Google Pixel XL - 6 months later

Here we are 6 months now since the release of a new paradigm for Google - a phone designed by and sold under Google’s own branding.  The Pixel isn’t your father’s Nexus device; and boy, does it show.  Starting with the pricetag on down, the Pixel and Pixel XL are premium devices that are different than anything that Google has done before.  Literally, as they’ve never really done a phone by themselves before.  Knowing that, it’s 6 months later - how is the Pixel doing today?  Let’s find out.

Mobile phone cases 101

Again, since its a new year, I thought I might try something new and go with a basic review of some things that we get a lot of questions about: mobile phone cases.  There is a lot of confusion about the style of cases and the materials that are used, so I shot a quick video now published on our YouTube channel (be kind, as I'm pretty sure I hadn't showered and my hair is a wreck); its about a 6 minute discussion around a few different styles of cases, what they are made of, and the one I'm using right now and why.

Check the link, and hopefully we'll be doing more of these...so feel free to click the subscribe button to subscribe to the Silicon Theory channel on YouTube.
 

Feel free to leave comments and if you have anything else you'd like to see us review, hit us up here, on Twitter (@silicontheory) or at our inbox at silicontheory@gmail.com

[Opinion] 5 things I love about the Pixel

So I've had the Pixel XL as my daily driver for a little more than a month now, and couldn't be more happy with it.  And it appears to be a home run for Google, as Fortune recently reported that analysts anticipate and almost 6 billion dollar revenue bump over this year and the next from Pixel sales.  While some will argue that that's only a drop in the bucket in terms of overall sales figures (compared to iPhone sales, and that is correct) for Google to have sold around 3 million of its new handsets in such a short time since release is a good sign for the search giant's burgeoning mobile device business.

Having said all that, I wanted to give a quick follow up of the 5 things I enjoy most about being a Pixel owner, and perhaps help convince some who might be on the fence about purchasing the device.  All this assumes you've already read our Pixel XL review, but if you haven't, start there.  Then read on...

[Podcast] Episode 15 - All the Pixel XL talk!

Great news everyone!  The latest episode of the Silicon Theory podcast is uploading, and in it we talk about the latest smartphone offering from Google, the Pixel XL.  We cover out first impressions and hands on time with the device, and discuss whether we feel like Google got it right or not on their first attempt. By way of disclaimer, there is some mature language used in the pod, so listener discretion is advised. 

But if you are interested in what this device might have to offer, you can now read our review or listen to the podcast - whatever your media consumption preference might be.  Check it out, and make sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all of the latest episodes as they drop.  Links will be added as soon as the pod is available...cheers!

[Review] Google Pixel XL - Extraordinarily ordinary

I've spent the last 7 days with the Pixel XL from Google, and used it as my daily driver for the last 3 of those.  And I can honestly say its the best Android phone I've ever used (and I've used a LOT) - but the strange thing is - the Pixel does it by not standing out.  The phone gets out of the way of the end user to such a degree that it feels like there is nothing standing between you and what you are trying to accomplish with the device.  Where other devices try to impress with quality screens, amazing cameras, or cutting edge specs (and the Pixel has all of these) the Pixel goes beyond gimmicks and hardware features to a place where Android is showcased in the best possible way - a polished and smooth user experience that's simply a joy to use.  Fellow tech seekers, let's talk about the Pixel XL.

[Review] 48 Hours with the Pixel XL

So, as mentioned, we have a Pixel XL (in Very Silver) and are taking it for a test drive.  We'll have a full review up in the next few days, but for those of you who are interested in both the XL and its smaller Pixel sibling, we wanted to give a few thoughts after using it for the first 2 days.  So, read on for my impression of the Pixel XL after 48 hours...

[News] Early reviews of the Google Pixel are in...

And so far, I think its safe to say that things are looking up for Google.  Like they needed any help?  But still, the high price point and "internet hates" that the Pixel and Pixel XL seemed to be getting hasn't stopped it from selling out on the Google Play Store.

If you are into Android, and thinking about getting a new device, check out the below to read up on what the first week or so has been like for those lucky sites getting review units (most reviews are of the Pixel XL that I've seen, so take the battery comments with a grain of salt)

[Guide] So you can't get the Note 7 - now what?

So we've received a few questions about the Note 7 and for those who were looking to upgrade, its now off the table (sorry Samsung) - but the question becomes, okay - now what do you buy?  We're glad you asked!  Without further ado, here are some thoughts on what you might want to consider if you are wanting or needing to pick up a new smartphone this year.