AT&T won’t sell Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google’s ongoing struggles with Pixel devices
Top 3 Key Points:
- AT&T drops Pixel 9 Pro Fold: AT&T won’t offer Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which could impact Google’s sales in the U.S.
- Hardware challenges persist: Google’s Pixel series continues to struggle with hardware issues, despite improvements in AI and design.
- Questionable feature choices: Google faces criticism for inconsistent feature offerings and pricing strategies, particularly in global markets.
Google has recently introduced the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, their second-generation foldable phone. However, if you’re an AT&T customer eager to buy this new device, there’s some bad news. AT&T has confirmed that they will not be offering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a decision that could potentially hurt Google’s sales in the U.S. market. This is significant because AT&T is one of the largest carriers in the country, with nearly 72 million postpaid phone customers.
For many U.S. consumers, buying a phone through a carrier is the norm, as it often comes with attractive deals and promotions. While the original Pixel Fold was available through AT&T, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t be, although other Pixel 9 series devices, such as the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Watch 3, will be offered by the carrier. It’s unclear whether AT&T will certify unlocked Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices for use on their network.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts several upgrades over its predecessor, including the powerful Tensor G4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and Google’s latest AI features. It’s also lighter and features larger displays, with a 6.3-inch cover screen and an 8-inch main screen. Despite AT&T’s decision, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will still be available on Verizon and T-Mobile, with a starting price of $1,799 and a release date of September 4.
As a fan of Pixel phones, I appreciate their clean software and consistent camera performance, which often makes them my go-to device despite using various phones throughout the year. However, Google’s Pixel series isn’t without its flaws. Over the years, I’ve encountered several hardware issues, from screen problems on the Pixel 2 XL to random detachment of the volume rocker on the Pixel 7 Pro. These issues are more common with Pixels compared to other brands, raising concerns about the durability of these devices, especially now that Google is offering seven years of updates.
While Google’s focus on AI and software is commendable, the company still struggles with getting the basics right. Some of this can be attributed to hardware choices, such as using Samsung’s Exynos 2400 as the foundation for the Tensor G4 chip. Although Google doesn’t prioritize raw performance, the lack of effective thermal management in the Pixel 9 series makes them prone to overheating and throttling.
Moreover, Google has made some questionable decisions regarding feature availability across different markets. For instance, most global models of the Pixel 9 series come with a Wi-Fi 7 modem, but the models sold in India are stuck with an older Wi-Fi 6 modem. Similarly, certain features like 8K video and Night Sight video are limited to the Pro variants, and the base models still come with just 128GB of storage, which feels outdated in 2024.
It’s also puzzling that the base models of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL have 16GB of RAM paired with only 128GB of storage, a combination that doesn’t make much sense. Google seems to be following Apple’s pricing strategy, encouraging customers to pay more for higher storage options, but without offering the same level of features and trade-in deals as competitors like Samsung.
While these might seem like minor annoyances, they add up, especially in the competitive flagship market where every detail counts. Google may position its devices as the best in AI, but if it wants to compete with Apple and Samsung on pricing, it needs to deliver on the basics as well.
Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.
First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.
Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.
Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.
These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.
Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
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