When reviews got here out a few years in the past that Google was scrapping plans for the Pixel Pill 2, I used to be fairly disillusioned. Whereas the unique Pixel Pill wasn’t good, it was a strong start line. And if Google had continued iterating on it the identical approach it has with its Pixel telephones over the previous decade, it simply may’ve grown into an actual iPad competitor someday.
That stated, although a Pixel Pill 2 does not seem like coming anytime quickly, the authentic Pixel Pill remains to be round. Its specs aren’t precisely cutting-edge anymore (it is powered by the Tensor G2), however it’s nonetheless a good Android pill that doubles as a sensible house hub. Nevertheless, one huge concern was looming.
Because the pill launched in June 2023 and was solely assured three years of software program updates, its help was set to finish this June — and with no successor in sight, the Pixel Pill was beginning to really feel prefer it could be left for lifeless. Nevertheless, the excellent news is that Google has stepped in and saved it.
Lately, Google quietly up to date the Pixel Pill’s help web page to increase its software program help from three years to 5 years (by way of 9to5Google). As a substitute of going old-fashioned this June, the pill is now supported by June 2028 — a full two extra years of Android OS and safety updates.
So if you happen to personal a Pixel Pill, this implies you must get Android 17, Android 18, and probably even Android 19. That is actually not unhealthy in any respect for a pill that launched in 2023 with Android 13.
- Model
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Google
- Storage
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128GB / 256GB
- CPU
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Google Tensor G2
- Reminiscence
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8GB
The Pixel Pill is now receiving fairer remedy
Newer Pixel telephones obtain even higher help with seven years of updates
With the Pixel Pill now set to obtain 5 years of software program help, it aligns with the five-year help interval that different older Pixel units received from Google, such because the Pixel 6 sequence, Pixel 7 sequence, and Pixel Fold.
Beginning with the Pixel 8 sequence, which got here out in late 2023 after the Pixel Pill, Google really prolonged its Android OS and safety replace dedication to seven years. So the Pixel 8 sequence, Pixel 9 sequence, and Pixel 10 sequence all get seven years of replace help, slightly than 5. Whereas the Pixel Pill will not be getting that, sadly, not less than it is getting 5 as a substitute of three.
As for what the long run holds for the Pixel Pill, it may very well be a very long time earlier than we see a successor. In an interview with Bloomberg shortly after the Pixel 10 sequence was introduced in August, Google executives confirmed that growth of a brand new pill has been placed on maintain till the corporate can determine a “significant future for the class.”
Google is presently engaged on Aluminium OS, which unifies ChromeOS and Android and is supposed to interchange ChromeOS on PCs. So maybe as soon as Google has that sorted out and has efficiently introduced Android to PCs in a extra thrilling approach to tackle macOS and Home windows, it might shift its consideration again to the pill scene. However that is simply hypothesis on my half.
Hopefully, Google will someday revive the Pixel Pill lineup, however till then, not less than the Pixel Pill will obtain Android OS and safety updates by 2028.
