GOOGLE PIXEL XL Posts on XDA

The evolution of the Google Pixel series: from OG to Pixel 4

The evolution of the Google Pixel series: from OG to Pixel 4

November 8, 2019
It's not often that we think about the evolution of a brand. Sure, we compare the phones year after year, but we rarely take a step back and examine the long-term growth. Google has taken a bare minimum approach at upgrading their phones annually, especially with the most recent launch. But how much has the...
The original Google Pixel will get one more update in December

The original Google Pixel will get one more update in December

November 5, 2019
Yesterday, Google released the November Android security patches for the Pixel family of phones. Well, they released it for all the Pixel phones except two: the original Google Pixel and Pixel XL. This marked the end of the three years of promised security updates. Google made this update timeline clear when the phones were launched...
Google Camera 7.2 mod brings Astrophotography, Super Res Zoom, and more to older Pixel phones

Google Camera 7.2 mod brings Astrophotography, Super Res Zoom, and more to older Pixel phones

October 25, 2019
The Google Pixel 4 has only just launched, and we're already getting new Google Camera ports with added features that previously weren't available. One such feature that people really love is the new Astrophotography shooting mode, which is great for picking up stars and other cosmic activity with just your smartphone and a steady surface....
October 2019 security patches are out for Google Pixel phones and Essential Phone

October 2019 security patches are out for Google Pixel phones and Essential Phone

October 7, 2019
October means many things: pumpkins, trick-or-treating, spooky movies, and, of course, a new batch of Android security updates. Last month, Google rolled out Android 10 and the first patches. Now we've got some new fixes this week for the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel,...
[Update: Clock Plugins] Google is working on lock screen clock customization in Android Q

[Update: Clock Plugins] Google is working on lock screen clock customization in Android Q

September 4, 2019
The first Android Q beta release was made public 2 days ago. If you have a Google Pixel smartphone, you can download the beta right now. The biggest new features in Q are the system-wide dark mode (which has inexplicably been hidden from users), the privacy and permissions revamp (though the leaked permission overview interface...
[Update: Removed from Release] Pixel Launcher in unreleased Android Q beta adds a swipe to pull down notifications gesture

[Update: Removed from Release] Pixel Launcher in unreleased Android Q beta adds a swipe to pull down notifications gesture

September 4, 2019
In Android Q, the new gesture navigations will only work with pre-installed system launchers like Google's Pixel Launcher. For those of you who are fans of third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Action Launcher, or Hyperion, you may be disappointed to hear that Android's awesome new gesture controls won't work with your favorite launcher. Google's...
Stable Android 10 is now available for the Google Pixel and the Essential Phone

Stable Android 10 is now available for the Google Pixel and the Essential Phone

September 3, 2019
After six beta updates, Google is finally ready to release stable Android 10 (Queen Cake? Quince Tart? Who knows!). This has been one of the most interesting Android beta periods since Google started the program. The gesture navigation system has been the main focus and Google apparently thinks it's ready for primetime. Android 10 is...
September 2019 security patches are out for Google Pixel phones and Essential Phone

September 2019 security patches are out for Google Pixel phones and Essential Phone

September 3, 2019
Hot on the heels of stable Android 10 being released, Google is also sending out the September 2019 security patches. For those who are updating their Pixel device (or Essential Phone) to Android 10, you will already be getting the latest Android security patches. Google usually lists a few noteworthy "functional patches" with each monthly Android...
[Update: Appearing for some] Unreleased Android Q beta hints at upcoming Pixel customization with styles, clocks, and more

[Update: Appearing for some] Unreleased Android Q beta hints at upcoming Pixel customization with styles, clocks, and more

August 16, 2019
Google released the first Android Q beta back in March followed by the second beta in early April. When the second beta was released, we spotted a stub APK for a new Google app called "Pixel Themes." The stub was mostly empty except for assets that showed off a few theme previews code-named "Anthony," "Johanna,"...
[Update: Essential Phone] Final Android Q beta rolls out today for the Google Pixel smartphones

[Update: Essential Phone] Final Android Q beta rolls out today for the Google Pixel smartphones

August 7, 2019
The final Android Q beta is here. As expected, Google has kicked off August by releasing Android Q Beta 6. Like last month's Android Q Beta 5 update, this is a "release candidate" build. That means it should be pretty close to the final build we'll see this Fall. However, that doesn't mean Google is...
August 2019 security patches are out for Google Pixel phones and Essential Phone

August 2019 security patches are out for Google Pixel phones and Essential Phone

August 5, 2019
Summer is beginning to wind down as we enter the month of August. Some people refer to this time as the "Dog Days of Summer," but for us, it means new Android security updates. The patches for this month have been released for the Google Pixel family and the ever-reliable Essential Phone. There aren't many exciting...
Google tests saving Call Screen audio on the Pixel, but it might be Googler-only

Google tests saving Call Screen audio on the Pixel, but it might be Googler-only

August 3, 2019
Call Screen is one of the coolest features that Google has added in the dialer app for Pixel phones. It's a convenient way to figure out who is calling you and why, and it's also fun to just annoy your friends and family with. It uses Google's WaveNet text-to-speech engine to talk to the caller...