Have you had any problems with your Pixel?

It would appear that Fitbit will have to pay out $12 million for the faulty smartwatch that burned 70-some people, with even more reports of the battery overheating. For once, it would seem the US was actually interested in protecting consumers, and so the CPSC has “provisionally” accepted the fine, with a little more back and forth expected to finally nail down the specifics. Fitbit will also have to establish a compliance program to prevent future issues.

So, were you one of the lucky ones to buy this faulty Fitbit Ionic smartwatch? Was it even on your radar?

I only recently switched to a Pixel 9, and I have to say I love the experience. Android feels more polished, the user experience more cohesive, and I appreciate that. But Pixel’s don’t always have the best reputation, with bugs and other issues typically cropping up after release. But this year seems different, partly because Google has held Android 15 back, which means Pixel 9 users are on a more stable and tested system, at least for the time being. This has certainly worked in Google’s favor, but for some, I’m sure the reputation remains lacking.

So, I have a question for all you Pixel users out there. Why did you choose to buy a Pixel over any of the other OEMs? Is it brand loyalty, do you simply prefer the experience Google offers, or is there another factor why you choose Pixel over the competition?

It feels like everyone is making a big deal about Qi2. Where does it work, is a particular implementation true Qi2, and which manufacturer is using it correctly? Meanwhile, the only wireless charger I own is super slow, and I use it mainly to hold my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, giving it a home while keeping the battery topped off. Beyond that, I rarely use wireless charging, primarily because cables are faster, and my house is already filled with them. It’s not like the charger won’t need a cable, anyway, so it’s not like using one results in less clutter. I just don’t see the point; what problem do wireless chargers solve?

But I also know many tech enthusiasts are fans, so I figure let’s put the question to the test. Do you care about charging your devices wirelessly, or are you, like me, a wireless charging luddite?

I know I personally miss having small phones. I’m on team small phone all the way, which is why I loved the Zenfone 10 and why I was sad to see Asus move to something much bigger for the 11. Even before smartphones, I was into the smaller stuff, like what Sony Ericson was putting out for its candy bar designs. But that was a long time ago, and things progress, but sadly it would seem everything progressed to being gigantic with huge screens, and I’m just not feeling it. Perhaps I’m simply being nostalgic, which is why I wanted to bring this question to the masses.

Which do you prefer, large or small phones? Hit the comments, and let’s settle this age-old debate for good.

I, for one, usually run my phones free of cases, but after a recent drop that obliterated my Redmagic 9s Pro, I decided to pick up a Pixel 9 as a replacement. With that new purchase came a strong sense that I should probably splurge on a case this time around. So I went all out. I wanted something that looked good, made of leather, so a Bellroy case is what I purchased. It wasn’t cheap, but I’m pretty happy with it, so feel my money was spent well. 

But what about you? What kind of case do you normally go for when you purchase a new phone? What’s your go-to? Is it leather, plastic, rubber, colorful, muted, expensive, or cheap?

We recently learned that the new Google TV Streamer remote works with older Chromecasts (read more about this in the linked article). So now that it is clear the new remote will work with older 4th gen devices, do you plan on picking up a replacement for your aging Chromecast? Sure, the Chromecast 4K and HD came with a remote, but perhaps it stopped working or is showing its age.

But this got me thinking: how many Chromecast owners actually want a replacement remote? So, hit the comments to let us know if you are planning to purchase the Google TV Streamer remote for your 4th gen Chromecast.

I’ve lost count of how many times Google has supposedly quit making tablets. I know it quit making Android tablets after the Nexus 9. But we did get the Pixel C and Pixel Slate. After the Pixel Slate, Google announced it would not be making more tablets, instead it would concentrate on laptops. But we eventually got the Pixel Tablet, which launched overpriced with an unnecessary dock. And now that the Pixel Tablet hasn’t sold well (surprise, surprise), Google is supposedly canceling the follow-up. Despite many years of making tablets over the last two decades, Google apparently can’t find any success with them, and tends to exist the market swiftly when sales tank. At this point, it will be very hard for me to take Google seriously if it ever plans to release a tablet again, be it ChromeOS or Android.

But what about you? Are you sick of Google repeatedly giving up on tablets, or are you somehow willing to give the company the benefit of the doubt the next time it decides tablets are t

I have to admit, it is rare when I use a case with a phone. I did purchase one for my Pixel 9, but I mainly did so to get one with a magnet built in so I can attach a wallet. More often than not, I’m carrying my phone without any coverage, completely naked, and that’s how I prefer it. Seeing that I’ve only dropped a phone to the point of cracking the glass once in the last 20+ years, I’d say my phones typically go in a drawer unscathed when I stop using them.

But what about you? Do you have to slap a case on all of your phones, or do you prefer to run around town with your phone in your pocket sans any protective covers?

Our reviews of the Pixel 9 trio might be live, but we’re far from done with talking about new Google hardware. Next up, we’re focusing our attention on Google’s second-gen foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. New name, new design, same overwhelming focus on AI that wound up receiving some mixed feelings from all three of our previous Pixel 9 reviews. We’ll have plenty more to say about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in the weeks to come — including a full review — but in the meantime, let us know what you’re most curious about, and we’ll be sure to address it just as soon as we can say more.

The Pixel 6 made it to Android 15 with its promised three years of Android version update support. But now that it has hit the end of the road when it comes to new Android versions, will you miss receiving these updates? You’ll still get security updates, which means the phone will be plenty useable for the foreseeable future, but Android 15 is still the last stop when it comes to versions.

Sound off in the comments below what you think of this end of support. Thankfully, the Pixel 7 and beyond offer seven years of support, so we have some time before the Pixel 7 meets the same fate as the 6.

Google’s released a boatload of new products this summer, including four phones, two watches, and a smart thermostat. But we’ve still got more look forward to. The Google TV Streamer, heir apparent to the Chromecast legacy, is set to hit store shelves next week. Judging by what we know about the $100 set-top box so far, it’s essentially a souped up Chromecast with Google TV, featuring updated hardware and a new form factor, more storage space, and a built-in Thread radio for smart home hub functionality. 

But with the release date less than a week away, we wanted to ask: what do you want to know about the Google TV Streamer? Drop your questions in the comments here, and we’ll do our best to answer them over the coming weeks.

Did you know the latest Pixel 9s support video out over USB? Neither did I, but not that I know I am eager to get my hands on Google’s USB-C to HDMI cable so I can output video from my phone. As a matter of fact, the cable come from Cable Matters, and is also available on Amazon for less than Google’s pricing, which looks to be the place to snag one (read more about this in the linked coverage).

So here comes the big question. Have you ever needed to output video from your phone to the point you’ll go out of your way to buy a USB-C to HDMI cable? Hit the comments to let us know, as I can confidently say I’ll be ordering one shortly. After all, you may not need to output video from your phone frequently, but the one time you need to, it sure would be handy to have a cable on hand to do so.

The Pixel line is certainly known for taking great pictures, and the latest models are assuredly some of the best yet. This is why we wanted to ask everyone to share their favorite images taken with a Pixel 9, from the base model to the Pro and the Fold. So fire up Google Photos, grab your favorite shots, and slap them into the comments below. Let’s see what everyone has been shooting to inspire us all to take even better shots in the future.

I’ll go first. Below, you can see a shot of my Boston Terrier Eva rolling around like the maniac she is.

The Pixel 8 Pro debuted the tech, which may sound a little silly, but a thermometer within a phone can be useful, as Will Sattelberg found out, putting the Pixel 8 Pro to the test. The thermometer works and can be handy for checking body temperatures, say your kid’s temps to see if they are coming down with a cold. Still, grabbing your phone to check temperatures probably doesn’t come naturally to most users, which brings me to a question that’s been burning a hole in my brain. For those of you who own a Pixel 8 Pro or a Pixel 9 Pro, do you find you are using the temperature sensor built into your phone? If so, what have you used it for?

There’s never been a better time to buy a Pixel 9 than right now. Between all the freebies, credits, and bonuses floating around, you can cobble together one hell of a deal. And if you play your cards right, you can effectively get a new phone for cheaper than free.

I bought a Pixel 9 Pro on launch day, but my wife decided she’d wait for a good deal before upgrading. That purchase came with a free year of Google One AI Premium, which itself comes with 10% back in credits for all Google Store purchases.

Then last week, Google started an enhanced trade-in deal, bringing the value of my wife’s old Pixel 8 Pro up to $700. We debated jumping on it then, but I’m happy we dragged our feet, because another deal was spotted yesterday (full details at the link to the right): If you have enough Google Play Points from app and game purchases, you can get an extra 30% off any Pixel 9 device right now.

With the Google Play Points coupon applied, the Pixel 9 Pro’s price cratered to $700. Subtract

I have a feeling I’m a lifer. Sure, I’ve used iOS (on iPads), but ever since Android was released, I’ve only owned and used Android phones, and I don’t see this changing anytime soon. Apple just never felt like the hardware for me, and I’ve certainly dabbled with Macs, but the walled gardens and higher prices for everything just leave a bad taste in my mouth. Android is still more open, and Android is still cheaper for comparable hardware. Most importantly, I’m used to the interface and the actions I can perform within, be it running emulators, sideloading apps, or simply adding icons to my screen wherever I want (yes, I know Apple has started supporting all of these), Android simply feels like the right place to be accomplishing these tasks.

While I know there are plenty of hardcore Android users around here, just like me, I do wonder how many of AP’s readers would be willing to jump the fence for the possibility of greener pastures. So, what say you? Would you ever consider ditching

Google used to push Chromebooks pretty hard, but nowadays, without any Pixelbooks in the mix, it feels like interest has died down. Sure, schools still use them, and I’m sure there are corporations that hand them out to their workforce. But at the end of the day, you have to wonder what the consumer side looks like when there isn’t much to get excited about anymore. Sure, Chromebook Plus is here to signify the higher-end models, but dose anyone actually care that their Chromebook came with free AI features? Can you even name any that come with Chromebooks? More or less, Chromebooks feel stale, which has me wondering how many readers out there are using them day to day.

So, when was the last time you used a Chromebook, and what were you using it for? Let’s see if these devices are still popular with the Android crowd.

When I want to take a photo, I tend to grab my actual camera instead of my phone. Generally, I don’t care how good my phone’s cameras are, as I rarely use them. Short of grabbing a few quick shots of my dog when out and about, the photo quality of my phone rarely factors into my day-to-day thinking. But I also know people are really adamant about their phones taking good photos, with arguments constantly surrounding which phone takes the best pictures that year.

So, are you absolutely concerned about the photo quality of your phone, or are you more easy-going like me and willing to use whatever is provided?

Recently, we discovered a survey that revealed Google Pixel Phones have issues with third-party launchers, which sure lines up with my experience, where swipe navigation still suffers for some reason. Basically, if you are going to use a custom launcher, a Pixel Phone isn’t a great choice. This is why I stick with the stock launcher on my Pixel and why many more Android users will recommend the same. That’s not to say it’s impossible to use a third-party launcher on your Pixel; it’s just not always the best experience.

So, do you use a third-party launcher on your Pixel, or do you prefer stock like me? Hit the comments to share and we’ll see what everyone is using.

Everyone remembers their first phone. It’s the first time you can call your friends from wherever you are, take pics on the go, and play Angry Birds (depending on your era). What was your first phone and what do you remember about it? Do you remember it fondly? Share your memories about your first cellular experience!