Pixel 2 Stuff

[core2slow]

And as for Google, they are becoming an increasingly pathetic bunch. They don't do anything remotely close to Apple's R&D and manufacturing but yet they think they are just as relevant as Apple in the phone market....Pffft.

The same reason why I'm not getting one. I get this whole focus on AI+software+hardware synergy but it seems like just another device to fulfill their portfolio and not the breakthrough like the Nexus 6 was. I'm not about to drop $1k for a software-optimized camera. I'd say it'll be a few years until they get the ROI on the HTC manufacturing division and really focus on putting out phones that'll make you go WOW!

 

[thejunglegod]

I don't know how you guys seem so happy with this. I'm utterly disappointed. Yes they got water proofing and dual front speakers but God, the front forehead and chin bezels on the 2 are just appalling for current gen. The 2 XL is certainly better in that regard. First they mock apple regarding the headphone jack. Then they go ahead and do the same thing that apple did. Such a big fail.

Initially they mentioned that they don't differentiate their smaller and bigger phones. Then you notice that the 2 is 1080p while the 2XL is QHD. Now I admit its not much of an issue when you compare screen sizes, but come on.

Also, why do they want to be apple so bad? Live pictures? Those horrible gifs that apple passed as moving pictures a couple years back? I remember commenting that Google would never do that.
And the squeeze bezels for Google assistant. If that's the reason why they had to thicken up the bezels then I have no words with how disappointed I am.

I've always been an android fan (still using the Nexus 6P), considering value for money when compared to iphones. But since that line is clearly very think now, it's making me think. I'm just waiting for the LGV30 now so that I can see a proper review and not the pre release ones. Even that has an appalling front camera and horrible speakers though. So I don't really know what phone to buy now.

 

[sze5003]

I don't know how you guys seem so happy with this. I'm utterly disappointed. Yes they got water proofing and dual front speakers but God, the front forehead and chin bezels on the 2 are just appalling for current gen. The 2 XL is certainly better in that regard. First they mock apple regarding the headphone jack. Then they go ahead and do the same thing that apple did. Such a big fail.

Initially they mentioned that they don't differentiate their smaller and bigger phones. Then you notice that the 2 is 1080p while the 2XL is QHD. Now I admit its not much of an issue when you compare screen sizes, but come on.

Also, why do they want to be apple so bad? Live pictures? Those horrible gifs that apple passed as moving pictures a couple years back? I remember commenting that Google would never do that.
And the squeeze bezels for Google assistant. If that's the reason why they had to thicken up the bezels then I have no words with how disappointed I am.

I've always been an android fan (still using the Nexus 6P), considering value for money when compared to iphones. But since that line is clearly very think now, it's making me think. I'm just waiting for the LGV30 now so that I can see a proper review and not the pre release ones. Even that has an appalling front camera and horrible speakers though. So I don't really know what phone to buy now.

If you upgrade every year then yea this won't seem like an upgrade. I've been using my 6p since the day it came out. I can tell you I never factory reset it and it's still smooth until this day. The battery is an issue for me though and my GPS started tapping out. The battery life though dropped a lot and I got bored with it by now.

My only other option was the LG v30 or iPhone X. I don't mind the iPhone design either.. 2XL still has some bezels and the X has a notch but more screen real estate it looks like. But this would mean going back to iOS, using itunes, buying apple specific accessories. Plus I always felt so locked in when using an apple device.

It's smooth sure and it's super intuitive but I get bored like that. So the pixel 2 wasn't a hard choice for me when I've been using the same phone over 2 years.

But I do agree, google shouldn't thrive to be like apple. I don't think they ever will be but at the same time if you look at their line up of devices from way back, they were never known to have the sexiest looking device or the most feature packed. They are a software tech company so that's always their selling point with pure Android.

Also the bezels on the 2 XL could have been smaller on the sides. The reason for them is the squeeze feature the HTC u11 has which could have been omitted completely. It would make sense if HTC built the phone but this year LG made the XL so I have no clue why they added it.

None of those really answered the question. I'm assuming then it uses the internal DAC and outputs on the USB C analog audio pins.

I think it's just usb c to analog as it doesn't say anything related to DAC on the specs page.

 

[Red Storm]

My expected ship date is end of October, was worried it would be Nov/Dec since I waited until the evening to order.

The Mini Home + T-Mobile promotion = $300+ savings on the price, which is what ultimately made this an easy order for me.

 

[Commodus]

No. There's just no return and a ton of consumer pushback.

Remember how Google was going to kill microSD on Android devices?

Because of course, iPhone sales tanked after Apple pulled the headphone jack, right? (In fact, Apple set a new record for iPhone sales in the device's first full quarter on the market.)

This isn't to say there isn't some pushback on removing the headphone jack, but it's probably a considerably smaller contingent than you imagine it is. One of the things I've learned about tech: the group that insists established technology X must remain forever is usually vocal far out of proportion to its actual influence. That's not to say that everyone else is enthusiastic, but they adapt, move on, and realize that the change isn't the end of the world.

 

[Red Storm]

Because of course, iPhone sales tanked after Apple pulled the headphone jack, right? (In fact, Apple set a new record for iPhone sales in the device's first full quarter on the market.)

This isn't to say there isn't some pushback on removing the headphone jack, but it's probably a considerably smaller contingent than you imagine it is. One of the things I've learned about tech: the group that insists established technology X must remain forever is usually vocal far out of proportion to its actual influence. That's not to say that everyone else is enthusiastic, but they adapt, move on, and realize that the change isn't the end of the world like that handful of people claim it is.

True. While I'm slightly annoyed that the Pixel 2 doesn't have a headphone jack (if Samsung can have a jack in the S8, no reason why anyone else can't either), I only have a single pair of wired earbuds that I use, and I hardly use them because when I use headphones I use my Bluetooth ones. I'll take the adapter that comes with the Pixel 2 and plug it into my wired earbuds and probably forget all about them.

Edit: Google Now trolling me:

 

[sze5003]

True. While I'm slightly annoyed that the Pixel 2 doesn't have a headphone jack (if Samsung can have a jack in the S8, no reason why anyone else can't either), I only have a single pair of wired earbuds that I use, and I hardly use them because when I use headphones I use my Bluetooth ones. I'll take the adapter that comes with the Pixel 2 and plug it into my wired earbuds and probably forget all about them.

Edit: Google Now trolling me:

At the gym my headphones have to be Bluetooth. At home I never use them. At work I'll take the adapter to use wired ones.

Or I was thinking order the pixel buds to use at work. I like the translation in real time and I think I will get these when I travel, definitely useful. Although I'm waiting for reviews on them and the Google max before trying to buy them.

Same here it says shipped I think it's a newsfeed bug.

I still say eventually the headphone jack will disappear and that's right apple sales did not go down when they removed it in a proportionate matter.

 

[RossMAN]

(skimmed thread)

Why are most AT'ers ordering the Pixel 2 XL instead of the regular 2?

 

[Red Storm]

(skimmed thread)

Why are most AT'ers ordering the Pixel 2 XL instead of the regular 2?

Bigger screen > smaller screen

&

Smaller bezels > bigger bezels

 

[sze5003]

(skimmed thread)

Why are most AT'ers ordering the Pixel 2 XL instead of the regular 2?

I currently have a 6p which is 5.7 inches I think and before it I had a Nexus 6 which was close to 6 inches of screen.

Once you use a big screen it's hard to go back to a smaller one especially if you have big hands like me.

Specs are the same except the regular pixel has a 1080p vs 1440p screen on the XL 2.

Smaller bezels of course look better. I wonder if they couldn't use the same smaller bezels on the pixel 2.

 

[Imported]

(skimmed thread)

Why are most AT'ers ordering the Pixel 2 XL instead of the regular 2?

I was torn. I like smaller phones (my current S6 Edge is just about perfect), but the smaller bezel of the XL makes it 100% more aesthetically appealing to me.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

True. While I'm slightly annoyed that the Pixel 2 doesn't have a headphone jack (if Samsung can have a jack in the S8, no reason why anyone else can't either), I only have a single pair of wired earbuds that I use, and I hardly use them because when I use headphones I use my Bluetooth ones. I'll take the adapter that comes with the Pixel 2 and plug it into my wired earbuds and probably forget all about them.

Interesting. I hardly ever use my BT headphones. Just so much easier to plug in the wired ones. BT you have to turn on (and hope I remembered to charge them, probably not), go to BT and connect on the phone, then remember to turn them off again. And if I loose them my wired headphones are $4, while the BT ones are ~$30.

Biggest issue though is that music is unusable via bluetooth due to bad volumes levels. Somewhere around level 3 is too quite, while 4 is too loud! There's a huge thread on it in google help forums, but google seems to have no interest fixing it. Podcast are ok though, but music I can't use it for.

 

[sze5003]

Interesting. I hardly ever use my BT headphones. Just so much easier to plug in the wired ones. BT you have to turn on (and hope I remembered to charge them, probably not), go to BT and connect on the phone, then remember to turn them off again. And if I loose them my wired headphones are $4, while the BT ones are ~$30.

Biggest issue though is that music is unusable via bluetooth due to bad volumes levels. Somewhere around level 3 is too quite, while 4 is too loud! There's a huge thread on it in google help forums, but google seems to have no interest fixing it. Podcast are ok though, but music I can't use it for.

I think it depends on your BT headphones. Mine connect automatically when I turn them on. They stay charged for over 2 days the way I use them. I don't have to go and connect or pair anything on the phone. Volume level is fine for them too and it goes up or down incrementally without jumping.

I'm using jaybirds x2's and they were like $90 at the time but I got them on sale for $60. At least I have not noticed what you describe for music at all so it could be the way the app handles volume or even the headphones themselves.

 

[Elixer]

I don't know how you guys seem so happy with this. I'm utterly disappointed. Yes they got water proofing and dual front speakers but God, the front forehead and chin bezels on the 2 are just appalling for current gen. The 2 XL is certainly better in that regard. First they mock apple regarding the headphone jack. Then they go ahead and do the same thing that apple did. Such a big fail.

Yeah, don't understand their logic for removing it.
I also don't like the fact that there is no microSD card slot.

IMO, those two things are pretty much required these days. I don't want everything on the cloud, I want offline storage.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Tmobile charging $800 for the V30 while offering a $325 rebate on the Pixel isn't helping matters here...

It's laughable that the Pixel 2 is IP67 w/o a jack and the V30 (and most everything else) achieved IP68.

 

[Red Storm]

Interesting. I hardly ever use my BT headphones. Just so much easier to plug in the wired ones. BT you have to turn on (and hope I remembered to charge them, probably not), go to BT and connect on the phone, then remember to turn them off again. And if I loose them my wired headphones are $4, while the BT ones are ~$30.

Biggest issue though is that music is unusable via bluetooth due to bad volumes levels. Somewhere around level 3 is too quite, while 4 is too loud! There's a huge thread on it in google help forums, but google seems to have no interest fixing it. Podcast are ok though, but music I can't use it for.

I charge my BT headphones once or twice a week, they're very quick to connect and the sound level and quality seem more than fine to my ears. Wireless is just so much more convenient. If I'm listening to something while on the couch, I can just get up and move around the house as needed and never think about wires or having to bring the phone/tablet around with me.

Yeah, don't understand their logic for removing it.
I also don't like the fact that there is no microSD card slot.

IMO, those two things are pretty much required these days. I don't want everything on the cloud, I want offline storage.

Well the Pixel was never going to have an mSD slot, so I don't see how it's really even something to discuss when it comes to Google's phone line.

64GB is plenty for me, never mind 128GB internal storage being an option. I've experienced two separate mSD failures in my lifetime of using smartphones. That is two times too many, I no longer trust them to hold important data.

Tmobile charging $800 for the V30 while offering a $325 rebate on the Pixel isn't helping matters here...

It's laughable that the Pixel 2 is IP67 w/o a jack and the V30 (and most everything else) achieved IP68.

Looking at the specified differences from: http://www.dsmt.com/resources/ip-rating-chart/

IP67 (specifically the '7' part which refers to liquids): Protected from immersion between 15 centimeters and 1 meter in depth.

IP68 (specifically the '8' portion): Protected from long term immersion up to a specified pressure.

Interestingly enough, I think with the Galaxy phones - which are IP68 - it says good for up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes. What exactly are you doing with your phone that makes the slight difference here meaningful?

 

[obidamnkenobi]

I think it depends on your BT headphones. Mine connect automatically when I turn them on. They stay charged for over 2 days the way I use them. I don't have to go and connect or pair anything on the phone. Volume level is fine for them too and it goes up or down incrementally without jumping.

I'm using jaybirds x2's and they were like $90 at the time but I got them on sale for $60. At least I have not noticed what you describe for music at all so it could be the way the app handles volume or even the headphones themselves.

My car connects automatically (at least 8/10 times, it is bluetooth after all..), but the headphones I have to tap under BT settings every time. Annoying since BT headphones you have to turn off every time you put them down to preserve battery. That's why I don't see them as less hassle than wires, at best it's the same amount.. I was hesitant to spend $20 on BT headphones, and kinda regret it since I use them so rarely. They're also clunky and stick out so they fall out easier if working out with them .

There were 100s or 1000s of people who complained about the volume level. At one step is just too low, then the next one up is painful. It's the same across apps so I think it's an android/OS issue. 3rd party volume control apps are dangerous since they will randomly blast it up to full (ask me how I know..)

 

[sze5003]

My car connects automatically (at least 8/10 times, it is bluetooth after all..), but the headphones I have to tap under BT settings every time. Annoying since BT headphones you have to turn off every time you put them down to preserve battery. That's why I don't see them as less hassle than wires, at best it's the same amount.. I was hesitant to spend $20 on BT headphones, and kinda regret it since I use them so rarely. They're also clunky and stick out so they fall out easier if working out with them .

There were 100s or 1000s of people who complained about the volume level. At one step is just too low, then the next one up is painful. It's the same across apps so I think it's an android/OS issue. 3rd party volume control apps are dangerous since they will randomly blast it up to full (ask me how I know..)

I dunno I still think it depends on the headphones. Cheaper ones may behave like that. More expensive models have these features. The LG tones too also do that.

I'm on Android Oreo and don't have the volume issue at all.

Edit: just checked mine and my X2's go into standby mode if you don't turn them off. I think the newer model they came out with turn off on their own.

 

[Red Storm]

I dunno I still think it depends on the headphones. Cheaper ones may behave like that, mine don't. If I leave mine on they turn themselves off after some time. More expensive models have these features. The LG tones too also do that.

I'm on Android Oreo and don't have the volume issue at all.

Same, mine turn off on their own if they aren't connected to anything.

The funny thing is, what got me to start using Bluetooth is my car. The aux port in my car would ever so slightly push out audio cables after a while, eventually it wouldn't hold them in right and would frequently disconnect. I grew tired of that, switched to wireless and haven't looked back since.

 

[obidamnkenobi]

I dunno I still think it depends on the headphones. Cheaper ones may behave like that. More expensive models have these features. The LG tones too also do that.

I'm on Android Oreo and don't have the volume issue at all.

Edit: just checked mine and my X2's go into standby mode if you don't turn them off. I think the newer model they came out with turn off on their own.

Yeah mine might turn off if I leave them too, but still feel like I have to do it to save battery. Guess I don't really know how long they would last since I rarely use them. They just seem to be discharged when I try to..

I'm on 7.1. It was my sense the BT volume is controlled by the OS, and that seems to be the issue. Not sure if the headphones would make a difference. But I'm not very interested in spending even more and still having shitty experience.. I'm just going back to wires. Seems like it's expected to spend absurd amounts on BT headphones, they're just so expensive. Plenty of good earbuds for <$10. Then they get a tiny battery and a 50 cent BT chip and they're $100?! BS I say.

 

[sze5003]

Yea they are pricey for good ones. I bought some Sony wired headphones for the office and they are absolute crap for $25. The more expensive models have better sound acoustics.

I think my brother has skull candy bluetooth headphones and he says they are very good.

 

[ChronoReverse]

Interesting. I hardly ever use my BT headphones. Just so much easier to plug in the wired ones. BT you have to turn on (and hope I remembered to charge them, probably not), go to BT and connect on the phone, then remember to turn them off again. And if I loose them my wired headphones are $4, while the BT ones are ~$30.

I have very nice BT headphones so perhaps my experience isn't the usual but my usage pattern for them is to put them on my head and turn them on.

It connects to my phone automatically and the music starts automatically as well from where I left off. The battery life is 24 hours of non-stop noise-canceling playback so frankly if I ever run out of battery it's purely on me (I've never even used up more than half).

 

[Capt Caveman]

Yeah mine might turn off if I leave them too, but still feel like I have to do it to save battery. Guess I don't really know how long they would last since I rarely use them. They just seem to be discharged when I try to..

I'm on 7.1. It was my sense the BT volume is controlled by the OS, and that seems to be the issue. Not sure if the headphones would make a difference. But I'm not very interested in spending even more and still having shitty experience.. I'm just going back to wires. Seems like it's expected to spend absurd amounts on BT headphones, they're just so expensive. Plenty of good earbuds for <$10. Then they get a tiny battery and a 50 cent BT chip and they're $100?! BS I say.

I have several pairs - Jaybirds X3, Anker ??? but I needed something to stay on for running and have been using these almost exclusively for $19 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072N4PSQH/

10 hrs of play time and I don't have the volume issue you have. They are a clone and there's dozens of the same type made by different Chinese companies. I liked them b/c they have no branding on them. I think I've charged them once in the last two weeks but I don't use them every day. I have a usb hub that I can charge both my phone, earbuds, etc all in the same place. Prefer to have to charge them regularly than fiddle with wires anymore. Happy to have not have to always untangle my earbuds.

 

[OWR88]

Ordered Pixel 2, trading in my Pixel. Really hate to see it go, it feels premium and works buttery smooth. Can't wait to continue the best Android experience. I am gladly giving up curved bezel, 3.5mm jack, SD card, and whatever else people are nitpicking about. I can't go back to stutter Samsung, mediocre camera, a different delayed updates. Did I say Samsungs stutter? You have to own a Pixel to truly appreciate what a masterpiece Google created. Can't judge a book by its cover. I was indifferent to the Pixel when it came out, until I actually held one.

 

[OWR88]

BTW, there is a lot more to the Pixel 2 camera hardware than advertised. Not all software magic.