Google Pixel XL might get a size upgrade

Google Pixel XL review

Looks like Google wants to make a Pixel XXL, at least according to the latest rumours. It’s being reported that Google is shelving one of its upcoming Pixel smartphones in favour of releasing a bigger version of Google’s flagship device. A gadget codenamed Muskie was supposed to be the follow-up to the Pixel XL but Google is supposedly opting to release a device codenamed Taimen. It’ll supposedly have a larger screen and chassis compared to the Muskie. Walleye, which is said to be the second-generation Pixel device, will reportedly still be debuted. In case you didn’t know, Google has a thing for naming its upcoming smartphone and tablet releases as a water-dwelling creature. Keen-eyed reporters and Android followers have spotted these monikers on Android Open Source Project’s code repository.

Source: Android Central

Mophie brings Qi wireless charging to the Pixel XL

Mophie's new Juice Pack case works around the lack of wireless charging on the Google Pixel XL. The new case adds an extra 2950mAh battery to your smartphone on top of the Qi wireless charging capability. Mophie says this protective case adds up to 50 additional talk time for the Pixel XL. And if you charge wirelessly, it can charge both the phone and the battery pack. And if you don't have a Qi wireless charging pad, Mophie claims it works with "other wireless systems."  

If you want faster charging times, you can still plug in the USB Type-C cable and it'll charge the Pixel XL first before the Juice Pack. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of the Juice Pack is that it adds on 3.8 ounces to an already gigantic device. But if you've been looking for a wireless charging option, the Mophie Juice Pack goes for around US$100. 

Source: Android Central 

ROLI NOISE comes to Android, with a few caveats

Musician Grimes has been quoted before saying “ROLI BLOCKS will democratize music production.” And now the app to control this modular music studio, which makes it easy for anyone to make music, is on Android. The ROLI NOISE app comes to Google’s mobile platform but with a limitation: a compatible device. ROLI is only letting devices with “Pro Audio” to run the app and this is defined as a “set of requirements that handle complex audio data in real time.” And at the moment, there are only three devices that meet these requirements: Google Pixel, Google Pixel L, and Samsung Galaxy S8. According to ROLI, they are testing more devices to add to the list.

ROLI NOISE is currently in beta so you can’t expect it to work similar to how the iOS app does. But if you have a compatible phone and just want to try it out, the app is free to download and still works without the extra BLOCKS.

Source: Android Police

Google Pixel devices also only gets a two-year OS update cycle

Google Pixel XL

Google had the opportunity to do something different with its flagship Pixel smartphones. But, unfortunately, it’s sticking to an old formula. Just like Nexus devices of years past, there is a two-year cycle for the Pixel and Pixel XL to get operating system updates from Google. This means, users won’t be getting Android Q when that comes out in October 2019. What you would get is an additional year of security updates but that ends there. Google had the chance to keep users loyal to Pixel and give them a reward for sticking to the device but it seems they’ve missed the chance on this one.

Source: PCWorld