Telus and Koodo are holding back the Android P update for the Essential Phone and customers aren't happy

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

One of the advantages of the Essential Phone PH-1, sold exclusively in Canada by Telus and subsidiary Koodo, is that it runs on Pure Android.There's no carrier or phone manufacturer bloatware and this ensures quick adoption of the latest OS updates and features.

Designed and created by Android founder Andy Rubin, the Essential Phone's promise was that it would receive the latest Android updates when these were rolled out by Google.

This promise has been fulfilled by allowing Android P Beta on the device early and by rolling our the finished Android Pie update the same day it was made available globally. Except in Canada.

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Essential Phone gets Android Pie update on the same day as Google Pixel

Google just officially named and released Android 9 as Android Pie for Google Pixel phones. Essential isn’t far behind as the company also announced the update will be making its way to the Essential Phone PH-1 right now. For a smaller startup that’s also been rumoured to be struggling, Essential has kept its user base consistently updated with regular software improvements and optimizations. Here’s to hoping the other bigger companies follow its lead and bring a slice of Android Pie to its users sooner rather than later.

Update on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 9:14AM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

This doesn't seem to be happening for TELUS customers since they're apparently taking time before rolling out the update. It is no secret TELUS has dropped interest in PH-1 and has shifted their marketing to the Huawei P20. Let's hope the carrier does right by their customers and rolls out Android P in Canada soon.

Essential Phone gets some camera improvements with new app update

One of the Essential Phone’s weaknesses is its subpar camera performance. Thankfully, the company is acknowledging this is an issue and has continuously been rolling out updates to improve the camera. The latest update, which rolls out via the Google Play Store, brings a few new features. One is a new look for the camera roll. With new icons, it’s now easier to identify modes like slo-mo, 360-degree, Burst Mode, and videos. The update also ushers in the return of “Tiny Planet” feature for 360-degree videos. Burst Mode has also been improved. Plus, there’s the usual slew of stability fixes introduced into the app. The update is currently rolling out to users so keep an eye out for it.

Source: 9to5Google

Essential Phone gets magnetic headphone jack module

The first new attachment module for the Essential Phone is finally here. What did Essential decide to finally release? Its magnetic 3.5mm headphone jack dongle. The company has been working on this module since September last year and it has been touted as a major feature since the phone launched but we’re only getting it now. The Audio Adapter HD isn’t just a headphone jack, it also comes with a high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC with an “audiophile-grade amp” that is “crafted from machined titanium for exceptional durability.” No word on pricing yet but it will finally start shipping this summer.

This module is part of the company’s focus on music. One of the other new things coming to the smartphone is support for Tidal’s Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) lossless tracks. Tidal will be offering Essential Phone owners a free three-month subscription to its Hi-Fi tier so they can try out the higher-resolution audio themselves. Rumours have been swirling that Essential has cancelled its second phone and are even looking into selling the company. But it looks like that isn’t affecting the release of new hardware just yet.

Source: The Verge