What color Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL should you buy: Black, White, or Kinda Blue?

Which Pixel 2 color will you pick?

Before you buy a Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, you need to make a very important decision — what color should you get? With options for both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, there are definitely a few things to consider before you make your final decision. We aren’t here to make that decision for you, but we have laid out the details of each of these colors.

There are three colors to choose from with the Pixel 2, and two choices if you opt for the Pixel 2 XL, and we’ve got the details on all of them for you here!

Pixel 2 in Clearly White

The Pixel 2 is going back to the color scheme of the original Pixel with its Clearly White coloring. It’s a gorgeous white, with a slightly darker top third on the back. The white color catches the light and makes for a gorgeous color for your phone. It should be noted that the Clearly White model does have a black front, which can be less distracting when using the AMOLED display — definitely a bonus.

Who is it for?

The Pixel 2 in Clearly White is definitely for those who like to make a statement when they pull their phone out, and like a classier look for their pocket computer. It does pick up scratches and buffs more noticeably, which is something to remember, but it also looks great in transparent cases.

Pixel 2 in Just Black

When it comes to colors for your phone, it’s hard to go wrong with black — clean, and simple. Just like the Pixel, the Pixel 2 comes in a black variant that gives the phone a sleek profile. While the upper third is glossy and noticeably darker than the rest of the phone, which is a lighter matte, the entire design blends together in a gorgeous finish.

Who is it for?

If you’re clumsy, or you aren’t particularly attached to a specific color, then black is definitely a solid choice. Black means that minor scuffs or scratches won’t show up quite so easily, and matching your case to your phone is a simple process. This also means that this is the best color to go for if you don’t plan on snagging a case at all.

Pixel 2 in Kinda Blue

The Kinda Blue Pixel 2 is a toned-down version of last year’s Very Blue Pixel. It’s a nice mellow pale blue that also has hints of grey and silver in it. It’s also the most color you’ll see on a Pixel 2 at release — especially with its very cool light blue power button.

Who is it for?

If you like to make a statement with your phone, but you prefer something a bit more toned down, then this is definitely the right choice. The pale grey-blue color isn’t you other folks are going to be used to seeing, although any scratches or buffs are definitely going to be noticeable. It lets you stand out in a world filled with black or white phones, but it’s also subtle enough that you can keep it from drawing attention at all by throwing a case onto it.

Pixel 2 XL in Just Black

The Pixel 2 XL in Just Black is sleek, simple, and utilitarian. Black is always a solid color, and it works well for the Pixel 2 XL giving it a low profile that won’t look too flashy, especially since the front bezels are smaller than that of the Pixel 2.

Who is it for?

The Pixel 2 XL is definitely for those who like a professional look when they pull out their phones, or for those who know that they don’t plan to get a case. Just Black is definitely best color for hiding scuffs and scratches on your phone and is easily the most understated color available.

Pixel 2 XL in Black and White

The Pixel 2 XL in Black and White takes the best of both black and white worlds and brings them together. It’s got a black front, stretched around to the top third of the back of the phone, and the rest of the phone is white — a “dunk of chocolate”. It offers a great contrast and color that you aren’t likely to see elsewhere. Oh, and that orange power button is going to be very divisive.

Who is it for?

The Black and White Pixel 2 XL is going to be a very popular option, mainly because of that orange power button and its two-toned color scheme. It’s for people who want to stand out without shouting that fact, and is going to appeal to anyone who can’t decide whether black or white is the right way to go.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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Do you have a ticking sound on your Pixel 2?

Time to touch base.

Although not quite as serious as the Pixel 2 XL’s potential screen burn-in, it’s recently been discovered that the smaller Pixel 2 is exhibiting clicking and hissing sounds for a number of users.

Although the hissing is still something of a mystery, the clicking/ticking appears to be somehow related to the Pixel 2’s NFC chip.

One Google representative has said that a fix for the clicking will be released within the “upcoming week”, and while we wait to see whether or not this actually happens, we wanted to check in with our forum users to see if they’ve experienced this problem on their units.

Here’s what you had to say.

Cherenkov
10-24-2017 07:58 AM

“

*Mods please delete if there’s already a thread for this that I didn’t find*

So there appears to be an issue with the Pixel 2 (not the XL) wherein if NFC is on, you can hear a faint ticking sound. It sounds like a watch ticking, but not quite on time, most audible near the top speaker. Turn off NFC and it goes away.

Google recommends contacting them for an RMA if your phone is doing this….

Reply

jlp0209
10-24-2017 11:03 AM

“

I have the same issue. Man, there are so many little issues with this phone (Pixel 2 non-XL) that when combined will probably prevent me from keeping it.

Reply

mattsican
10-24-2017 04:12 PM

“

yeah I don’t usually use NFC but I turned it on to check and you can hear a soft ticking sound if you put it up to your ear. turned NFC off and it went away.

Reply

pnicho
10-24-2017 07:56 PM

“

I have this issue as well. I have the kinda blue 64 gb. I bought mine from Verizon, but I’m going to return it before the window is up and hopefully get another one from Google instead. This really sucks! I just sent my 2xl back today because it even though it was just a tad bigger than my xl, I couldn’t deal with it. Now I gotta give up this pixel and wait several weeks for a new one to arrive.

Reply

openwheelracing
10-25-2017 12:23 AM

“

Happy to report. Mine Pixel 2 does not have any clicking sound or any sound at all with NFC on. Dead quiet.

Reply

If you already managed to get your hands on Google’s latest, we’d like to know – Do you hear a clicking sound on your Pixel 2?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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These are the best smart home products to use with Google Home Mini

Now that you’ve got a Google Home Mini, it’s time to connected it to some things. Need some things? Here’s where to start.

So you’ve got a new Google Home Mini. Good for you. That’s a good call. It’s like a Google Home, only less expensive and smaller, without the emphasis on the speaker. It’s like an Amazon Echo, only, erm, not and Echo, and with Google Assistant instead of Alexa.

It is, in brief, a perfectly good purchase. But now you need to do something with it. If you’re already a user of such a product, you’re probably in the know. You’ve got your stuff, it’s connected and working.

If today’s your first day with a Google Mini, though, there’s a little more setup to do.

Here are a few prime choices when it comes to connected products to use with your Google Home Mini.

Philips Hue — or other connected lights

Philips Hue is the top name in connected bulbs, but they’re by no means the only ones available today. If you’ve got connected bulbs of any sort (or if you have some connected through another hub like Samsung Smart Things), you’ll definitely want to tie them in to Google Home Mini. Start with a $70 starter pack.

Attach the bulbs, assign them rooms, then just control them with your voice.

And remember that once you can control something in Google Assistant, you can control it form Google Home, or Android Auto, or your phone — wherever.

See Philips Hue at Amazon

Connected thermostat

If you have a connected thermostat — I’m a big fan of Nest — especially the new $190 Nest E — and secondarily Ecobee — then you have got to hook it up to Google Home. There’s literally nothing in the world better than turning the heat up without having to get out of bed.

OK, there are lots of things better than that. But being able to control the temperature with your voice is a killer feature. Don’t think. Just do it.

See Nest at Amazon

Logitech Harmony

I’ve long recommended a Logitech Harmony remote over pretty much anything else. What comes with your TV probably is bad. What comes with your cable box probably isn’t great. What comes with the Apple TV is awful.

Logitech Harmony is much, much better, and it has the added bonus of being able to control lots of connected things.

And Google Assistant is able to control Logitech Harmony. So you can tell your new Google Home Mini to turn the TV off or on. (I usually default to the former as I’m headed out the door, or when my kids just aren’t listening.) Start with a $144 Harmony Companion, and eye the $250+ Harmony Elite for an upgrade.

It’s a great time-save — and a way to be so lazy that you don’t even have to look for the remote control.

See Harmony Companion at Amazon

Connected sprinklers

Here’s a great one if you’ve got a lawn you need to water. I’ve been using the Rachio connected sprinkler system for a long time. It works with my phone, and it works with Google Assistant.

If you’re using a $199 Rachio right, you probably won’t need to turn the sprinklers on or off manually too often.

But … this is just a great option to have. And it’s one of those things that really is easier to do with your voice than having to pull our your phone.

Your kids wanna run through the sprinklers? “OK, Google — tell Rachio to water the front yard.”

Neighborhood hooligans hanging out on your property? “OK, Google — tell Rachio to water the front yard.”

See Rachio at Amazon

Wemo Plugs

Don’t wanna do connected lights? Give a plug a shot instead. Wemo makes it really easy to turn just a dumb plug into something a good bit smarter for just $35. And it’s flexible. Anything you plug into one of the Wemo plugs becomes smart — not just a lamp.

This is one of those things that’s perfect for, say, a Christmas tree or outdoor decorations and lights.

You can set timers, and you can control via your voice.

And trust me (I know from experience) that’ll save you a few cold trips onto the front porch in your underwear.

See Wemo at Amazon

Google Hardware

• Google Wifi review
• Google Home review
• Everything you need to know about the Chromecast Ultra
• Chromecast vs Chromecast Ultra: Which should you buy?

Google Wifi:

Google
Amazon

Google Home:

Google
Best Buy

Chromecast Ultra:

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Step up your home security with a 6-pack of Arlo cameras for $480

This is the largest camera package Arlo has going for a price of a much smaller kit.

Is this deal for me?

Home security is super important, and something you should take very seriously. Arlo’s security cameras are a very popular option, and right now you can pick up a 6-pack for just $479.99, which is $150 less than it normally sells for. These cameras can be use both indoors and outdoors, which makes them extremely versatile.

This is a temporary deal as part of Amazon’s Gold Box deals. The price is good today only. Compare it to other kits in the series to see just how good the price is. The 5-pack, which is the exact same kit with one less camera, is currently $570. Even the 4-pack is $470, so you’re getting two free cameras with this deal. That’s great if you have a lot more ground to cover.

• Works with Amazon Alexa/Echo Show/(Fire TV coming soon!) – View your live video with a simple voice command.
• See in stunning clarity and sharper details with HD cameras and watch live streamed or recorded videos from your computer, smartphone or tablet using Arlo’s free App
• Patented 100% wire-free design and magnetic mounts let you discreetly place cameras where you want and monitor your home from every possible angle
• Night vision cameras with HD clarity even in the dark
• Motion activated cameras and customizable activity alerts provide real-time email or app notifications while home or away
• Indoor/Outdoor weatherproof cameras install easily for DIY security so you can even monitor the exterior of your home

TL;DR

• What makes this deal worth considering? – This 6-camera kit is selling at almost the same price as the 4-camera kit. It’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen for a kit this large.
• Things to know before you buy! – I don’t think you’ll need it, but if you want to add additional cameras to this kit, you can buy them individually. Also, you can get these security mounts for $11 to allow some more flexibility where you place your cameras.

See at Amazon

Happy thrifting!

Amazon announces Cloud Cam security camera and Key in-home delivery

Amazon’s connected future continues to grow.

Ever since the original Echo first debuted in late 2014, Amazon’s push into the world of the connected home has been more aggressive with every passing year. The Echo Dot allows everyone to bring Alexa into their Home, the Echo Plus packs Alexa and a smart home hub into one single gadget, and the company even offers fashion advice with the Echo Look.

Today, Amazon announced two new additions to its lineup – the Amazo Cloud Cam and Amazon Key for Prime subscribers.

Amazon Cloud Cam

Starting off first with the Cloud Cam, this is Amazon’s first step into the market of home security. Connected security cameras aren’t anything new these days, but Amazon’s hoping the Cloud Cam and its integration with Alexa and other services will be reason enough to pick one up over its many competitors.

Looking first at its hardware, the Cloud Cam can capture 1080p Full HD video, supports night-vision recording, and offers two-way audio so you can hear what it picks up and also speak to those near the camera using your phone. A wide-angle lens promises to capture a large area of your home, and the camera will connect to the Amazon Cloud Cam app where you’ll be able to see clips of activity the camera’s picked up over the past 24 hours.

The Cloud Cam is competitively priced at just $119.99

As you’d expect, Cloud Cam work seamlessly with all of your other Amazon devices. Whether you’re talking to your Echo Spot, Show, or Fire TV, you’ll be able to say “Alexa, show me the [camera name]” to instantly get a live video feed of what the Cloud Cam is currently seeing.

Amazon is selling the Cloud Cam for just $119.99, but it’ll also offer a two-pack for $199.99 and three-pack for $289.99. You can also choose from three subscription plans for the Cloud Cam that allow you to keep recordings for multiple days worth of activity for up to 30 days on 10 different cameras.

Amazon Key

Based on what we’ve already gone over, Cloud Cam sounds like a solid (if not familiar) product for keeping tabs on your home while you’re away. However, the real draw to it is the all-new Amazon Key service that will be available on November 8 (the same date that the Cloud Cam will start shipping to customers).

When shopping on Amazon, you’ll soon see an option to get free in-home delivery. By using the Cloud Cam and a smart door lock, couriers delivering your orders will be able to scan the barcode of your package, send this data to Amazon, and the Cloud Cam will then start recording. Once the delivery is authorized, the courier will get a prompt on their phone that allows them to unlock your door, go into your house, deliver your package, and lock it back up.

The Cloud Cam will record the delivery process so you can ensure that everything was done properly, and in order for Amazon Key to work, you’ll need both the Cloud Cam and a smart door lock from either Yale or Kwikset. Amazon Key will initially be available in 37 different cities across the U.S., and along with deliveries, Amazon says that Key will also be able to provide access to its array of professional service providers from Amazon Home Services within the coming months.

Amazon’s connected future

Not everyone will immediately jump on board with trusting Amazon to let the delivery guy or gal into your house while recording the whole process, but don’t expect these sort of gadgets and gizmos to go away anytime soon. This is just the next step for Amazon to be as prevalent in your daily life as possible, and while the concept may be freaky at first, it’s undeniably cool, too.

See at Amazon

Should you upgrade to the Google Pixel 2 from the Nexus 5X?

Has the time to make the jump from Nexus to Pixel?

The Nexus 5x turns two years old this week. Developed in partnership between LG and Google, it was one of the last devices released under the Nexus brand as a cheaper option to the Nexus 6P.

The Nexus 5X offered a great value to Android enthusiasts looking for a reliable phone running stock Android. With the Pixel line, that budget option doesn’t really exist anymore, but there’s still a ton of similarities between the overall design of the Nexus 5X and the Google Pixel 2 making it a natural choice for those Google fans who loved the feel of the Nexus 5X.

Should you be considering an upgrade? Let’s compare.

Hardware and specs

If you really love the form factor of the Nexus 5X, you’ll find lots to love about the Google Pixel 2 — it’s almost identical in size except you’ll notice a significant upgrade in both build materials and internal specs.

Looking at them side by side, you can see that the Pixel 2 has slightly smaller bezels while maintaining the front-facing speakers. It’s a design that some may scoff at when you compare it to other 2017 flagships like the [Galaxy S8], LG V30, and even the Pixel 2 XL, which has significantly smaller but it does let you hold the phone in landscape mode without obstructing the screen. It’s ultimately a matter of personal tastes.

On the back, the camera has been shifted to the top left corner and the camera bump is also gone. There’s no plastic shell to be found here, just premium aluminum and ceramic. It has quickly become an iconic look for the latest Google phones and a sign that you’re rocking one of the best Android phones of the past few years.

The only hardware downgrade you could point to is the headphone jack. After throwing shade at Apple in 2016, Google has decided to do away with the headphone jack on the newest Pixel phones. In exchange, you get the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology along with a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle included with every phone.

Here’s a full specs comparison between the two devices:

The time is right to upgrade

Back when it was released in 2015 alongside the Nexus 6P, the Nexus 5X was the budget option starting at around $400 for the 16GB model. With the move from Nexus to Pixel, it seems that Google is now exclusively focused on creating high-end phones to compete with the other major flagships. But looking at the premium materials and spec comparison and it’s pretty easy to justify the jump-up in price here. You’ll once again get the best Android experience straight from the source, with all the benefits of a brand new phone.

One area in which you’re sure to see better performance is battery life. A lithium-ion battery has a standard usage life of about two to three years, which means that if you haven’t noticed your Nexus 5X battery performance slipping, it’s likely just a matter of time. While the 5X received the Android O update, there’s a number of users reporting issues after upgrading to 8.0 including some major battery drain — just another good excuse to upgrade to a new phone if you’re running into issues.

You’ll once again get the best Android experience straight from the source, with all the benefits of a brand new phone.

The Pixel 2 has the same sized battery as the Nexus 5X, but you should notice significantly better performance thanks in part to the Snapdragon 835 chipset along with Google’s focus on improving the rapid-charging performance.

But we all know that hardware specs only count for so much — software is equally important. The Pixel 2 comes with the updated Pixel launcher and Google has confirmed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will receive three years of software updates and security patches (that should mean Android P, Android Q, and Android R!), meaning you’ll be able to rock the latest version of on the phone you buy today well into the year 2020. If your the type who likes to commits to a phone for multiple years rather than upgrading yearly, that’s great news.

By comparison, Google’s support documents show that Android O will be the last major software update for the Nexus 5X, and the devices will stop receiving crucial security updates after November 2018.

Should you upgrade?

The Nexus brand catered toward hardcore Android enthusiasts, and you’ll still run into folks proudly rocking the Nexus 6P or 5X because they’re still good phones. The Nexus 5X was — and still is in many regards — a great phone, but if the battery or performance issues haven’t already started popping up, the clock is ticking — and the timing may be right to upgrade to the Pixel 2.

If you love rocking stock Android and can afford the cost of a 2017 flagship phone, you can upgrade to the Pixel 2 with confidence knowing you’re getting one of the best Android phones of 2017 and a phone that will serve you well for three years if you take care of it.

Do you think you’ll upgrade?

Let us know in the comments below!

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
• Google Pixel 2 specs
• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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Keep this $24 DBPower air compressor around for any flat tire emergencies

Better to have one and not need it than need one and not have it.

Is this deal for me?

This DBPower 12V DC air compressor pump is down to $24.74 with coupon code ISS2YANH on Amazon. Without the code, it sells for $33, which has been its normal street price since August.

Features include:

• Inflates a standard mid-sized car tire from 0~35 PSI in only 4.8 minutes, which is much faster than other air compressors in the market. The max pressure of the tire inflator can reach up to 150 PSI. It makes inflating low and flat tires in emergency easier and more convenient
• The tire inflator will automatically switch off once the pre-set pressure has been achieved, which makes sure your tires safely inflated and never over inflates.
• Once turned on, the bright LCD display is lighted, which is convenient for night vision. Pressure Gauge Display of the air compressor: PSI/BAR/KPA. The figures will also be easy to read when exposed under the sun with the digital display screen
• Easy access to almost all types of tires: car, bike, motorcycle, RV, SUV, ATV and also sports equipment and inflatables. Since we have included three additional nozzles and adapters in the package to make the compressor versatile and more widely-used

The air compressor has 4.6 stars based on 160 user reviews.

TL;DR

• What makes this deal worth considering? – This is the lowest price we’ve seen on this air compressor.
• Things to know before you buy! – Worried about not having the right tools to fix your bike? This air compressor definitely helps, but you could also get this starter tool kit from Pedro’s for all common bike problems.

See at Amazon

Happy thrifting!

Netflix’s DVD app finally makes its way to Android

Don’t worry, we also forgot that Netflix still rented out DVDs.

Before Netflix was the streaming giant that it is today, it was the king of physical DVD rentals. This rental service is still in operation as DVD.com, and Netflix finally released an Android app for it so subscribers can manage their DVD queue right from their phone.

The DVD Netflix app has been available on iOS since January of this year, and the Android version works in the exact same manner. Once you log into your account, you’ll be able to browse through titles by new releases, comedies, horror, action, etc. Hopping into your queue will allow you to see which titles you’re scheduled to receive next, which ones you currently have, and the history of DVDs and BluRays you’re previously had.

You’ll also be able to use the app for adding new titles to your queue, search through Netflix’s entire library of movies/TV shows, and get notifications for when a DVD ships.

Netflix’s DVD program starts at $4.99, and the service reportedly still has more than four million subscribers. Although it isn’t for me, this might be something worth checking out now that there’s an official app for managing everything.

Netflix is raising its prices in the U.S. – again

FCC: Local TV and radio stations don’t need local studios

The FCC is scrapping the decades-old rule requiring local TV and radio stations to maintain a studio in or near the communities they serve. Critics claim the move will benefit media conglomerates seeking consolidation, and diminish the quality of local reporting. “Technology allows broadcast stations to produce local news even without a nearby studio,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

The Commission added that social media, the internet, and email are now the primary forms of communication between listeners and local broadcasters, rendering the main studio rule “outdated.” Still, stations must have a local, toll-free telephone number to ensure their audience can ring them.

The rule dates back to 1940 as a means to make it easier for viewers to visit TV stations. But, the advent of the web (and with it streaming and podcasting) has drastically shifted the media landscape. The National Association of Broadcasters, which supports the FCC’s decision, claims the requirement is unnecessary in the “era of mobile news gathering.”

Source: FCC (pdf)

Nissan is joining Formula E

Nissan has made big strides in its push for electrification by unveiling two new zero-emission concept vehicles and announcing its plans to join Formula E racing from the 2018-2019 season. At the Tokyo Motor Show the brand showed off the IMx all-electric crossover, which offers fully autonomous operation and a range of more than 600 kilometers, and the Leaf NISMO, which brings a hefty dose of racing technology to the company’s flagship electric car. According to Nissan, this concept boasts better aerodynamic performance and less lift.

Nissan’s entry into Formula E will make it the first Japanese car brand to take part in the all-electric racing championships. Given the company’s position in the consumer electric market, “it makes sense” that Nissan gets involved, according to Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president of global marketing and sales for zero-emission vehicles. The company will compete from season five (slated for late 2018), when the championship introduces new chassis and battery specifications.

Source: Nissan