Yesterday, Google rolled out the first developer preview of Android P (Android 9.0). The new version of Android OS does not support Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C that were launched in 2015. The Android P has also dropped support for the obsolete Nexus Player.

The Nexus Player was introduced as a competitor for Apple TV in 2014. It was launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop and was treated with Android 8.0 Oreo update in September last year. However, it was confirmed in the very next month that device will not be receiving the Android 8.1 Oreo upgrade. Also, it won’t be getting the upcoming Android 9.0 OS.

The Nexus 5X and 6P that had arrived in the market in 2015 with Android 6.0 Marshmallow have received the latest Android 8.1 Oreo update. However, these phones won’t be upgraded to Android P. The well-received Pixel C tablet was provided with Android 8.1 Oreo in December 2017 as the last major OS update.

The support page of Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P state that these devices have “no guaranteed Android version updates after” September 2017. The reason why these devices will not be getting the Android P upgrade is that Google has a policy of providing major OS update to Android devices for a period of two years. The Nexus 5X and 6P users will continue to receive monthly security updates until November this year. The Android P will be arriving first to Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

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The forthcoming Android P will bring along various new features and improvements. Devices running on Android P will prevent background apps from accessing camera or microphone without the consent of the user. Android 9.0 will also prevent secret call recordings and it will be also coming with powerful call-blocking feature to prevent spam calls. It will carry native support for iris scanning and HID Bluetooth. It will provide the power to mobile operators to modify the signal strength indicator. A new addition on Android P is the support for iPhone X-like notch. Google will be showcasing all the new features of the Android P at the Google I/O 2018 event in May. It is speculated that the final version of Android 9.0 will be released sometime in mid-August.

(source)

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Google had launched the Pixel C tablet in September 2015. It was introduced in 32 GB and 64 GB storage models. Earlier this year, the search engine giant had stopped selling its 32 GB variant and now it has killed the 64 GB storage model as well. By this the company has finally discontinued the well-received Pixel C tablet.

Now that the Pixel C is unavailable for buying, its webpage on Google Store is now redirecting visitors to the Pixelbook’s page. Even though it is not available on sale, Google has confirmed that it will continue to provide hardware support to its customers.

The Pixel C was launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. It has been already updated to the latest Android 8.0 Oreo in August this year. Here is the official statement from Google on the discontinuation of the Pixel C:

As is common when a device has been out for a few years, we’re now retiring Pixel C and it is no longer available for sale. However, we are committed to updating and supporting it, including the recent update to Android 8.0, so customers can continue to get the best out of their device. Our newly launched Google Pixelbook combines the best parts of a laptop and a tablet for those looking for a versatile device.

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The Google Pixel C features a 10.2-inch IPS display that supports a resolution of 2560 x 1800 pixels. It is driven by Nvidia Tegra X1 octa-core processor and 3 GB of RAM. It is packed with a 9,000mAh battery. It has a rear camera of 8-megapixel and a front-facing camera of 2-megapixel.

The 32 GB and 64 GB Pixel C variants were respectively sold for $499 and $599. The search engine giant also sold an optional keyboard for the tablet that came with a pricing of $149.

Since Google has killed the Pixel C, there is no other device from the company that offers Android tablet experience. The 2-in-1 Pixelbook is running on Chrome OS and carries support for Android apps. However, it does not offer a seamless experience. There is no confirmation on whether Google will be releasing another standalone slate in the future.

(via)

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