**** The Official Google Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL Thread ****

[sesevans]

All the same, it would be nice if the dongle worked wouldn't it

Fair point. They should.

In my view there is little doubt however that Google is fully committed to getting their hardware strategy right. Simply viewing their Google Play Store devices website or walking into a Google Store within a store such as at PCW Tottenham Court Road provides ample evidence of how far they have come in a relatively short period of time: Pixel phones, Pixelbook, Pixel Buds, Nest Thermostats and cameras and soon doorbell, Google Home (and Mini and Max), etc.

Further, I read today that following success at 12 pop up stores in India, Google is planning to open their own stores in India in 2018, according to zdnet.com. I doubt Google would be opening its own stores (like Apple) if it were not fully committed to hardware.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/google-eyeing-brick-and-mortar-stores-in-india-to-push-pixel/

 

[FishLicker]

I’d probably confidently move on to wireless phones if I was confident they would work without clicking / static / disconnecting, which is sadly what I seem to be experiencing on mine. Further testing needed, but frankly, I shouldn’t have to. I agree with the other chap, the dongle *should* work, simply excusing it by saying “move on” isn’t cutting it, especially when the moving on bit is so hit and miss!

 

[Christmas themed thank]

Fair point. They should.

In my view there is little doubt however that Google is fully committed to getting their hardware strategy right. Simply viewing their Google Play Store devices website or walking into a Google Store within a store such as at PCW Tottenham Court Road provides ample evidence of how far they have come in a relatively short period of time: Pixel phones, Pixelbook, Pixel Buds, Nest Thermostats and cameras and soon doorbell, Google Home (and Mini and Max), etc.

Further, I read today that following success at 12 pop up stores in India, Google is planning to open their own stores in India in 2018, according to zdnet.com. I doubt Google would be opening its own stores (like Apple) if it were not fully committed to hardware.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/google-eyeing-brick-and-mortar-stores-in-india-to-push-pixel/

And all of that is pointless if they can't get the basics to work. On such an expensive phone all basic features should work flawlessly.

 

[tom_e]

It seems a bit hit and miss because I use BT headphones for my commutes so about 3 hours a day plus other use throughout the week and never have any issues.

 

[sesevans]

It seems a bit hit and miss because I use BT headphones for my commutes so about 3 hours a day plus other use throughout the week and never have any issues.

Same experience with my Pixel Buds, a Google product.

 

[kona786]

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/go...76-mobilescouk-2856163?page=2#thread-comments

Ordered the above deal for my mum - too good a deal to pass on.


Pixel 2 64GB on EE + Potential £35 Quidco

 

[degen]

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/go...76-mobilescouk-2856163?page=2#thread-comments

Ordered the above deal for my mum - too good a deal to pass on.


Pixel 2 64GB on EE + Potential £35 Quidco

Just bought my self an XL 2 on there too.

£150 upfront and then £27.99 a month. Unlimited mins / text and 5gb data.

Comes to £821.76. Plus £15 discount code and the £35 cashback means it comes to £771.76. Was initially going to buy outright for £699 but seems silly to when you get 2 years air time for an extra £72.76.

 

[kona786]

Just bought my self an XL 2 on there too.

£150 upfront and then £27.99 a month. Unlimited mins / text and 5gb data.

Comes to £821.76. Plus £15 discount code and the £35 cashback means it comes to £771.76. Was initially going to buy outright for £699 but seems silly to when you get 2 years air time for an extra £72.76.

Good stuff, though I'm not sure the cashback will confirm given you used a discount code.

 

[AndyCr15]

It seems a bit hit and miss because I use BT headphones for my commutes so about 3 hours a day plus other use throughout the week and never have any issues.

I've been using BT headphones for around 3 years over several phones and never really had an issue, certainly never had to switched to wired. The only issues I've heard (mainly) are with cars, which makes me think it's something to do with the cars tbh.

 

[tom_e]

I've been using BT headphones for around 3 years over several phones and never really had an issue, certainly never had to switched to wired. The only issues I've heard (mainly) are with cars, which makes me think it's something to do with the cars tbh.

Same here I've used these headphones or older models in the same range on various Android phones for at least 4/5 years with no problems.

 

[chanjy]

It's been fine with all my iPhones but I did have issues with BT after Oreo on the Pixel. P2XL has been flawless so far though

 

[FishLicker]

Can you not try different speakers in different stores? At least you wouldn't have to purchase them.

So, I completely forgot that in fact I do have another Bluetooth speaker in the house... My Sony sound bar. I've so far managed to play a whole album on this without any problems. So it would seem to be my phone's "relationship" with that particular speaker that is the problem. Still kind of annoying since I never had an issue with my S7E but there it is...

 

[NorthstaNder]

All the same, it would be nice if the dongle worked wouldn't it

I've had zero issues using wired headphones. Dongle has worked fine each and every time.

 

[michty_me]

So, I completely forgot that in fact I do have another Bluetooth speaker in the house... My Sony sound bar. I've so far managed to play a whole album on this without any problems. So it would seem to be my phone's "relationship" with that particular speaker that is the problem. Still kind of annoying since I never had an issue with my S7E but there it is...

That's good to hear? Maybe worth trying a few others in a store for peace of mind?

 

[sesevans]

I would not be surprised to see the next Google Pixel phone to include wireless "power at a distance" charging. Today it was announced by Energous of San Diego that they received FCC approval for their WattUp Mid Field Transmitter that will wirelessly recharge your battery from up to 3 feet away.

Henceforth, your phone or laptop or tablet will not have to be in contact with any plug or charging pad and will charge in a truly wireless way. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously and is manufacturer agnostic.

Here's an Engadget link with a video demo:

https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/26/fcc-approves-first-wireless-power-at-a-distance-charging-syste/

I assume that it might work if say you are with your phone or laptop or tablet in a coffee shop or at an airport and sitting within range. You would have to designate which devices are to be charged.

The more I think about this short range wireless recharging, the more I think it would also be really useful if it could be used to recharge an electric vehicle's battery. According to a recent FT article, 43% of UK home have no off street parking so recharging presents problems. And particularly when everyone wants to be recharging at a similar time of day.

How useful is this likely to be for you?

 

[fallbayuk]

Any brick and mortar shops sell cases for the 2XL? Going overseas today and wouldn't mind grabbing a case before I go.

 

[xb8browney]

Not that I've seen.

I've got quite a bad scratch on my screen (never had anything like it on my other devices (Samsung etc) )

 

[DagsJT]

Was just about to buy a P2 but reading about Bluetooth issues has put me off.

I was one of the ones who had real Bluetooth issues on the P1, with the phone constantly losing connection to my watch and headphones. Given there's no 3.5mm jack, I couldn't work with Bluetooth issues again.

 

[whiskycycle]

Any brick and mortar shops sell cases for the 2XL? Going overseas today and wouldn't mind grabbing a case before I go.

Spotted some in CPW, but at daft prices for the cases (30 quid for something that would be a tenner online).

 

[reflux]

I wonder if you might consider that it is time to move on to a wireless headphone? As you know these are extremely popular. I bought my "smart" Google Pixel Buds as soon as they were released in the UK and as I have mentioned, I am really pleased with them. The Clearly White Pixel Buds I bought are still out of stock on the Play Store, but the Black and Somewhat Blue options are available with a relatively short waiting time. I found no problems with the bluetooth and the sound quality is excellent. I particularly like the Google Assistant feature built into the Pixel Buds which is easy to operate and allows me to keep my Pixel 2 XL in my pocket for many uses.

As you probably know, Apple did the same thing and their Air Pods are also very popular.

I have a Bluetooth receiver for my hifi at home, a Bluetooth speaker in the bedroom and multiple pairs of Bluetooth headphones.

However our new car does not have any kind of Bluetooth integration - only an aux port. It is this kind of scenario, where the only option is a wired connection (without buying a receiver of some kind), which means the removal of the headphone port is particularly annoying.