Top 3 Key Points:

1. Pixel 10 Codenames Revealed: Codenames for the Pixel 10 series include ‘Frankel’, ‘Blazer’, and ‘Mustang’.
2. Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 Release Timeline: Pixel 9a is expected in May 2025, and Pixel 10 series is set for Fall 2025.
3. Commitment to Compact Pro Models: Google plans to continue with smaller Pro models, following Pixel 9 Pro’s success.

The next generation of Google Pixel phones is already making waves, even before the current lineup fully hits the market. We now have insider details on the codenames for Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 series, which are expected to launch in Fall 2025.

Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 Codenames

The upcoming Pixel 9a, expected around Google I/O in May 2025, will carry the codename ‘Tegu’. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 series will introduce a variety of devices, each with its codename. The Pixel 10 itself is codenamed ‘Frankel’, while the larger Pixel 10 Pro is dubbed ‘Blazer’. For those who prefer an even bigger screen, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will go by the codename ‘Mustang’.

Not to be left out, foldable fans can look forward to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, codenamed ‘Rango’. Just like previous foldable models, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will launch alongside the rest of the Pixel 10 series in the fall.

Compact Pro Phones Remain in the Lineup

Google’s decision to release a smaller flagship phone, the Pixel 9 Pro, in 2024 was well-received. Unlike Apple’s iPhone Mini models or Sony’s Xperia 5 series, Google’s compact Pro phone doesn’t cut corners—it offers the same premium features as its larger counterpart, with only minor differences in screen size and battery capacity. The success of the Pixel 9 Pro has encouraged Google to continue offering this option in the Pixel 10 series.

While other brands like Samsung offer smaller flagship phones, they often lack the full specs of their larger counterparts. Google’s smaller Pixel Pro stands out by maintaining flagship-level performance in a compact form, ensuring it meets the needs of users who want power without the bulk.

What’s Next for Google Pixel?

As we look ahead to 2025, the Pixel 10 series seems poised to continue Google’s trend of offering powerful, innovative smartphones. While the Pixel 9a will arrive in early 2025, the fall launch of the Pixel 10 lineup promises to deliver something for every type of smartphone user, from compact models to foldable devices.

Google’s commitment to providing high-performance phones across a range of sizes shows a clear focus on meeting diverse user preferences, ensuring the Pixel series stays competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone market.

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Top 3 Key Points:

1. Screenshot issues: Screenshots aren’t processed automatically and don’t show app details.
2. Lockscreen bugs: Lockscreen shortcuts disappear after reboot and need resetting.
3. Camera glitch: Exiting the camera on the lock screen can cause it to relaunch unintentionally.

Google recently rolled out Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, introducing various new features and fixes. While the update is generally stable for everyday use, several bugs have been reported, particularly affecting Pixel devices.

Screenshot Issues

A major problem involves Pixel’s screenshot functionality. When you take a screenshot, the usual bottom-corner preview doesn’t highlight, and only the Markup tool opens when you tap it. Additionally, the “Add to Screenshots” notification no longer appears, and the option to quickly set a reminder is missing from the share menu.

Because of this, the screenshot tool no longer recognizes the app where the capture was taken, meaning it can’t show related information, such as a webpage link in Chrome.

You may also notice that screenshots aren’t processed automatically by Pixel’s AI tool, Gemini Nano. Screenshots remain unprocessed unless you manually select “Process now.” In rare cases, screenshots may process overnight, but still won’t display the original app details. However, you can continue to manage screenshots by sorting them into collections or adding notes and reminders.

In a few instances, users have reported that screenshots fail to capture entirely, though this seems to be rare, happening once for 2-3 days.

Lockscreen Problems

The lock screen on Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 also has its own set of issues. After rebooting your device, you might find that the two customizable lock screen shortcuts have disappeared. To get them back, you have to reconfigure them in the Wallpaper & Style settings. However, this section of the settings can sometimes glitch and might require you to force-stop the app before the shortcuts can be restored.

Camera Glitch on Lockscreen

There’s also a bug related to the camera when accessed from the lock screen. If you open the camera and then exit by swiping up, the camera—or sometimes the Google Home controls—can unintentionally reopen. A temporary fix is to close apps by swiping on the left or right edge of the screen to avoid this problem.

Despite these bugs, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 is mostly stable and functional, but these issues could be frustrating for users relying on a seamless experience. Google will likely address these problems in upcoming updates.

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Top 3 Key Points:

1. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s hinge impressed in a tough durability test.
2. Despite a strong hinge, the inner display and device halves showed weaknesses.
3. The foldable performed well overall but remains vulnerable to dust and damage.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Durability Overview

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, part of the newly launched Pixel 9 series, was recently tested for durability by the popular YouTube channel, JerryRigEverything. The tests involved scratching, burning, and bending the phone to assess its overall strength. One of the most surprising results was the durability of the hinge, which held up well during the tests.

Strong Hinge Design Stands Out

Google has emphasized that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its most durable foldable device yet. This foldable smartphone stays impressively thin even when folded, showcasing Google’s “phone-first” approach to design. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also features a high-quality hinge that successfully withstood the infamous bend test conducted by JerryRigEverything. However, while the hinge remained intact, the inner display and the device’s overall structure were more vulnerable during extreme testing.

Everyday Use and Potential Risks

According to reviews from two YouTube channels, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been labeled Google’s most repairable foldable to date, which is good news for buyers who plan to use it daily. Even so, like other foldable smartphones, it remains somewhat fragile and prone to damage, particularly from dust. During the “grit sandwich” test, where dust and debris were introduced into the hinge, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold made some alarming crunching noises. This suggests the hinge may collect dust, which could eventually impact its functionality.

Despite the impressive durability of the hinge, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold did not fare as well in other aspects of the tests. For instance, when the device was folded backward, it snapped in half, revealing potential weak spots, particularly near the antenna lines.

Conclusion

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold performed respectably in durability tests, especially in terms of the hinge’s strength. However, like many foldables, it is not without vulnerabilities. While it may survive everyday use with care, users should still handle it cautiously to avoid dust damage or accidental breaks.