Google quietly takes out Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL from its store

While the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL might be available through third-party retailers, Google is no longer offering the two phones in its store. It no longer shows up in the Phones section of the site. And when you try to compare the three Pixel phones, only the Pixel 3 has a Buy button. Google did the same thing with the original Pixel at around the same time last year. The company’s strategy for its smartphones seems to be taking out the phones after it’s been out on the market for 18 months. So, if you’ve been waiting on getting the Pixel 3, at least you have some sort of timeline to think about until you might not have access to the device anymore.

Source: Engadget

Google starts rolling out Call Screen to Pixel 2 and 2 XL in the US

One of the new handy features launched along side the Pixel 3 devices is a new Call Screen feature. This lets Assistant answer calls on your behalf and record messages for you. It’ll ask the caller to explain the reason for the call and pass this message on to you. You can even customize Assistant’s responses and even listen in on the call and decide if you want to answer or not. It’s a feature particularly useful for nuisance phone calls. Well now, the rollout for said feature is coming to some Pixel 2 and 2 XL devices in the US. Unfortunately, there is no word yet when it’s coming this way. But we’re hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

Source: Android Authority

Pixel Camera to get to external mic support

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XLJust because your hanging on to your original Pixel or Pixel 2, doesn’t mean you aren’t getting some new things to play around with—especially when it comes to the phones’ impressive cameras. The Pixel Camera team confirmed it will be adding “plugged-in” external microphones support for the default camera app for all Pixels. The original Pixel will just use the 3.5mm mic in directly. Meanwhile, as Android Central points out, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 users might need to use USB microphones that plug in via USB-C to USB-A adapter, like the one included in every Pixel. This option might see a bit cumbersome but if you’ve been waiting for external mic support, you’re finally getting that option when the Pixel 3 officially launches on October 18.

Google says it’s ‘working on a fix’ for Pixel 2 camera issue

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Google has finally acknowledged a long-standing issue with the Pixel devices’ camera and has said it is “working on a fix” for it. The problem is that the camera app gets a “fatal camera error” message that appears when users try to launch the Pixel 2 camera app or try and take a picture. Some users just needed to clear the camera app’s cache to get it working, while others needed to factory reset their devices. However, these fixes don’t seem to work for everyone. And a Pixel user talking to Google about this on Twitter had the company respond to them saying they are working on the problem. Now, when this fix is coming, we can’t say. Hope it’s sooner than later, especially with a new Pixel already on the horizon.

Source: Android Authority