2023's Biggest Android News Is Also Its Most Boring
Every year, phone makers try to surprise us with flashy new hardware, software tricks, and the inevitable camera improvements. But when Android fans like us flock to see the latest chipset or improvements to camera features, it's easy to forget about announcements that could potentially have a bigger impact than flashy AI tools.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro offer one of the biggest changes to Android, and it's not artificial intelligence.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be released in October 2023, and it's no surprise that artificial intelligence has become the driving force behind Google's marketing. From AI-generated wallpapers to article reviews, Google has made extensive use of the new phone's software capabilities. But what caught my attention wasn't the software, but rather how long it took for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to receive new software and security updates. And at the end of the year, I think that this is the most important message for Android phones.
Pixel 8 phones offer seven years of security support, longer than last year's Pixel phones (including the more expensive Pixel Fold) or other Samsung devices. Until 2023, Google and Samsung provide five years of security support for your phone. These monthly updates protect your phone from security vulnerabilities detailed in regular Android security bulletins. Getting these updates is important to protect your phone from hackers
Google Software Support Plans can reduce e-waste
The specter of e-waste stalks every new electronic device. Google, Samsung, and Apple boast of using recycled materials in their devices and removing power packs from their phone cases, but that's just an eco-friendly move. We've already discussed the issue of small changes in form factor causing people to buy new cases for their phones, but if you're careless and reuse chargers, you'll need to upgrade your phone every few years. Protect yourself from malware. .
This clearly has a bad impact on consumers and the planet Earth. Planned obsolescence leads to more e-waste and forces people to buy new phones. Google's switch to seven years of security updates means owners of the latest Pixel phones won't have to upgrade until 2030. Other companies, like Samsung, are also following suit, trying to make their devices last longer.
Are you still using your phone after seven years?
It's easy to think that limited software support is because older hardware can't run the latest versions of Android, but that's not the case. For example, original Pixel phones can run the latest version of LineageOS, an operating system based on Android 13. The reason is simple: updating phones costs money, and the company would rather encourage people to buy the latest hardware than wait. They have old phones.
While this planned support will need to be extended to budget Android phones to have a significant impact on consumers, expanded support for Google software is an important step for the longevity of Android phones. It's easy to look back to 2023 and see only artificial intelligence, but unlike the AI features included in the latest Pixel phones, advanced software support solves real-world problems that we can't ignore.
But the temptation to provide cool new features will never go away, so keep these tips in mind when you see the latest Android flagship product on sale that looks like it's not to be missed.
Google Pixel 8
$549 $ 699 Save $150
The Google Pixel 8 will continue to receive updates until 2030, the longest we've ever seen on an Android phone. Other than that, the Pixel 8 is a great device with a powerful camera, good battery life, and a design that Google seems willing to keep.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
$799 $ 999 Save $200
Google Pixel 8 Pro embodies Google's best vision for the future of hardware and software. This device has a more versatile camera than ever before, a beautiful screen, and exclusive AI features you won't find on any other device.
