pixel Buds six weeks ago today. Supply is still limited to the US and one color variant, while some have reported audio cutouts. Google this afternoon emailed Pixel Buds owners to take part in an extensive survey that does ask about any issues they may have experienced.
At the start of last month, we exclusively reported on Google’s plans for a new Chromecast Ultra based on Android TV. Subsequent reports described a content-focused revamp of the operating system, with new leaks today showing off the next Chromecast, its remote, and “Google TV’s” new look.
The second-generation Pixel Buds went on sale in late April and tomorrow marks their one-month anniversary. They have been well-received with no real outstanding issues. Google is now rolling out the latest firmware update for the 2020 Pixel Buds.
Last August, longtime Pixel phone manager Mario Queiroz left his position for a mysterious role. According to a new report today, he’s no longer at Google, while the Pixel team also recently lost its head camera engineer.
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With today’s launch of the new Nest Aware subscription, Google is permanently discounting the Nest Hub to $89.99 and the Nest Cam Indoor to $129.99 as a way to “bring more help into your home.”
Following the recent release of the Google Pixel Buds, our attention now turns back to Google’s next upcoming device, the mid-range Pixel 4a. Today, we may have gotten a small sneak peek at using the Google Pixel 4a thanks to a screenshot from their senior VP of hardware, Rick Osterloh.
A small tweak being tested on the Google Store today sees the company emphasize its different product brands. Instead of generic categories, Made by Google is directly using “Pixel,” “Nest,” and “Stadia” in the top navigation.
Last week, a sketchy rumor surfaced on the web suggesting that Google had collaborated with Samsung to build its own silicon — presumably for future Pixel devices. Now, a report from Axios corroborates some of those details, adding that the chip, codenamed ‘whitechapel’, could appear in Google’s flagship smartphones as soon as next year and, eventually, Chromebooks.
Google reported “declines in hardware” sales during its Q4 2019 earnings this February. That year-end period includes the busy holiday shopping season and the launch of Made by Google’s flagship phones. In a trend that carries over from last year, the Google Store today discounted the Pixel 4 to $499.
In mid-February, B&H Photo briefly put up Made by Google’s highly-awaited wireless headphones for pre-order. Some more store listings for the Google Pixel Buds headphones have now emerged.
With the launch of every flagship Pixel, Google heavily discounts the previous model to sell remaining inventory. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL is now officially out of the stock at the Google Store.
Following renders late last year, we got our first real-life glimpse of 2020’s mid-range Google Pixel and its fabric case yesterday morning. Another image today explains the origin of that leak and provides a look at the back of the Pixel 4a.
Last year, Google began a new line of affordable alternatives to their flagship Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 3a. This year, we’re anticipating a follow-up in the form of the Google Pixel 4a, and today, thanks to some sketchy new leaks, we may be getting our first look at the upcoming mid-range phone.
Over the course of the past few years, Google’s Fuchsia team has developed support for quite a few devices that seem to line up with known Made by Google hardware. In some cases, those devices appeared in Fuchsia’s code long before they were announced to the public. Looking ahead into 2020, keeping that close relationship in mind, Fuchsia has already laid the groundwork for two more potentially Made by Google devices, codenamed “Nelson” and “Luis.”
First unveiled at the 2019 Made by Google Event, Google’s second generation of Pixel Buds wireless headphones are set to debut sometime this spring. With their release growing closer, the 2020 Google Pixel Buds have become certified for wireless charging.
Launched October 2018, Made by Google’s first (and only) Chrome OS tablet was not a successful product, with the company taking corrective steps and eventually offering deep discounts. The Pixel Slate now looks to be getting a permanent price cut, especially on the higher-end models.
The last Made by Google 2019 hardware announcement that has yet to launch are truly wireless Assistant headphones. The new Google Pixel Buds are starting to hit pre-order at retailers ahead of the Spring 2020 launch.
Thanks to some questionable leaks, we’ve already begun thinking beyond the upcoming Pixel 4a and onto Google’s next flagship Android, the Pixel 5. Google’s Pixel phones have been competing as “flagships” since 2016, but buying a “flagship” in 2020 can now set you back well over $1,000. What would happen if Google stopped chasing “flagship” specs with this year’s Pixel 5 and made something entirely different?
With the release of the Pixel 3a at Google I/O last year, Google started a cycle of mid-year hardware releases, which means it’s high time for the next Pixel leak season. Still four months away from the likely launch date of the Pixel 4a, the first proper hints at the mid-range phone’s processor specs have come to light.
Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, as well as CFO Ruth Porat, provided a status update on the Made by Google hardware business during the Alphabet Q4 2019 earnings call. The executives suggest a decline in hardware sales this past quarter despite the holiday season.
Last year, Google (almost) shocked us all with the unveiling of the second-generation of Pixel Buds at Made by Google 2019, this time as a proper true wireless competitor to Apple’s AirPods. Ahead of their slated release in Spring 2020, the new Google Pixel Buds have turned up in the Bluetooth SIG.
One of the most interesting design aspects of the Pixelbook Go is actually its “Not Pink” color variant to complement “Just Black.” The bold color choice is now available from the Google Store in “limited quantities.”
