Why hasn't my Google Pixel OS updated?

[JERTID71]

Fellow Pixel owners, check for yourselves and see...Google hasn't updated their flagship phone Google Pixel's software since October 5th.  Hard to believe Google has not published any hardware or software bug reports when you read about the numerous issues online.  Good news is those who bought the phone from Verizon can return them within 14 days, and if you are paying monthly for it, you may have more time to swap it out for another smart phone (e.g. iPhone 7).  Google Pixel Bluetooth works with phone, not Maps, Assistant, Play, and has connectivity issues, etc. I'm told Android 7.1 Nougat isn't completely compatible with many Makes and Models of vehicle's Bluetooths. This will be a serious  issue that will cause many customers to return/not purchase Pixel as it's cheaper to do that than buy a new car.  Other issues include Google Assistant inexplicably not being able to send text messages, taking screen shots being ridiculously difficult, and Google hiding the screen shot pictures once you finally are able to take one.  Boo.

[Ann154 · Accepted solution]

Wrong . The Pixel phones have a update on 10/20/2016 . https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/software-updates/

[JERTID71]

I misspoke.  The update is unknown to 98% of the Pixel owners as it's not indicated when they check updates on their devices and Verizon seems to want to keep it a secret.  I'm sure the numerous issues that are populating the internet will magically disappear when I download this update.  Don't hold your breath. 

[JERTID71]

No, I was correct the first time.  The update is "Network Initiate."  Users are not able to initiate the now 6 day old update.  😕

[Ann154]

Updates are staggered.  They can take up to 2 or 3 weeks to reach all the devices.  It is available, but it hasn't reached your device yet.

[Xyvis]

So far I haven't had any major issues with my Pixel. I have noticed some issues with Spotify, but that's more or less on Spotify, not Google, as odds are it's an issue with app compatibility and Android 7.1. Have not had any issues with Bluetooth, however odds are the bug will get resolved in a software update. As for screenshots being hidden, they aren't, go to your photos app and then go to device folder, you'll see it there. True casual users may have trouble finding it, but casual users likely don't take screenshots super often.

That said, it's a new device, the software will have bugs, and things will change over time. The fact that it's only had one update since it launched does not make it a failure. There will be another update coming out in the next couple of weeks that will include the November security fixes, and maybe some bug fixes.

But one other thing you should consider, a lot of the issues you are bringing up (screenshots, maps bluetooth, etc) may be fixed through app updates, and an actual phone OTA update may not be necessary for some of the resolutions.

[JERTID71]

I just figured it would be more intuitive like iPhone.  Screen shots should go to photos, no need to make it complicated or require extra steps.  I don't think it's a failure, but I was surprised released it with so many bugs, and more importantly seems to be lagging behind communicating with customers and resolving the major issues in a timely manner.  I spoke with one Google tech who basically said Android 7.1 Nougat was so advanced it simply wouldn't work on anything but brand new cars.  You can understand it might be cheaper to buy a new phone rather than a new car.  I can understand third party vendor apps being problematic, but I don't understand proprietary Google Apps, (Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, Bluetooth, etc.).  I do appreciate your response and more so your tone.  Cheers!

[Ann154]

I hated how the iPhone organized photos by lumping the camera shots with the screenshots. No thanks. Give me separate folders any day of the week.

Are the Google Apps and the third party apps updated? I also check for updates to apps when I get a new device or received a major OS update on a device. I know for a long time after Marshmallow, I had third party applications that wouldn't work or not install on the device until they were finally updated themselves.

Perhaps you could read a few reviews on the Pixel to see if the writers noticed anything quirky with the integrations for the applications.

[Piscestg]

Ann154 wrote:

I hated how the iPhone organized photos by lumping the camera shots with the screenshots. No thanks. Give me separate folders any day of the week.

Are the Google Apps and the third party apps updated? I also check for updates to apps when I get a new device or received a major OS update on a device. I know for a long time after Marshmallow, I had third party applications that wouldn't work or not install on the device until they were finally updated themselves.

Perhaps you could read a few reviews on the Pixel to see if the writers noticed anything quirky with the integrations for the applications.

Right and WRONG. iPhone's "camera roll" folder contains all the pictures. But below that are folders for screenshots, selfies, etc. All screenshots and only screenshots will be in the "screenshots" folder.

[JERTID71]

Steve Jobs got one things right...make it intuitive.  If it's not simple or it takes more than one step, customers will go elsewhere.  All the user initiated updates have been done.  Oddly, most updates have to be pushed to the customer, while we wait as some get updates before others (I imagine those who drink Kool-Aid go first).  I appreciate your response, and more so the tone.  Cheers!

[Xyvis]

JERTID71 wrote:

Steve Jobs got one things right...make it intuitive. If it's not simple or it takes more than one step, customers will go elsewhere. All the user initiated updates have been done. Oddly, most updates have to be pushed to the customer, while we wait as some get updates before others (I imagine those who drink Kool-Aid go first). I appreciate your response, and more so the tone. Cheers!

First off, there is never a perfect interface for everyone, each person has their own preferences. That said, traditionally Google phones in the past, have done updates via a staged rollout method, in fact, Play Store app updates are done in the same manner. This method has the disadvantage of some people having to wait longer than others, and I can certainly emphasize with that. However it has the strong advantage of not overwhelming the update servers, as well as being able to quickly be stopped in the event something goes wrong with the update, so it negatively effects as few customers as possible. Anytime there is an update, there is always the chance for something to go wrong, as not every single use case can be tested for.

That said, nobody is drinking any "Kool-Aid", you have asked questions, and from what I have seen, gotten correct, and respectful answers. Ann154​ did not insult you in anyway, but you're essentially giving everyone who has responded with correct information an insult with your "Kool-aid" comment, that is not necessary, and nobody appreciates it.

If you don't like the answers you are getting, you have the freedom to go elsewhere, if you don't like the device you have the freedom to change to a new one (although it may cost money depending on your case). These are choices you have made. While I can understand you may be experiencing bugs with your device, that is one of the trade-offs and risks you accept when getting such a new to market device.

Best of luck!

[JERTID71]

You had me worried for a second there that something in my reply to Ann154 could have been misinterpreted, but upon second reading I saw this was not the case.  Ann154 didn't reply that she was offended either, so I'm chalking it up to you having extra time on your hands and creeping, being overly sensitive or protective of her.  I even went so far as to thank her for her respectful reply.  I did this because some answers on here are abrupt to say the least.  Please don't mistake disagreement being the same thing as disrespect. 

I do appreciate you empathizing with me. 

While you may not be drinking the Kool-Aid, you might want to allow for the fact some are.  I appreciate you reviewing all my answers, on the clock I hope. The Kool-Aid comment wasn't meant as an insult, and again, you might want to limit your comments to yourself and not assume to speak for others or all.

While I appreciate the feedback from Google and Verizon employees, the forum is for paying customers.  As such, I won't be bullied out.  Opinions are not facts. 

And yes, all customers have a right to return their products for any reason at all with in the specified time frame, usually at least 14 days, with no cost to themselves. 

Many of us choose the Pixel, based on Google's stellar reputation.  As we see all over social media in forums like these an others, many now regret that choice. And you are correct, it is sometimes better to postpone making an $800 purchase until the 1.1 version comes out and all the bugs are worked out. 

[Xyvis]

I interpreted your response as implying forum members were drinking "kool-aid", and seeing as your post was targeted as a response to what Ann posted I assumed it had some direction towards them. As for you claiming it's not meant as an insult, I am not quite sure what else it could be used for, if nothing other than an insult. My understanding of the term is it's widely used when people believe only positive things about a product from a specific company, and disregard any negatives, basically making it seem as if that person is ignorant of all facts. I'm not sure how that can be taken as anything other than an insult.

JERTID71 wrote:

While I appreciate the feedback from Google and Verizon employees, the forum is for paying customers. As such, I won't be bullied out. Opinions are not facts.

Nobody is bullying you out, simply a suggestion that you look elsewhere was made in my prior post if you don't like the information you get here. Between your multiple posts all claiming the Pixel is a failure, incorrect understanding and claims that it hasn't received updates, what's the point? You're obviously welcome to continue posting, I certainly have no interest in trying to stop you, but with such negative view of the Pixel phone (or at least it seems you have a super negative view of it based on how I've read your responses) why continue posting here?

As for the on the clock comment, not sure why you would put that, I'm not a Verizon employee and therefore obviously was not "on the clock" when I wrote the post I did.

[JERTID71]

Ah, so the issue boils down to you misinterpreting my response and making assumptions.  Nbd.  No harm no foul.  I can't help but think how it might be easier just not to assume everyone who disagrees with you is insulting you. Let's both allow for differing understandings and not presume others think you ignorant.  Nothing could be farther from the truth. 

[Xyvis]

I'm sorry but either you're just trying to backtrack at this point because you've been called out or just not willing to admit you were out of line. You came for help we answered your questions and not only did I but another person who was participating in this topic both interpreted what you said the same way.

Nobody uses the term "kool-aid" in the form you did unless it is meant as an insult. So instead of pointing the fingers at the ones who came to help as the problem perhaps you should analyze how you could have better communicated what you said.

[JERTID71]

Sorry, I didn't realize you had a longer post.  I get the Trump mentality you espouse, if you don't like it, leave....I just don't agree with it.  I do like the information I get here and elsewhere, hence my reason for being here.  I don't know if you are fixated on me, or a paid employee who monitors all posts, but in the end it doesn't matter.  I never claimed Pixel was a failure, but I and man others are disappointed with the numerous unexpected bugs, Google's poor communication with their paying customers, and the length of time it's taking to resolve major problems (e.g. Bluetooth).  I don't assume you obtuse, but are you genuine in saying you are unaware of these issues that are beign discussed all over the  internet?  If I had correct understanding, there would be no need for forums like this.  And why would someone claim not to have gotten updates if they had?  You see how silly this is?  Thank you for your permission to continue posting.  I'm sure the moderator appreciates you validating his/her authority.     Reread your post to me and consider the fact that the Kool-Aid metaphor might enter other readers mind. I don't have a "super" negative view of the Pixel, or I would be in line with the others returning it for a full refund.  Don't read more into my response than the words I've used.  Let's have a transparent and free flowing exchange on information here, as the forum was designed for.  Verizon employees are like all other employees, and can post on and off the clock.  Just don't be afraid to disclose that relationship.  As we all learned from the fake reviewers on Amazon, and the Wikileaks email dumps, the truth always come out.  Transparency is a good thing.  Cheers!

[Xyvis]

You never claimed the Pixel was a fail? Look at the title of this thread which YOU made. "Google Pixel - Epic Fail".

Stop while you are ahead. Your prior posts simply contradict what you are trying to say now.

[Ann154]

Actually I did find it insulting. I didn't respond right away because I want to give my emotion filled reaction time to simmer down until I could reread the whole thread with an objective eye.

There might have been actual folders for the various images stored on the iPhone, but the way the view can be set by user of the Apple products can easily give the illusion of them all lumped together if my memory serves from the last time I used one which has been some time ago. What Steve Jobs thought was intuitive doesn't necessarily work for everyone as I discovered when I had the opportunity to use the Apple devices on a daily basis for a few weeks.  My conclusion from that experience was their organization of the various settings and restrictions on how you used the device and applications wasn't very intuitive to me. I gladly sent back that device to where it came from. Since then I have considered purchasing an iPad with cellular because their hardware includes the radios to be universal across the US carriers should I want to use it on a carrier that wasn't VZW. I have so far refrained from making the purchase because I can't justify the cost of the device nor do I feel that I would use it enough to justify the cost of the service plan of any of the carriers I could decide to activate the device onto.