7 years of updates. It’s something that’s still borderline unbelievable, but Google set as the new standard for software updates with its latest Pixel releases. But months later, some still seem to not understand what this update promise means…
This issue of 9to5Google Weekender is a part of 9to5Google’s rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox early!
For a long time, Android phones didn’t have very good commitments for software updates. Some devices would get a couple of major Android updates while others would be months behind schedule if they were updated at all. Over time, that Wild West of updates was tamed, with the industry standard for a while settling on two years of major Android updates and three years of security updates after launch. That crept higher for a while, but Google really changed the game last year with the launch of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
With its latest flagships, Google promised 7 years of updates. That’s a number that not even Apple guarantees.
But what does that promise mean? There seem to be mixed opinions out there.
Some seem to be under the impression that this will mean every single feature Google launches over the next near-decade will be available on the hardware released today. Others are skeptical Google will live up to the promise at all. Even in a poll we conducted among 9to5Google readers earlier this year, opinions were split.
But, ultimately, this is incredibly simple.
Google has explained that 7 years of updates will include Android OS updates and security updates for a total of seven years, with Pixel Feature Drops “may or may not” being included in that timeline.
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will get updates for at least 7 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US. These updates include security, software, and may also include feature drops.
That’s it. You can take that at face value. For the next seven years, Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will get every Android OS version and every monthly security update. They might get new features in those updates too, but it’s not guaranteed. But in terms of keeping the phone usable with modern apps over the next several years and keeping it secure from exploits, it’ll just keep chugging along.
I think it’s a little crazy that there’s been a debate over this, especially when what Google is doing here is almost exactly the same as what Apple has been doing. Apple, without setting a specific timeline on it, has been delivering long-term updates to iPhones for a long time, and it’s not uncommon for a new feature to exclude an older model even though that device got the latest iOS version.
Why is it different when it’s Google?
As we look forward to the Pixel 8a launching soon, presumably with a similar, if not identical promise, there’s nothing to be stressed or worried about. Long-term updates are a win for everyone as long as you don’t expect more than was promised.
This Week’s Top Stories
Pixel 9 leaks, and I need Pixel 8a’s electric green
This week saw the first big leak of Pixel 9 Pro, with an early unit showing up in the flesh. It confirms past designs while also revealing Google’s flagship will offer 16GB of RAM.
Pixel 9 Pro leaks in real-life images with 16 GB of RAM [Gallery]
Google Pixel 8a leaks also keep trickling out, most recently with renders of the device showing off all four colors including a vibrant green variant. I simply must have it.
Pixel 8a leaks in four colors, including a vibrant green
Google reorganizes Android, hardware, and other teams
In a major internal shift, Google has reorganized its teams to put Android, Chrome, Pixel, Nest, and others under a single roof. Rick Osterloh will oversee everything, and AI is being explained as the primary reason for the shift.
Google’s new ‘Platform and Devices’ team puts Android, Chrome, Pixel, more under Rick Osterloh
Sundar Pichai on merging Android and Pixel teams, Google DeepMind, more
Google’s big Android/Chrome & Pixel reorg is about faster AI updates and launches
Nothing Ear and Ear (a) launch
Available for pre-order now starting at $99, Nothing Ear and Ear (a) deliver solid sound quality and unique designs, and they’re already among our favorite audio gear.
Nothing Ear and Ear (a) officially launch starting at $99 with better battery and ANC
Hands-on: Nothing Ear are already my new favorite earbuds
Nothing Phone (2) and Nothing earbuds get ChatGPT integration with latest update
Nothing Ear and Ear (a) sound analysis reveals improvements to audio quality [Video]
More Top Stories
Google Pixel camera lead on how AI recreates memories, which are ‘different from reality’
Pixel Tablet will let you ‘Look and Sign’ to Assistant
Google’s Find My Device network: How to opt out of offline tracking
Google Messages moves RCS ‘provided by’ status in settings
Visible is rolling out annual plans with significant discounts
Samsung might be switching to a vertically scrolling app drawer
WhatsApp Meta AI: How to chat with the messaging app’s new chatbot
Android Auto updates have broken WhatsApp messages, fix rolling out [U]
YouTube for Android TV showing ‘Ambient Display’ screensaver more frequently
YouTube cracking down on third-party apps that block ads
Why doesn’t anyone else have a keyboard experience as good as Google Pixel?
From the rest of 9to5:
9to5Mac: 12.9-inch iPad Air will use same display technology as current larger iPad Pro
Electrek: Tesla leaks new Model 3 Performance ‘Ludicrous’ details
9to5Toys: New all-time low takes $70 off Google’s original Pixel Watch
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : 9to5google.com – https://9to5google.com/2024/04/21/google-pixel-7-years-updates-meaning/
