GOOGLE PIXEL 8 LONG-TERM SUPPORT: CAN YOU TRUST IT?
Google's
Promise of Long-Term Support: Is It Reliable?
In a recent
announcement at Google's fall event, a groundbreaking promise was made that the
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro would receive seven years of OS security and feature
drop updates. This level of support is unprecedented in the smartphone world
and has garnered significant attention. However, Google's track record of
discontinuing products and services raises questions about the reliability of
this promise.
The Dilemma
of Relying on Big Companies
Reliability
and long-term support are crucial factors when choosing a smartphone or any
other product. It is natural to assume that larger, more established companies
would provide better support than smaller startups. However, Google's history
of abruptly discontinuing projects and services challenges this assumption.
Google has
gained a reputation for launching innovative projects but axing them if they
don't meet specific user or revenue thresholds. This has resulted in the demise
of various services, including Google Domains, Google Jamboard, Google
Podcasts, and Pixel Pass, to name a few. These actions erode trust in Google's
commitment to its products and services.
Supporting
Users Amidst Discontinuations
When Google
terminates a product or service, it often tries to provide alternative
solutions or migration options for affected users. For example, when Google
Play Music was discontinued, users were offered the ability to transfer their
library to YouTube Music, although some features were lost. Similar efforts
were made with Google Podcasts and Google Jamboard.
While these
support measures are commendable, they are not always perfect. The sudden
discontinuation of Google Jamboard, a tool used by the New York Empire Ultimate
Frisbee team, left them searching for alternatives. The gaming service Google
Stadia also faced a premature end, although users were given the option to
export their saved data and receive refunds for purchased games.
The Ambitious
Promise of Seven Years of Support
Google's
announcement of seven years of software updates for the Pixel is commendable
and sets a new standard for the industry. If this promise holds true, users
buying Pixel phones today can expect their devices to remain up-to-date until
2030. However, given Google's track record, scepticism is warranted.
While it
would be fantastic if Google fulfils this promise, there is no guarantee that
the Pixel brand will exist for another seven years. The previous Nexus program,
a precursor to Pixel, lasted only five years before being replaced. As we enter
the eighth year of the Pixel line, its long-term future remains uncertain.
The Trend of
Delayed Features
Google is not
alone in announcing products with not immediately available features. This
trend extends to other tech companies as well, including Apple. The iPhone
camera features, the Journal app, airdrop transfers via the internet, and the
double tap feature for the Apple Watch are among the promised features yet to
be fully implemented.
This practice
creates challenges for reviewers who are unable to test and assess the complete
functionality of devices thoroughly. Releasing products with delayed features
is reminiscent of the gaming industry's approach, where unfinished games are
rushed to market, relying on future patches and updates to address
shortcomings.
Buying Tech
Based on Present Value
Given the
uncertainties surrounding future updates and delayed features, it is advisable
not to make purchasing decisions solely based on promised software updates.
Instead, consumers should evaluate products based on their current features and
capabilities. Any future updates should be seen as value-added bonuses rather
than the primary reason for purchasing.
In
conclusion, Google's promise of long-term support for the Pixel series is
impressive but must be approached cautiously. While it would benefit other
companies to adopt similar support practices, the burden lies on Google to
deliver on its promise and rebuild consumer trust. As users, we can only hope
that Google and other tech giants keep their commitments and continue to
innovate.
Reference: Marques Brownlee, 2023: YouTube
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