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[Update: New Timeline] HTC U12+, U11, and U11+ now expected to get Android Pie in Q2 2019
In a recent tweet, HTC has confirmed that the HTC U12+, HTC U11 and HTC U11+ are now expected to recieve Android Pie starting from Q2 2019. Read on!
HTC may not have given up on smartphones just yet, but there is little left for consumers to stick around for. The Taiwanese OEM, which was once a contender for the pole position for the top Android smartphone brand, is now trying hard to attract new customers or even keep the old ones. HTC's plans for 2019 included focusing on existing U12+ flagships as well as releasing new phones. This plan does not seem to be going as well as, despite the Android Pie announcement in August 2018, HTC has now confirmed that several of its devices will not receive Android Pie sooner than Q2 2019.
Chrome OS Instant Tethering now supports 15 more Chromebooks and 30 more Android smartphones
Chrome OS has a feature called Instant Tethering, but it has been limited to Google's own Chromebooks and phones. Now Google is bringing it to more devices.
Chromebooks are known for being lightweight and easy to use. This makes Chrome OS devices perfect for on-the-go computing. While we already carry smartphones that can connect to the internet at all times, most people don't want a separate data plan for their laptop. Chrome OS has made this easy with a feature called Instant Tethering, but it has been limited to Google's own Chromebooks and phones. Now, Google is bringing the feature to more devices.
HTC isn't giving up on making smartphones
HTC is putting out new phones in 2019, desite the HTC U11 & HTC U12 being flops. But what will they do to keep themselves afloat?
HTC's smartphone business has been on a downward spiral for the past 2 years. Their 2017 lineup of smartphones, which included the HTC U Ultra, HTC U11, HTC U11 Plus, and the HTC U11 Life, was, while decent all-around, a flop. The company then went on to have an even rougher 2018: the HTC U12 Plus and the HTC U12 Life weren't exactly considered sales successes. Their latest device, the blockchain-focused HTC Exodus 1, is being advertised as a revolutionary breakthrough, but ultimately, the phone serves a very niche market, and most consumers and power users simply see it as HTC grasping at straws. Despite all of this, they're not done with smartphones just yet--the company plans to continue putting out new phones throughout 2019.
HTC U11/U11+/U11 Life (Android One) & U12+ confirmed to get Android Pie
HTC has announced that the HTC U11, HTC U11+, Android One variant of the HTC U11 Life, and the HTC U12+ will receive the Android Pie update.
The stable version of Android 9 Pie was officially released on Tuesday for the Google Pixel/XL and the Google Pixel 2/XL. On the same date, Essential rolled out the Android Pie update for the Essential Phone. The OnePlus 6 is currently on Android Pie beta 3, while the Nokia 7 Plus just received Android Pie beta 4. An alpha build of Android Pie has leaked for the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, and we should be receiving more news soon for other smartphones eligible for the Android P beta program. On the other hand, companies like Samsung, Huawei, LG, and HTC didn't participate in the Android 9 Pie beta program. HTC has now revealed which of its phones will receive the Android Pie update.