Does anyone know whether Verizon will be ensuring that it's Verizon sold Google Pixel phones receive operating system updates right when Google releases them? Not security updates, but operating system updates.
I wish they would clarify this.
The second I saw this was the second I ordered from Google. I didn't mind having the locked boot loader but I wanted to be able to get updates when Google made them available. Historically, Verizon didn't do this (Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 6) and I didn't want to be in a situation where I had to wait a month or two to enjoy a new feature I read about online. Besides, the Pixel phones that Google sells will work on Verizon and also have Wi-Fi calling as well.
radgatt wrote:
Besides, the Pixel phones that Google sells will work on Verizon and also have Wi-Fi calling as well.
Do you have a link that the version sold by Google will also have wifi calling which will work on Verizon. I am hesitant to believe this until I see confirmation since both the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X have wifi calling capabilities AND they both work on Verizon as phones, but the wifi calling DOES NOT work on Verizon.
Looks like the Google versions won't have Wi-Fi calling. http://www.androidcentral.com/dont-buy-your-google-pixel-verizon
I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.
I have the xl from Verizon it does have wifi calling. Also for what it is worth Verizon came out and said when Google puts up updates they would push theirs
This article indicates that VzW will update Pixels at the same time as Google:
Update: Verizon says its Pixels will get updates at the same time as Google’s | Ars Technica
Yes, I saw it. The Google Store phones are sold out (the XL with 128GB storage), but Verizon has them to sell.
I don't need the OS updates the millisecond that Google releases them, but withing a few days would be nice.
I am not sure why they didn't think about this in all the promotion. By not speaking to it they are allowing would be Pixel buyers to assume that updates will be slow. There is no key message about needing to stability test that would be acceptable to justify delays.
Just to put some perspective on it, I have a Nexus 6p direct from Google store. The android 7 update was supposedly released over a month ago, I didn't get the update till yesterday.
Never buy a Verizon Nexus/Pixel. I reference the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. Fiasco. Don't forget Verizon-installed VZW branded bloatware will come pre-installed on the Verizon Pixel.
The Galaxy Nexus was a lousy phone. Period. It had little to do with it being Verizon or not.
Verizon never really supported it, having given focus to it's exclusive Droid lineup.
Nope. I have a Droid Turbo. Still waiting on the 6.x update promised to us almost a year ago.
The crystal ball and history both agree, no
This is what concerns me about Google phones on any carrier where the carrier controls the updates:
Verizon will control Android updates for Google Pixel phones it sells - The Verge
Verizon has final say over when its Pixels get Android updates
For one, HTC made the phones, and HTC is struggling right now so support there could be an issue, and two, the whole Galaxy Nexus thing again.
Verizon is NOTORIOUS for very very very slow system updates on ALL of the phones they sell not just Nexus/Pixel etc... Buy unlocked if you want timely system updates on VZW. If you do not care about timely updates then go for it and buy from VZW but do not expect any system update to arrive remotely close to their release date on any phone you buy directly from them.
I'd be interested to see a Verizon answer to the OP's post. From what I've read, Google is responsible for security updates AND Android updates, BUT the Android updates have to be certified by Verizon first before they're pushed out to the Verizon Pixels. Now, if Verizon's only software presence is going to be 3 apps, all of which can be deleted, I don't understand why it should take Verizon any unreasonable length of time to push the new system updates to the Pixels as they're received by Google.
Any Verizon personnel have any information?
HD Voice and WiFi calling should also be included as proprietary drivers. So 3 apps and at least 2 drivers.
My guess is that as long as the Pixel sells well for Verizon, it will probably receive at least one major update faster than all of the other Android phones it promotes as a carrier. I have to think that this was a discussion point between Google and Verizon. I am also assuming that updates will be lagged but my sense is that Verizon will place greater resources behind the Pixel. I have pretty much stayed with the Samsung line and Nexus line of phones for my Android selections over the past 2 years. I think Samsung is going to suffer big time as a result of his Note 7 issues, which will impact Galaxy S7 purchases as well.
I am hoping that Verizon understand the market it's selling into with the Pixel. It demands updates...
Pixel is still going to be a niche market, like Nexus. Updates will be far and few between, if even plural and not singular.
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