Red Bull’s 2018 rallycross cup is getting an EV class

Off-road racing is going electric with the announcement that Red Bull is adding an EV class to its Global Rallycross events. The United States Auto Club will help serve as the governing body for the circuit, but aside from that bit and news that this won’t take place until the 2018 season, little else is known. The energy drink purveyor/space jump funder says that this will exist alongside gas-powered events and “will never replace the current formula.” The Verge notes that as of now, there aren’t any manufacturers or drivers onboard, either. Maybe Audi will sign on. After all, it just backed out of the FIA World Endurance Championship in favor of Formula E.

Via: The Verge

Source: Red Bull

Thunderbolt 3 explained: The one port to rule them all

Let’s face it: ports are boring.

USB, Firewire, eSATA, etc. They’re not sexy, but they’re important. They decide what you can do on your device and how quickly you can do it. So, when Apple introduced its latest MacBook Pro laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports, you probably didn’t think much about it – until you realized Apple ditched every single port on its old machines and replaced it with just Thunderbolt 3 on the new MacBook Pros. So, what does that mean?

Well, if you want to connect anything to the new MacBook Pro laptops, you’ll need to via any of the Thunderbolt 3 ports. You can’t simply plug in your devices via old USB cables or HDMI cables or whatever. If you want to do anything with the new MacBook Pros, you’re going to need to buy new cables with a USB Type-C connector (about £226 worth, in fact). Why would Apple do this to us?

The answer is easy: Thunderbolt 3 is the one port to rule them all. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Thunderbolt 3?

Intel introduced the Thunderbolt platform in 2011 at a time when USB 3.0 was all the rage and could transfer data at speeds up to 5Gbps. But Thunderbolt was capable of twice that. Plus, it could transfer multiple types of data, not just serial data to storage devices. It could, for instance, pipe video data to displays. It could also daisy chain devices together, such as your hard drive to your computer and a display to your hard drive.

Intel

Thunderbolt 3 is the latest version of Thunderbolt, and it uses a USB Type-C connector. Intel uses the new connector for a number of reasons. Early versions of Thunderbolt relied on a Mini DisplayPort connector, and Apple was the only major manufacturer to embrace Thunderbolt, but now that Thunderbolt uses a USB Type-C connector, it is starting to show up in not just new MacBook Pros but also new ultrabooks and notebooks.

Thunderbolt 3 first appeared with Intel’s Skylake chips that rolled out in 2015, so that’s why you’re seeing a tonne of devices showing up this year with Thunderbolt 3 ports, including the new MacBook Pro laptops. Apple is sticking with Thunderbolt 3 because it can do a lot with a single cable. It supports the DisplayPort protocol, for instance, so you can use one cable to daisy-chain and drive two 4K displays at 60 Hz.

Thunderbolt 3 allows for connection speeds up to 40Gbps, double the speed of the previous generation, USB 3.1 10Gbps, and DisplayPort 1.2. It also offers USB speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and it can connect up to two 4K displays, outputting video and audio signal at the same time. It also supports DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and 10 GbE fast networking. Plus, Thunderbolt 3 is backwards compatible to Thunderbolt 2.

What is USB Type-C?

Thunderbolt 3 first features a USB Type-C connector. A connector is found at the end of the cable you stick into a device. USB Type-C, for instance, is the latest USB connector that’s all the rage. It’s replacing Micro USB connectors used by most Android phones and even USB Type-A, which is the standard USB connector people imagine when they hear “USB”. Apple’s 12-inch MacBook even has a single USB Type-C port.

Pocket-lint

USB Type-C is well-known because it allows for quicker data transfer. By default, USB Type C offers 7.5W and 15W transmissions, whereas USB 3.0 offers 4.5 W transmission. USB Type-C also allows your devices to charge, because it can transmit up to 100W, which is enough to charge most laptops. That means you can use a single cable with a USB Type-C connector to quickly transfer data to your device while you charge it.

But the most interesting thing about USB Type-C is that the connector is reversible. There is no “right way up” for the connector. You can blindly just stick it into a port on a device, and it’ll smoothly go in and just work.

Why is Apple using Thunderbolt 3?

Apple has embraced Thunderbolt 3 not only because of its USB Type-C connector but also because of Thunderbolt 3’s features.

One computer port can connect you to Thunderbolt devices, all displays, and billions of USB devices. It provides four times the data and twice the video bandwidth of any other cable, while also supplying up to 100W of power. You can use it to connect your Mac to displays, transfer data quickly between computers and hard drives, daisy chain external devices, and power up – all with just one physical connection.

Intel

For years, Macs have had USB ports and Thunderbolt ports. Now, they’re combined. The thing to remember about Thunderbolt 3 is that it uses the same design connector as USB Type-C, but it offers support for a wide range of different standards (like HDMI, USB, DisplayPort), and it does everything faster while supplying power. You just need the right cable to plug into it.

Not all USB Type-C ports support Thunderbolt 3. While smartphones and tablets may use the connector, the Thunderbolt platform is only available on devices with Intel processors. So, you while you can technically plug any USB Type-C device or cable into a Thunderbolt 3 port, it won’t support Thunderbolt’s features. And a Thunderbolt 3 peripheral plugged into a regular USB Type-C port won’t support Thunderbolt features either.

Do other laptops use Thunderbolt 3?

Pocket-lint

Apart from Apple’s latest MacBook Pro laptops, tonnes of laptops offer Thunderbolt 3 ports. The Asus Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro, Alienware 13, Dell XPS 13, HP Elite X2 and Folio, HP Spectre and Spectre x260, Razer Blade Stealth, Lenovo ThinkPad Y900, and dozens more have shipped with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Ultrabook Review has a comprehensive list of all the laptops now available with Thunderbolt 3.

Want to know more?

Check out the Thunderbolt 3 promo video above and Intel’s FAQ page.

This ‘White Hat Hacker 2017’ course bundle can teach you how to hack for a living for a price you pick

When it comes to online security, companies are willing to pay a premium if it means their data is safe.

That’s why ethical hackers are some of the highest-paid tech pros out there, and becoming one is easier than you think. With the Pay What You Want: White Hat Hacker 2017 Bundle, you can learn the essentials behind keeping networks safe all for a price you pick.

Here’s how the bundle works: just pay what you want, and you’ll automatically unlock the last two of the bundle’s eight courses. However, you’ll need to beat the average price paid if you want to unlock all eight.

The complete bundle includes the following courses:

• The Complete Ethical Hacking Course for 2016-2017
• Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch
• Networks From Scratch to Advanced Implementation
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• Information Security Management Fundamentals
• Web Security: Common Vulnerabilities & Their Mitigation
• Python For Android Hacking Crash Course: Trojan Perspective
• Wi-Fi Hacking with Kali

Featuring over 60 hours of training, this course collection offers a comprehensive look at all things ethical hacking. You’ll learn how to pinpoint vulnerabilities in your networks, detect common hacking threats, and even prepare to ace a leading certification exam.

The Pay What You Want: White Hat Hacker 2017 Bundle comes with more than £1,000 worth of content, but you can now get it all for a price you choose.

Get monthly shipments of exclusive geek gear with the Geek Fuel Mega Pack (64 per cent off)

There are plenty of nerd culture subscription boxes out there, but few match the value offered by Geek Fuel.

With the Geek Fuel Mega Pack, you can score loads of comics, games, exclusive t-shirts, and more at a huge discount. For just £65.64 ($79.99 USD), you’ll get an exclusive welcome box and three mystery box shipments.

Featured on IGN, Digg, and Mashable, Geek Fuel has a reputation for delivering the best from geek culture. To start, each mystery box comes with an exclusive t-shirt to add some flair to your outfits. On top of that, you’ll also find a full downloadable game as well as the latest copy of Geek Fuel magazine, so you can stay informed on the latest geek news.

In addition to these goodies, each box comes with five to eight other items, including toys, comics, collectibles, and more from your favorite titles. Previous Geek Fuel boxes have included products from Star Wars, The Avengers, Doctor Who, and Super Mario Bros. Whether you’re an avid gamer or a comic book junkie, you’ll find plenty of gear tailored to your liking in each box.

With each Geek Fuel mystery box worth at least £41, you’ll be getting some serious return on your investment when you pick up the Geek Fuel Mega Pack. Normally £184, this colossal shipment of geek goodness is on sale for just £65.64 ($79.99 USD)

Tesla unveils its solar roof and Powerwall 2

At Universal Studios in Los Angeles Tesla CEO Elon Musk showed off the company’s solar roof-top panels and new Energy initiative. It also showed off its new $5,500 Powerwall 2 high-capacity residential batteries and Powerpack 2 for businesses.

Musk and company have been teasing the photovoltaic cell-embedded rooftop panels for a few weeks. It’s also using the announcement of the new product as an explanation for why its acquiring Solar City. Musk said that if the merger doesn’t go through, the launch of the new tiles will be difficult.

During the event, Musk sort of talked about the price of the panels. He said that when a house has these the “installed cost is less than a normal roof and the cost of electricity.” But there was no concrete pricing announced. The company will sell the tiles directly to customers instead of working with a home builder.

The event was held on a Hollywood backlot where Solar City and Tesla had installed non-operating solar panels onto the houses you might recognize for the TV show, Desperate Housewives. The houses didn’t attract any attention before the event because they appeared so normal.

He also showed off a house with a Tuscan style glass tiles that to the naked eye, you would be hard-pressed to notice that the roof was actually sucking up the energy of the sun. “People love their homes and we want them to be better,” Musk said.

Of course the entire equation requires batteries for a home to stay powered up when the sun goes down. With that in mind, they also introduced a new version of its Powerwall. Tesla says it will power a four bedroom house with lights, refrigerator and other appliances for an entire day.

Musk said that they expect to start installing the glass tiles in summer 2017 and for the roofs to last a very very long time. “We expect this to have two or three times the longevity of asphalt. It’s really never going to wear out. It’s got a quasi-infinite lifetime. It’s made of quartz,” he said.

Tesla and Solar City are working with 3M on the coating on the glass tiles.

Tesla has just come off an impressive quarter where it posted a profit for the first time in two years. It also announced earlier this month that all vehicles produced going forward would have the hardware capable of full autonomous driving.

Developing.

Source: Tesla

Thunderbolt 3 Ports on Right Side of 13-Inch MacBook Pro Have Reduced PCI Express Bandwidth

Apple has published a detailed support document highlighting the capabilities of the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports on the new MacBook Pro, unveiling some previously unknown details and outlining the different adapters that are needed to connect various accessories.

According to the document, while all of the ports on the 15-inch MacBook Pro and the 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar offer full Thunderbolt 3 performance, only two of the four ports on the 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar support Thunderbolt 3 at full performance.

The two ports on the right side of the machine have Thunderbolt 3 functionality but with reduced PCI Express bandwidth. For that reason, Apple recommends plugging higher-performance devices into the left-hand ports on that machine.

Late-2016 MacBook Pro models vary slightly in the data speeds they provide to each Thunderbolt 3 port.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on all four ports.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) supports Thunderbolt 3 at full performance using the two left-hand ports. The two right-hand ports deliver Thunderbolt 3 functionality, but have reduced PCI Express bandwidth.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on both ports.

As for USB, all of the USB-C ports on all MacBook Pro models offer USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) transfer speeds when connected to a USB accessory.

Other interesting tidbits in the document include the fact that six devices can be daisy-chained to each Thunderbolt 3 port on the MacBook Pro, and only one power supply can be used to charge the machine. You can attach multiple power supplies, but it’s only going to draw power from the one that provides the most power.

Power supplies that exceed 100W have the potential to damage the Macbook Pro, and accessories like the USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter or the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter can only provide up to 60W of power, which will offer slow or delayed charging in the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Apple recommends charging the 15-inch model with the power supply it ships with.

Apple also outlines powering attached devices with Thunderbolt 3 ports. The 15-inch MacBook Pro and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar can power two devices that use up to 15 watts and two additional devices that use up to 7.5 watts. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with no Touch Bar and two Thunderbolt 3 ports can power one device that uses up to 15 watts and one device that uses up to 7.5 watts.

If you’re planning to purchase a new MacBook Pro and are confused about which adapters you’re going to need so it will work with your existing equipment and accessories, Apple’s support document is a good reference to check out.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer’s Guide: Retina MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

Google Pixel: A real-world review, one week later

What do the Android Central editors think of the Google Pixel after a week?

Google’s Pixel phones have been out for just over a week now, and some of us have had them for far longer. We’ve written three reviews and ten times the number of editorials, and yet there’s more to say about these amazing devices — so we convened a roundtable to do just that.

First, Pixel or Pixel XL? And Why?

Daniel Bader

I have been enjoying the smaller Pixel more than I thought. It has the right combination of size and power for my liking, and it’s extremely usable in one hand.

More than anything, it just works. I know that’s overrated in a market that values features over function, but for what I use my Android phone for, the Pixel does the best job right now, period.

Jerry Hildenbrand

Pixel. With the same service and the same apps, it actually has better battery life for me (though not really enough to make a difference) and it’s easier to carry. I’ve mentioned it before, but riding around in a wheelchair all day means keeping my phone in a shirt pocket works better for me, and the Pixel works better for a shirt pocket.

Andrew Martonik

I used the Pixel XL first, and I actually found it much more comfortable to use than I first expected, though it pushes the upper limit of what I can safely manage in one hand for my usual tasks. After receiving my smaller Pixel, that’s the one I’ve settled on. Having the same great experience in a smaller size is wonderful, and battery life has just been ever so slightly less — a worthy tradeoff for me. Going back to the XL isn’t completely out of the question, but I’m just enjoying the Pixel more right now.

Russell Holly

For me, it’s all about the Pixel XL. While I appreciate a good small phone, and the PIxel is exactly that, the slight difference in daily battery life means I can do things like drop a wireless hotspot for 45 minutes while finishing a thought on my laptop and never have to worry about my phone making it through the day. I’m very much over feeling like I need to carry a battery backup or my quick charger with me places. This phone lasts me all day, and that’s what I wanted.

Also, Daydream View is going to be awesome through the larger Pixel.

Harish Jonnalagadda

I really liked the in-hand feel of the smaller Pixel, but the added battery life and the denser display of the Pixel XL won out in the end. The Pixel XL is much more usable one-handed than the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P, and the battery easily lasts a day even when connected to a cellular network throughout, with Bluetooth and location services enabled. After using the LG G4 for most of last year and the G5 for a few months earlier this year, I now look for all-day battery life when buying a phone. And in that regard, the Pixel XL delivers.

Marc Lagace

I got my hands on the smaller Pixel and haven’t had the opportunity to hold the Pixel XL. But after using some bigger phones for a while (RIP Note 7), it’s been really nice coming back to a phone that’s a bit more compact and easy to use one-handed. While I’m sure I’d enjoy the extra battery life and the crisper display found on the Pixel XL, I’m more than satisfied by what the Pixel has offered so far.

What’s your favorite thing about the phone so far?

Daniel Bader

That would be a tossup between the software itself — the day-to-day goings-ons of bug-free, smooth-as-butter experience, plus Nougat’s excellent notifications and multi-window support — and the camera.

The camera was surprising. It went from, “Oh, this phone takes great photos,” to “Holy crap, look at this photo. And this one. This is one I took in near pitch black that came out amazing with little grain.”

I’m not saying it’s the best camera on a smartphone today, but it takes great photos almost every time and I have to give Google props for that.

Jerry Hildenbrand

All of the things that aren’t there.

I don’t want IR blasters or iris scanners or SD cards. I want a piece of tech that lets me stay connected with “my people” that has a great way to use the services I like to use when doing it. The Pixel stays out of the way and lets me do that.

Andrew Martonik

It has to be the overall fluidity and consistency of performance. I’ve never used an Android phone that’s this quick to open and switch apps while also never slowing down or skipping a beat. Everything is super stable, and so smooth it’s remarkable.

Russell Holly

It’s just so damn fast. The camera is fast. The launcher is fast. Switching between apps is fast. I’ve been using the phone for over a week and my Pixel hasn’t lagged or visually dropped frames or completely frozen in place. The same can’t be said of my last three phones, a list that includes the iPhone 7 Plus, the Galaxy Note 7, and the Nexus 6P.

Harish Jonnalagadda

The performance. The phone just flies! It’s remarkable how seamlessly the Pixel handles everything you throw at it. There’s no lag anywhere, and I never got the feeling that I was waiting for an app to launch. I’m wary of switching back to phones with manufacturer skins, even those in the high-end segment. Once you get used to the Pixel, everything else feels slow.

Marc Lagace

It’s a toss-up between Google Assistant and the camera. I’ve enjoyed using Google Assistant so far, and am pretty excited to see Google develop it further as time goes on — but mostly I’m just a big sucker for hilarious easter eggs and random fun, and Google Assistant is chocked full of both.

But the camera — my goodness, the camera! It’s lived up to the hype and then some in my books. Every time I’ve shown someone a photo or video i’ve taken with the Pixel, they’ve been blown away by the quality. Every time. It’s that good, folks.

Where do you think Google could have improved?

Daniel Bader

On the smaller Pixel, battery life has been an issue. In Toronto, during my normal daily routine, I typically get to 9pm before I need to top up, after taking the phone off the charger at 7am or so. That’s pretty good.

But I’ve been traveling for the past few days, and have been penalizing the battery with roaming and constant hits to Google Maps. That really annoyed the Pixel, and I was almost empty after five hours on one of those days. It’s not the end of the world — the Pixel charges quickly, and I have quite the collection of portable battery packs — but it is something to consider for the average road warrior. This is a daily driver, not a day-and-night driver.

Jerry Hildenbrand

I know thin flat phones are trendy, but they aren’t the most ergonomic thing in the world. A bit of curve in the rear would make the phone feel like it was a better fit in the hand. It might not actually be better, but things we can see or touch trump facts. The HTC 10 nails this, and I wish that had been the phone Google was chasing instead of the iPhone.

Andrew Martonik

On the hardware side, missing waterproofing is a real downer — a phone this expensive should have the feature. In terms of software, Google really has to figure out how it’s going to combine Google Search, Now and Assistant into one cohesive product. The parts are there, but they have to be combined in a smart way.

Russell Holly

Assistant is cute, but needs some muscle behind it immediately. It’s barely able to keep up with Google Now when it comes to basic commands, and as much fun as the follow-up question system is in concept it barely works in practice. This is a big step forward for Google because of what it means for the future of personal assistant software, but it’d be great if it was useful all the time.

Harish Jonnalagadda

The Pixel gets all the basics right, but it’s missing fringe features like water resistance. It’s a tough ask to convince customers to shell out over $600 for a phone when there are very capable handsets for under $400, and Samsung has done a great job of distinguishing its flagships with curved displays, wireless charging, and water resistance. The Pixel makes up for it through sheer performance, an excellent camera, and Google Assistant, but an IP68 rating would have definitely made it a more compelling option.

Marc Lagace

I would have really liked to have seen better water resistance to match what Apple and Samsung are offering with their flagship devices. Also, the lack of an SD slot is disappointing. I’m rocking the 32GB Pixel, so I’m slightly paranoid about running out of storage space. Other than that I’ve found the build quality and performance to be on point.

The camera: is it as good as they say it is?

Daniel Bader

Yes, I’m rehashing here, but the Pixel’s camera is impressive. One thing to note that is that smaller phones usually get punished in some way compared to their larger counterparts, often by lacking optical image stabilization or featuring a less capable sensor.

The Pixel’s camera is identical to that of the Pixel XL’s, and has proven to shoot great photos in almost any condition. I spent a lot of time talking about this in our latest podcast, but what’s impressed me most is how usable the low-light photos are given the lack of OIS, proving that software is perfectly capable of minimizing noise and shake with the right engineering work. And Google has that in spades.

Just look at the speed of HDR+. Google has been touting this feature for years, but it’s only now proving its mettle in the camera department. This is evolution at its best.

Here’s one of my favorite photos:

Jerry Hildenbrand

It’s better. Almost impossibly better. Reason says there is no way the camera can be this good without the traditional means to keep pictures from blurring when the light is low or you’re moving too much. Yet it is. I had little faith in seeing any real improvement over the Nexus 6P, but I was wrong. So wrong.

Here’s one of my favorite photos:

Andrew Martonik

It’s as good as they say it is, and it’s better than I ever could’ve imagined. You see, Google has talked a big game about its Nexus cameras for years … and now, it has delivered entirely. The Pixels not only take excellent photos, they take consistent photos and they do it quickly as well. That’s just the perfect combination.

Here’s one of my favorite photos:

Russell Holly

This is, without a doubt, the best smartphone camera I’ve ever used. At least, in full auto anyway. I wish Google would implement a proper manual mode so we could have some extra fun, but in full auto the camera is outstanding. It pulls light in from basically nowhere, everything is nice and crisp, and the slow motion is absolutely beyond belief.

Here’s one of my favorite photos:

Harish Jonnalagadda

I have a knack for taking out-of-focus images from phones that have great cameras. I usually resort to taking several shots, out of which I get one that’s passable. That isn’t the case on the Pixel. I consistently got great shots without putting in any effort, and the ability to create GIFs in burst mode is an added bonus. Easily the best camera I’ve ever used on a phone.

Here’s one of my favorite photos:

Marc Lagace

Man. As I already mentioned, the camera is probably my favorite part of the phone. It’s super quick to load and takes great photos and videos regardless of the conditions. I went to a concert the day after getting my Pixel and yea, I’m one of those guys who likes to take videos at rock shows. I was blown away by the quality when I reviewed them the next day!

Here’s one of my favorite photos:

What about battery life? Is it in line with your expectations?

Daniel Bader

I’m going to talk about the Pixel XL here, because I also have that one. It’s really good, better than the Nexus 6P with the same battery size, and certainly good enough to get through a whole day. As I said above, I’m worried, not disappointed, with the smaller Pixel’s uptime, but that it pulls 12-14 hours on a 2770mAh battery is no small feat.

But the Pixel XL’s cell is 25% larger, and that shows in practice. I’ve never finished the day short of 10% battery life — even long days, when I stay up editing these wonderful people — and that’s encouraging. I find the XL a bit big for my liking, otherwise it would easily take the place of the smaller Pixel in my pocket, but you shouldn’t have any qualms opting for the more expensive model if size is a concern.

Jerry Hildenbrand

It’s better than the Nexus 6P or BlackBerry Priv with the same apps and services running. I can’t say how good it is other than it’s not yet been dead when I go to bed and plug it in. That has happened before with other phones. Battery life does take a bit of a hit when I’m somewhere with a bad mobile signal, but that’s to be expected. No complaints so far!

Andrew Martonik

The Pixel XL offers all I need and more in terms of battery life, making it through my full day with some 20-30% to spare. If I push it hard, I’ll end with at least 10% left. I never had to scramble to a charger on the XL. The smaller Pixel isn’t as great, regularly finishing the day about 10% lower than my XL did — most of the time that’s fine, but on a tough day I really needed Battery Saver come 9 p.m. to make it until bedtime.

Russell Holly

I can regularly get through a 17-hour day with four hours of screen on time and still have 15% remaining when I plug in before bed. I’ve never had an Android phone without a 4,000mAh battery onboard deliver that experience. After Google’s promises of Doze on the go, this phone meets my expectations and then some.

Harish Jonnalagadda

I’ve been using the Pixel XL for nearly a week, and I haven’t had to enable Battery Saver yet. I’d call that a win.

Marc Lagace

I’ve been using my Pixel pretty heavily throughout the day and it typically reaches 15% battery life by the late evening end of the day. I also appreciate how quickly it charges for the times where I’ve forgotten to plug it in overnight.

Let’s talk software: do you think Google did everything it could to separate itself from its partners?

Daniel Bader

I think there’s something to be said about simplicity. In my experience, Android is better when Google calls the shots, since it has always, with some exceptions, had users’ best interests in mind.

If you look back on examples where companies like Samsung, LG, Huawei et al. decided to augment Android with their own interpretations of features yet to launch on “stock” Android, they’ve either been abandoned after a generation, or had little developer support. Samsung’s Multi Window is perhaps the only example of a feature that developers adopted in any great number because the API was mature and easy to integrate with. But even then, now that Google has a multi window API of its own, developers will like default to that one when Samsung launches Nougat on its battery of devices.

All that is to say I believe Google wields far more influence over the Android developer community than its manufacturing partners (rightfully so, since it builds Android), and on the Pixel those features are showcased as they were intended.

It could even be said that the Pixel software’s lack of affect, its simplicity and polish, alone separates from its partners, and now that Google is marketing a phone designed and engineered in-house, there is even more reason to think of “stock” Android as the canonical version.

Jerry Hildenbrand

Look at an LG V20 and ask me again.

Yes. Something like a Moto Z will have similar software, but that’s because Motorola chooses not to alter Google’s design too much. The Pixel software follows the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) software design they’ve used since the G1. With Android 7.1 it’s refined to do the relatively few things it does remarkably well. Sometimes, less is more.

Andrew Martonik

Everything? No, I wouldn’t say so. You can tell that Google has put some extra work into the Pixel’s software experience that it didn’t (or couldn’t) do in previous Nexus phones, and that goes much deeper than a new launcher and Google Assistant. Google did a lot to make the software fast and extremely cohesive, and that helps differentiate itself from most phones — aside from any discussion of what that means for its partners.

Russell Holly

Yes and no. When you pick up this phone, it’s clear you’re using something different in the launcher and the wallpapers and the audio tones. That said, there’s still very little that makes “Pixel” particularly different from “Nexus” in day to day use. I guess an argument could be made for the way you can access Assistant everywhere being the big thing that separates this phone from everything else, but as I covered earlier it’s not a huge feature for me yet.

Harish Jonnalagadda

Google has significantly added to the software experience when compared to the Nexus line, and that’s evident from the second you start using the Pixel. That said, Google Assistant needs a lot of work before it becomes the all-encompassing virtual assistant that Google envisions.

Marc Lagace

Well, it’s unlike any other Android phone I’ve used. I like the tweaks they made to the app drawer, and everything runs smoother and faster than anything else I’ve tried. I also really like the way Google Assistant was integrated into the OS and look forward to see it evolve over time.

Is this really the iPhone of the Android world?

Daniel Bader

That’s a dumb question, Daniel. But seriously, yes in some ways this is the Android community’s equivalent of the iPhone — if you mean updates from the source, a focus on imaging, and the proper marriage of hardware with integrated services.

Google is even trying (and failing) to recreate iMessage and FaceTime with Allo and Duo, respectively.

The Pixel will never actually be anything like the iPhone, at least this round, since Android is so vast that Google relented much of its fate long ago. But by trying to take back at least a small semblance of the messaging, the aspirational side of Android, Google has created something iPhone-like, and I think that’s a good thing.

Jerry Hildenbrand

Yep. Outside of the appearance, the Pixel is a conduit for the apps and services it provides and nothing more — exactly like the iPhone. No bells, whistles or gizmos added to distract attention away from the one thing on the screen you’re looking at is a decision, not an accident. Like the iPhone, the Pixel brings you a core software experience designed to be augmented by the things you want rather than the things the company who built it says you want. And it does it in an unassuming package.

Andrew Martonik

In terms of this being an in-house made vertically integrated phone experience, sure. There are clear differences in philosophy and execution between Google and Apple — this isn’t an iPhone, it’s Google’s version of the iPhone “model” of making a phone. It controls the whole stack: sales, hardware, software, apps, services, and even the carrier.

Russell Holly

Sure? I’m not sure how it matters whether this phone is like an iPhone or not. There’s a market out there for a phone made by Google with dedication to software updates and actual product support by Google. If that makes this an iPhone than sure, whatever.

If your reasoning for calling this an iPhone is that it’s expensive and locked down to Google’s experience, consider this me laughing directly in your face followed by continuing to enjoy this phone.

Harish Jonnalagadda

In the sense that Google controls both the hardware and software side of things, yes. In every other aspect, the Pixel is like any other high-end Android phone. It represents Google’s vision for Android, but you’re free to tinker with it any way you like to make it truly yours. Try doing that on an iPhone.

Marc Lagace

I feel like comparing the Pixel to the iPhone is supposed to be like throwing shade Google’s way. But if the Pixel is Google’s ideal vision for an Android phone, and that feels reminiscent to Apple’s iPhone, then so be it. At least I didn’t have to replace all the stock iOS apps with the Google equivalents as I’ve done with every iPhone I’ve ever owned.

Any final thoughts? Is it worth the $649+?

Daniel Bader

No waterproofing is a serious knock against this phone, and you can be damn sure the Pixel 2 will have it. But when I consider the price I paid for the Pixel against the value I perceive it brings me, I don’t think $649 is asking too much.

Would it sell more if it were $549, or $399? Sure, but then it wouldn’t sit in the same category as the Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7, and that’s the market Google wants to pursue, and be seen pursuing, with the Pixel.

Jerry Hildenbrand

No phone is worth $600. But if that’s the price put on the best phones, then yeah. There is nothing built by anyone else that has these features or this hardware, and if they are worth that much, it’s hard to argue the Pixel isn’t. $600 is also what the Nexus One cost after tax and shipping. And the Nexus 6 cost me $700 before either.

In any case, only you should care how you spend your money. The Pixel is worth as much or more than anything else out there.

Andrew Martonik

I absolutely understand the hesitation from a lot of people to spend $649 to $769 for a phone — be it a Galaxy S7 edge, Moto Z, LG V20, iPhone 7 or Pixel XL. There are tons of great phones out there that will set you back $2-300 less, and they’ll give you a solid experience. But if you’re willing to spend $649+ on any phone out there today, you’d be crazy not to consider the Pixels.

Russell Holly

Like the HTC 10, I feel like these phones are about $100 off the mark. Samsung earns their price tag by stuffing every feature under the sun in their phones, and the law of diminishing returns abides. This phone is very nice, and I’m happy to pay slightly above my perception of its value for the experience I’ve gotten so far, but this phone would be damn near perfect if it were either $100 cheaper or included things like waterproofing and wireless charging.

Harish Jonnalagadda

I have no issues with the Pixel XL’s $769 retail price. That’s a significant discount when compared to the phone’s asking price in India, which is $1,010 (₹67,000). Google is pushing the overall experience with the Pixel, and that commands a premium. One that I’m willing to pay.

Marc Lagace

Honestly? Probably not. It’s a fantastic phone, but unless you’re comfortable with re-upping on a carrier contract for a discounted price, I don’t understand how people can justify spending so much on a phone. Then again, we’re living in a world where the latest flagship phone from any manufacturer is going to run you upwards of $700 or more, so it is what it is. And the Pixel is arguably the best of the best right now.

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
• Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
• Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Join the discussion in the forums!

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Daily Briefing: LG tries to fix what’s broken, and Samsung goes all-in on AI

This was the best Friday since last Friday. Here’s what you need to know for October 28, 2016.

I was on a plane today and saw someone in the waiting area with a Galaxy Note 7. I facetiously tweeted out that I could either ignore the problem and hope for the best or tackle him and remove his phone forcefully. In fact, I did neither: I let the flight attendant know that I thought I saw someone using a Note 7, but by then I had lost him in the crowd, and they said they’d be making an announcement.

Airport waiting areas are really interesting for a number of reasons. It’s a concentrated area full of diversity, people anxious to return home or begin their adventures. It’s also full of technology. These days, I keep a look out for the phones people are using, and the equipment they use to stay connected. Tablets, even iPads, appear to be less common than they were a couple of years ago as smartphone sizes have grown. I see a lot of Galaxy S6s and 7s, a lot of iPhones and, in the U.S., quite a few Droids. I still even see some BlackBerrys in business class.

These pocket computers have taken over our lives. Have you welcomed your new phone overlord, lately?

The LG V20 is now available in the U.S. and Canada

It’s not exactly the perfect phone, but if you’re looking for basically the only phone with expandable storage and a removable battery, the LG V20 is the only game in town. And today it is available from T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, U.S. Cellular, Wind Mobile and Videotron in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. More

Stranger Things stickers arrive for Allo Messenger

Are you a fan of Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things? If so, you can find a new set of Hawkins-style stickers for Allo Messenger through the app. Coffee and contemplation in time for Halloween.

Google Play and Android apps coming to Lenovo’s Thinkpad 13 Chromebook

The message behind this video and its catchy tune is that Android app support will soon be available for Chromebooks for Business, and that Lenovo plans to enable them for their 13-inch Touchscreen model Thinkpad 13 Chromebook. There’s been no word on other Chromebook for Business partners (like HP or Dell) as of yet. Here’s hoping!

Sunshine team returns to unlock the Verizon Pixel’s bootloader

It’s that time of year again when every would-be Android tweaker starts hitting up XDA Developers for news of that elusive mechanism to unlock the latest hottest phone’s bootloader. Right now, though, that phone is the Pixel, and most of the models are easily opened, thanks to Google’s liberal stance on “fastboot oem unlock.”

The Verizon and EE models of the Pixel, though, are not unlockable out of the box, which has led to the Sunshine team coming back from the dead to crack the Pixel’s bootloader. You may remember Sunshine from the work they did on various HTC and Motorola models over the years, and given that the Pixel is HTC-built, this makes a lot of sense.

Action Launcher October 2016 update is available

The October 2016 update for Action Launcher is now available. Developer Chris Lacy notes a bunch of new features and enhancements that are available in this release. You’ll notice better support of Quickcuts, an option to pick a global icon style and much more. If you are an Action Launcher user, you’ll want to check this update out.

Pocket Casts update brings app shortcuts and shared lists

Shifty Jelly, purveyors of fine podcasting apps, has returned with a new version of Pocket Casts for Android, adding multi window and app shortcut support for those few running Nougat, and a fantastic shared list feature for everyone else. More

Samsung’s Galaxy S8 will focus on camera and AI improvements

Samsung has a lot riding on the release of its next flagship, the Galaxy S8, which is likely coming in February. In an interview with WSJ, Samsung’s Lee Kyeong-tae, vice president for mobile communications, said that the phone will feature a “slick design and an improved camera, as well as an enhanced artificial-intelligence service.” More

Barnes and Noble is considering the Google Play Store for the Nook

An FCC listing suggests that Barnes and Noble is looking to adopt the Play Store for its Nook tablet. Once a direct competitor to Google’s Nexus tablets, the forthcoming 7-inch Nook might have the Play Store already installed, according to the sample user manual included in the filing.

Blue Coral Galaxy S7 edge 4G+ is coming to Taiwan and Singapore

If you were lusting for a Blue Coral version of the Note 7 just before the phone was recalled, (and then recalled again, and then discontinued, and then…) you have a chance to live your dream… if you live in Singapore or Taiwan. It’s coming on November 5 for $1098 SPD ($789 USD). Via

The Google Pixel has been rooted

Anything can happen if you will it. Chainfire, a revered developer in the Android community and the brains behind SuperSU, has announced that he’s managed to successfully root the Google Pixel.

Victory is mine! Full systemless root achieved. Boot image mods only, /system fully intact, dm-verity switchable. #pixel

— Chainfire XDA (@ChainfireXDA) October 27, 2016

It appears that full SuperSU support for the Pixel and Pixel XL is in our future.

Make your Vines into GIFs with Giphy’s new tool

Coming soon!

That’s it for this week! See you on Monday, folks. Be safe out there.