Android 8.0 Oreo is now official and its system images have been made available by Google for devices such as Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player and Google Pixel C. The flashing instructions are available here. Users are required to perform the backup of their devices before installing Android 8.0 Oreo through system images. The search engine giant has also released Android 8.0 Oreo OTA updates for the devices that have enrolled in Android Beta Program.

Installing Android 8.0 Oreo manually through system images may not be convenient for all even though Google is offering a hassle-free installation process now. The easiest way to get the Android 8.0 Oreo before it is officially released by the carrier or the smartphone vendor is by joining the Android Beta program.

Users of Google Pixel XL have claimed that updating to Android O from Developer Preview 4 has been unsuccessful. However, Google seems to have resolved the issue. The OTA update is available without any problem for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones enrolled in Android Beta Program.

Fixed now. We had a signing issue for beta users.

— Dave Burke (@davey_burke) August 22, 2017

Read More: Google Pixel 2 Receives FCC Approval; Reveals Features Like Active Edge, Snapdragon 835, Android 8.0

Users can now get Android O by visiting this page and signing in with a Google account. Users can then click on “Enroll Device” button present next to the image of the device. It will then check for an available update. At any time, users can unenroll by visiting the same page to unenroll the device if they wish to go to back a stable build.

As far as Android 8.0 Oreo OTA updates without Android Beta Program is concerned, Google has confirmed that carriers have started testing the software update for Google Pixel, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P phones. Once the carriers are done with testing process, the update will be soon made available to these devices. The OTA update process will begin in phases and it will be gradually coming to supported devices from various brands. The Android O update for Google Pixel C and Nexus Player will be also made available soon.

Google will be also releasing AOSP build for Android 8.0 Oreo that will allow developers to prepare custom ROM. The search engine giant has also confirmed that devices from various OEMs like Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony will be getting the Android 8.0 Oreo update before the end of 2017.

(source)

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An internal Google document has revealed that Google’s upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones will not feature the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. When Google had launched Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones last year, it advertised that 3.5 mm audio jack is one of the key features of Pixel phones over iPhone 7 and iPhones 7 Plus smartphones that came without it.

9to5 Google stated that it has not shared the internal document as it will put the source at risk. It also stated that the news come from a single source and there is no secondary proof to support this information.

In January, the publication had reported that according to a tipster, Google is testing different chipsets like Snapdragon 83X and Intel chips on Pixel 2. However, the tipster did not reveal any information on the axing of 3.5 mm audio jack on Pixel 2. Hence, it is likely that Google is yet to decide whether to remove the feature or keep it. Hence, Gizmo China readers are taking this report with a pinch of salt as it is an unconfirmed rumor.

Related: Google Pixel 2 Renders Leaked

The same leakster also revealed that upcoming Pixel phones may come with a waterproof chassis. He also added that Google is working on providing a better camera on the next-generation Pixel phones. The camera will not have large-sized megapixels, but it will rather come with additional features like advanced low-light photography.

Currently, Google is receiving feedback from the users through the Pixel User Community to know what people like or dislike about the Pixel and Pixel XL and what improvements they would like to see. So Pixel phone fans who do not wish to see the standard headphone jack on next-generation Pixel phones can post their feedback.

The Senior VP for Hardware with Google, Rick Osterloh, had confirmed in the previous week that new Pixel smartphones would be releasing later this year. It is likely that the alleged Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 would be launched in October this year.

He added that Pixel phones would remain premium and ended the rumors of a budget-friendly Pixel phone. After this, the same tipster surfaced again to state that Google’s Pixel team is also working on a low-priced smartphone with modest specs, but it won’t be carrying Pixel brand name. It may be a new Android One phone from Google.

Would you like to see the next Pixel smartphone without a 3.5mm headphone jack? Do share your thoughts by adding your comments below.

(source)

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BlackBerry has a new phone codenamed Mercury it plans to release soon. The device which has the same physical keyboard + touch screen design like the BlackBerry Priv was privately unveiled at this year’s edition of CES, but won’t launch until next month at MWC.

Ever since news of the device surfaced there have been speculations of its internal specifications, none of which have been confirmed by BlackBerry. New details that have emerged are related to the camera. The info released by Roland Quandt (@rquandt), says the BlackBerry Mercury sports the same camera sensors present in the Google Pixel phones.

If you remember, the Pixel and Pixel XL sport a 12.3MP f/2.0 Sony IMX378 rear camera and results have shown that the Pixel and Pixel XL take fantastic pictures. The front facing camera on the Mercury according to @rquandt is an 8MP Samsung S5K4H8 or an OmniVision OV8856.

Even if the camera turns out to be the same, they might not produce the same results as the Pixels have software enhancements and ‘additional sensor hardware’.

READ MORE: TCL Gets License to Produce and Sell BlackBerry Phones Globally

The Blackberry Mercury is rumored to have a 4.5-inch display with a 1080 x 1680 resolution. There will be 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a Snapdragon 821 SoC. It will also have a 3400mAh battery and run a near-stock version of Android 7.0 out of the box.

These specs have actually not been confirmed by BlackBerry, so we advise you take them with a pinch of salt.

(Source)

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You know how we like to pit phones against each other, right? Today is no different. Today’s battle is between the newly announced OnePlus 3T and Google’s own Pixel. First a brief introduction of both devices.

The OnePlus 3T is the ”successor” to the OnePlus 3 that was launched a couple of months ago. OnePlus has added a couple of improvements to make the already great OnePlus 3 better with this new device. There is the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC, a larger 34000mAh battery, an upgraded 16MP selfie camera, and a 128GB storage option.

The Pixel is made by Google even though it is made by HTC. This is the device taking the baton from Nexus devices as google has alread shut down that line. It is the first android device made by Google the way they want and how they want android devices to be. It comes in two sizes: a 5-inch and a 5.5” variant which both have 32GB and 128GB storage options. And apart from those two differences, they are the same all through.

Round One: Display

The OnePlus 3T has a 5.5″ Full HD Optic AMOLED Display that is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The Pixel, on the other hand, has two display sizes. There’s a 5-inch model for those who want something compact and a 5.5-inch version called the Pixel XL, for those who want the extra screen estate. Both phones have AMOLED displays too and have Gorilla Glass 4 protection but the OnePlus 3T has a higher screen-to-body ratio than the Pixel XL.

Round 2: Chip, ROM, and RAM

Both phones share the same Snapdragon 821 chip but are clocked differently. OnePlus has gone with the highest clocking at 2.35GHz but the Pixels are clocked at 2.15GHz. Will you notice the difference? It’s hard to tell because reviews say the Pixel is a very fast phone and that should be no surprise. The OnePlus isn’t a slow beast too. It’s Oxygen OS is well optimized and can be said to be one of the best ROMs after stock android.

The OnePlus 3T will, however, be able to run more apps at the same time with its generous 6GB of RAM. The Pixel, on the other hand has just 4GB of RAM on both versions but that should be enough even for power users.

There are no SD card slots on any of the phones so you have to choose either 64GB or 128GB of storage if you want the OnePlus 3T or 32GB or 128GB if you want the Pixel.

Round 3: Cameras

The Pixel has received very high praises for the performance of its primary sensor. There is a 12.3-megapixel camera with a f/2.0 aperture, EIS, PDAF, and laser autofocus on the rear and an 8MP f/2.4 sensor in front for selfies.

The OnePlus 3T uses the same primary camera as the OnePlus 3, a Sony IMX298 sensor  which has been rated average at best but it now has Electronic Image Stabilization in addition to OIS to allow you record more stable videos.

The company has given the front camera an upgrade. Moving it from 8MP all the way up to a 16MP Samsung 3P8SP sensor which allows you to take better-looking selfies and live stream in HD. Now that Whatsapp has added video calling to its list of features, this should come in handy.

Round 4: Software

OnePlus touts their Oxygen OS as better than stock android but that is a debate for another day. The 3T runs version 3.5 of Oxygen OS and it brings a number of customizations that you won’t find on stock android. It is still based on Marshmallow though but OnePlus promises an Android Nougat update by the end of the year. We hope the update hits phones before Christmas.

The Pixel, on the other hand, runs the latest version of Android, Nougat 7.1. It is the phone that will get a new Android update first before any other device in the world. If you want to stay ahead of everyone else when it comes to software updates,  the Pixel is the device to go for.

Round 5: Battery, Other Features, and Price

The OnePlus 3T packs a 3400mAh battery which is larger than the 2770mAh in the Pixel but just a tiny bit smaller than the 3450mAh battery in the Pixel XL. They both have fast charging but a comparison video puts OnePlus’s Dash Charge ahead of the Pixel’s USB Power Delivery fast charge.

While we have covered the basics, each phone still has certain features that will help determine which one you eventually settle for.

The OnePlus, for example, has dual SIM slots (nano only) allowing you the choice of having two different lines on one phone. The Pixel, on the other hand, is a single SIM device. The OnePlus has no IP rating but the Pixel is splash and dust resistant.

Pricing for the OnePlus starts at $349 for the 64GB model and $479 for the 128GB version. The Pixel starts at $649 for the 32GB version of the 5-inch model and goes up to $749 for the 128GB option. The Pixel XL is priced at $769 for the 32GB version and $869 for the 128GB variant.

READ MORE: Snapdragon 821 Battle: LeEco Le Pro 3 Vs Xiaomi Mi 5s Vs Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus

Conclusion

Both phones are really good but the OnePlus 3T has a lot going for it such as storage, RAM, and most importantly price. Its cheap price doesn’t mean they have compromised on quality either. Google’s Pixel wins in the camera department (I am sure of that) and has the upper hand when it comes to running the latest software but it is damn expensive!

Which will you be settling for? Do let us know which one and why in the comment box.

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Early benchmark results for Google’s latest Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones have appeared on Geekbench and reveals nothing really special when the flagships are placed at par with their contemporaries, talking about Apple’s latest iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The results show that what the Pixel and Pixel XL possess in looks and camera speed, they lack in raw processing power.

The Geekbench 4 result comes in at about 4100 points on the multicore performance test and for the single core, the result stood at 1580 points and is consistent with earlier figures said to be for the Google phone which appear sometime in September. The score then stood at 1665 on the single-core and 4023 for the multi-core test.

In contrast the Apple iPhone 7 recorded a multi-core score of around 5600 pointd when it hit benchmark and a single-core score of about 3430. This figures could only mean the A10 Fusion chip on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus is far superior to the Snapdragon 821 processor which the Pixel and Pixel XL comes with. Even the iPhone 6S Plus with a multi-core benchmark score of 4106 and single-core score of 2508 surpasses the Google flagships.

Read more: iPhone 7 A10 Fusion Chip Performance Test

Benchmark results may not be a true representation of the daily running speed of smartphones, neither do they measure user interface element but they come in handy in comparing the raw processing power between two computing hardware and in this case, it has definitively proved that there is no better processor around as of this moment that equals the A10 Fusion processor on Apple latest iPhones.

(source)

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It’s official! Nexus is no more. But what comes our way is something more premium and powerful, going by the name of Google Pixel. Thanks to the many leaks that made it to the internet in the past couple of months, much details about the upcoming Pixel and Pixel XL have been known to us. And now, Google just made these two devices official.

So, there are two phones announced today, the Google Pixel and the Pixel XL. Like the name states, the Pixel XL is the larger model of the two, featuring a 5.5-inch display with Quad HD resolution. On the other hand, the Pixel comes with a 5-inch 1080p display. Both the displays are protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass display.

As for the design, Google has taken care of designing the two devices, which look almost identical. Both feature aluminum polished bodies with glass on the front as well as the upper portion of the back. You get a Google branding at the bottom as well. However, note that the phones are made by HTC, but there’s no company branding on both the devices. There are three color options, Quite Black, Very Silver and Really Blue. The Blue color option seems to be US only for the time being.

Coming to the hardware, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL feature Snapdragon 821 chipsets with 4GB of RAM on board. There are two variants for both the devices, 32GB and 128GB ROM. And guess what! Google is offering unlimited cloud storage via Google Photos for both the devices. So, you will never be out of storages on the new pixel phones.

Camera is going to be an important feature of the two devices. Google has used a powerful 12.3MP 1.55um pixel sensor at the back with f/2.0 aperture. The company claims the phone has one of the fastest shutter speed in the market and with HDR+ enabled as default. And guess what! Google Pixel phones have a DxOMark score of 89, which is the highest score for a smartphone camera till date. The phones can record 4K and 1080p videos and with your unlimited free storage, you need not worry about their size. You can read all about the Google Pixel’s camera from DxOMark here.

Batteries capacities are not impressive. The Pixel phone has a 2770mAh battery while the Pixel XL comes with a 3450mAh one. Software is something that’s always been a plus point of Google’s Nexus range and with the Pixel, the company has made sure you have the latest version to play around. The phones come with Android Nougat 7.1 with some new software additions like Google Assistant which is like a feature-rich Google Now, gestures for its fingerprint scanner, new icon designs, Daydream VR ready etc.

As for the pricing, it’s interesting, as both Pixel and Pixel XL start at $649. These phones will be available via carriers like Verizon, unlocked on the Google Play Store as well as via Brick and mortar stores like Best Buy.

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Fourth of October is almost upon us and while Google has a couple of major announcements, none is as important as the launch of the Google Pixel phones. Previously, the tradition was that a new Google device(s) would be the first to run the new version of android. However, this year, Android Nougat officially launched before the Google phones and is now live on earlier nexus devices and even the LG V20.

We’ve gotten a lot of leaks and renders lately but just three days before the launch, we get a new set of renders which in my opinion look very realistic. The render shows the phones in 4 major colour variants with the G logo sitting at the bottom. They also sport the dual colour back we have seen in previous leaks.

READ MORE: Xiaomi Redmi 2 Gets Android Nougat

Both Pixel devices are expected to sport Snapdragon 821 chips, 4GB of RAM and run a newer version of Android Nougat. There are also rumours of a new chromecast device and Google’s take on Amazon’s Echo called Google Home launching on Tuesday too.

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It has been confirmed by sources in the tech industry that Google would indeed unveiled the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL flagship smartphones on October 4. Google had earlier announced that it would be holding an event on October 4 in San Francisco and the tech giant is tipped to be planning to release a boat-load of gadgets.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL have for long featured in leaks, rumors and renders. We first got to know them by their code-names Sailfish and Marlin which were thought to be two new devices in the Nexus line-up. However, Google later revealed that the smartphones would not use the Nexus brand name but rather coming as Pixel brands but would still be built by HTC.

Among the two, the Pixel is the smaller one and it first came out by the code-name Sailfish. According to the leaked specs, the Pixel Sailfish will come with a 5-inch display with 1080 pixel resolution, powered by a quad-core 2.0GHz 64-bit processor backed by a coool 4GB RAM. There is also said to be 32GB of internal storage on the device and a 2770mAh battery. If you are a fan of mobile photography, Google has included a 12MP rear-facing camera for your delight and an 8MP front camera that outputs crisp clear selfies.

Google has not followed suit with Apple et al in yanking off the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack as there is one mounted at the top of the device. There is also a fingerprint sensor at the rear similar to those on the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, as well as a USB-C port on the bottom. The bigger Google Pixel XL is expected with a 5.5-inch QHD display and also a larger 3450mAH battery as the only things which would differentiate it from the Pixel.

Read More: Google Pixel Rumored to Cost $649, Pixel XL Will Be Costlier

Both the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL is expected to be available on Verizon in the US which should be a network locked version but Google will also make available an unlocked version which should be available in all regions. As to their prices, we have heard rumors just recently that the smaller Google Pixel will carry a huge price tag of $649 and the first thing that comes to mind is outrageous! If true, it would make the device more expensive than any of the Nexus lineup released so far. But then, these are Pixels and  Google doesn’t seem to be interested in massive sales.

(Source)

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