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The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL officially launched two months ago. In that time, there have been hundreds of articles, editorials, and guides posted about the phones. If you’re a Pixel 2 owner, you may have missed some of the biggest stories and our best content. Let’s catch up.
This post is an update on all things Pixel 2. We’ll get you up to speed on all the news and community content you should know about. If you have the Pixel 2 or are still considering picking one up, consider this a crash course.
Pixel 2 News
Some Pixel 2 owners report problems with included 3.5mm adapter
Some Pixel 2 owners are reporting a problem getting the included 3.5mm adapter to work properly with their headphones. Google is investigating the issue.
Pixel 2 and 2 XL camera app gains access to AR Stickers
The Google Pixel 2 (running Android 8.1 Oreo) will gain access to AR Stickers inside the camera app. To kick things off, Star Wars The Last Jedi sticker pack is being released just ahead of the movie.
Android 8.1 comes out of beta, official factory images and OTA files are live [DOWNLOAD]
Android 8.1 is official and now ready for download. Google made the factory images and OTA files available, so if you don’t feel like waiting for the official rollout to hit, you can flash the update manually.
Pixel phones are getting Lens in Google Assistant today
If you have a Pixel or Pixel 2 smartphone, look out for Lens in the Google Assistant today. Google has begun making the feature available more widely.
Some Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices are randomly rebooting
Some users are experiencing random reboots on both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL when connected to LTE in an area with poor signal.
Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s Preferred Care warranty drops deductible, as long as you don’t damage them
Google is doing Pixel 2 and 2 XL customers a solid by removing deductible costs from their Preferred Car extended warranties, but there’s a catch.
Pixel 2 Recap
40+ Pixel 2 Tips & Tricks
Stock Android phones like the Pixel 2 have a lot of neat tricks. Here are over 40 tips and tricks to get the most out of your Pixel 2.
12 First things every Pixel 2 owner should do
If you just got the Pixel 2 or are thinking of picking one up, here are the first things to do!
Best Pixel 2 Cases
The Pixel 2 has a glass panel on the back. A simple drop could crack the glass or leave a nasty scratch on the back. The best way to protect your phone from drops and dings is a case.
Best Pixel 2 Accessories
If you really love your new phone, some accessories can go a long way towards keeping it pristine and adding some valuable functionality.
Pixel 2 XL Battery Life Review
Battery life is one of the most important aspects of a new Android device and we’ve put the Pixel 2 XL’s to the test. Find out what we’ve been getting, including charging times, in our Battery Life Review!
Pixel 2 Battery: 0 to 100% in 96 minutes
People like to point to the battery capacity as the one and only thing that matters, but there’s more that goes into the equation. One part that often gets overlooked is how quickly the phone can be recharged.
Best of Pixel 2 Forum
We’ve published a lot of Pixel 2 content on Phandroid, but there’s also a community of Pixel 2 users over on AndroidForums.com. There you will find even more tips and tricks, suggestions, support, and much more. If you’re not already a member, we highly recommend joining. Download the Forums for Android app to get started!
Here are some good threads to get you started:
- Problem with Bluetooth connection in car…
- POP3 email – how to resize an image before sending
- What’s the best screen protector?
- Contacts sync is broken for some people on Android Oreo
- Some conversations in Messages show an alarm bell icon, others don’t
- Android Newbie, couple PXL questions please…
Best Pixel 2 Apps & Games
Every week, hundreds of new Android apps and games are submitted to the Play Store. If you’re not paying attention 24/7, it’s easy to miss some of the best stuff. Our weekly Download This series includes the best apps and games you should be downloading on your Pixel 2. Check out the lists below to get started.
- 100 Best Android Apps
- Best Apps of the Month
- 10 Best Android Launchers
- 10 Best Messaging Apps for Android
- Most Addictive Android Games of 2017
- Best Android Games for 2 Players
- Best Games of the Month
Best Pixel 2 Accessories
Best Pixel 2 Case
The Incipio Carnaby is one of the most stylish cases around. It features a rigid design with soft TPU covering the buttons. The back is covered ins a super soft cotton fabric with a heathered texture. It’s a little thicker than I like, but not too bad. The case comes in heathered blue and heather gray for $34.99. [Buy from Amazon, Incipio]
Read the full list of Best Pixel 2 Cases
Best Pixel 2 Charger
The PowerCore Fusion gets its name by fusing together wall chargers and portable chargers. You can plug it into the wall and use it as a typical wall charger, but it has a battery built-in. That means you can unplug it and take it with you like a battery pack. It’s really cool and handy. [Buy from Amazon]
Read the full list of Best Pixel 2 Chargers
Best Pixel 2 Screen Protectors
Gorilla Glass 5 is the newest version of Corning’s tough glass. It’s still resistant cracks, but it’s not great against scratches. Some people still like the peace of mind that comes with a 3rd-party screen protector. It’s much easier to replace a screen protector than to live with a scratched display.
- IQShield Clear HD
- Skinomi TechSkin
- Pleson Case Friendly
- Hoperain Tempered Glass
- Zagg Invisible Shield
Best Pixel 2 Headphones
One of the most important accessories for any phone is a good pair of headphones. The Pixel 2 doesn’t have a headphone jack, so you better be ready to hop on the Bluetooth train. The Anker SoundBuds Slim are only $20, but they sound great. The slim design makes them easy to wear and they have a handy module for adjusting volume and play/pause. [Buy from Amazon]
Read the full list of Pixel 2 Accessories
Looking ahead…
Pixel 3 Rumors
There hasn’t been much talk about the Pixel 3 yet. Most of the rumors we’ve seen came out before the Pixel 2 even launched. One rumor claims Google could be working on 3 models of the Pixel 3. A report claimed LG would be making the Pixel 3, but LG refuted those claims. There was also a story about manufacturers vying to make the Pixel 3.
- Google could be working on as many as 3 Pixel 3 variants
- LG refutes claims that they will be manufacturing the Pixel 3
- HTC has shipped 2.1 million Pixel phones, manufacturers fighting for Pixel 3
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