Google Pixel 4, 4 XL to get better AR capabilities with dual camera support

If you like playing around with Google's augmented reality animals in Search, these virtual creatures might look more realistic on Pixel 4 and 4 XL devices soon. The Google Play Services for AR app has been updated with "Dual camera stereo depth on supported devices." This app is instrumental for unlocking the AR experiences built with Google's ARCore SDK. The two Pixel devices are listed to get the dual camera support upgrade coming out in the next few weeks.

This update means that ARCore will get better depth perception with two cameras, meaning more realistic placements for the AR objects. Google hasn't mentioned when it will be coming to other devices.

Source: Engadget

Google discontinues Pixel 4, 4XL in the US

Google is done selling the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Both handsets are no longer for sale in Google's US store. A spokesperson for the company confirmed with The Verge that the "Google Store has sold through its inventory and completed sales of Pixel 4 [and] 4 XL." And that buyers in the US can only get it through partners who still have supplies. These two devices will continue to get access to software and security updates for three years from when the device first became available. 

It has been less than a year since the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL was unveiled, making this the shortest time for a Pixel phone to be on sale. It also means the company has no flagship handset for purchase at the moment. The Pixel 5 won't be coming out until the fall, while the Pixel 4a is a mid-range handset. 

Pixel 4 XL's glass back is coming loose for some users

Hardware issues are unfortunately common for Pixel phones. And this time, the latest problem is with the Pixel 4 XL. Reports on Reddit and Google's support forums have customers complaining about the phone's back panel coming loose. It typically starts in one corner and worsens from there. It seems to start from the left side corners for many users, but that could be coincidental. 

The company seems to be shipping out replacements for those affected, but this doesn't solve it. Refurbished phones can still carry this issue. A Reddit comment from last month of a user claiming to be the general manager of a uBreakiFix store says the peeling is usually caused by a fault connector that causes the phone's battery to expand. It's a problem Google has faced before with the Nexus 6P. It's not a good look for Google as its hardware continues to face issues. While the company has excellent software, it has some work to do hardware-wise.

Source: Android Police

Google's Black Friday deal slashes $250 off the Pixel 4, 4 XL

Google just launched the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL last month, but now might be the best time to get one. As part of its Black Friday sale, the company offers the flagship phones at $250 off its original retail price. This means you can get the Pixel 4 64GB for $749 instead of $999; the Pixel 4 128GB for $879 instead of $1,129; the Pixel 4 XL for $879 instead of $1,129; and the Pixel 4 XL for $1,009 instead of $1,259.

The Pixel 4 series runs on Android 10 with 6GB of RAM, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. This is the first Pixel to bring a dual-camera setup to the series. It also introduces the gesture-based Motion Sense.