Pixel obsessions: why google’s ai gamble is finally hooking me
I’ve built my tech arsenal around a frankly ridiculous pair of phones – an iPhone 15 Pro Max and a Pixel 6 Pro. It’s a testament to the frustrating, cyclical nature of the mobile ecosystem, and frankly, a story of Google finally getting something right.
The pixel 6 pro’s early flaws – and why i stuck with it
Let’s be clear: the Pixel 6 Pro launched with a series of debilitating issues. The modem would randomly hiccup, the fingerprint sensor was agonizingly slow, and the battery life, for a 5000mAh device, was simply unacceptable. I returned to my iPhone 11 Pro Max and then, reluctantly, invested in the 15 Pro Max. But something kept pulling me back.
Ai's unexpected pull
It began with Gemini AI – initially named Bard – and the option to replace Google Assistant. While others were losing this feature, I found myself incessantly querying the digital assistant on virtually every phone I used. Gemini, alongside ChatGPT and Copilot, delivered unexpectedly deep and thorough responses to my work-related queries, considerably more concise and useful than Siri.
Hold for me: a genuine productivity boost
The ‘Hold for Me’ feature alone was transformative. Being able to discreetly monitor a call while out of earshot, returning control with a simple command, felt genuinely useful. It liberated me from the tether of my phone during conference calls and impromptu meetings. It wasn’t flashy, but the quiet efficiency was a revelation.
A slow but steady improvement
Google addressed the core issues plaguing the Pixel 6 series – the fingerprint sensor, the modem, even the battery life – through subsequent updates. I’m currently running the fourth beta of Android 17 on my 6 Pro, now boasting support well beyond the original projected lifespan. It’s a testament to their commitment, even if it’s belated.
Looking ahead: beyond the pixel 11 pro xl
I pre-ordered the Pixel 11 Pro XL before even watching the unveiling. Last year’s event was, frankly, a cringe-worthy spectacle – I’d prefer to see more of SVP of Platforms and Devices, Rick Osterloh, than Jimmy Fallon. The shift to an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor with the Pixel 9 series is welcome, as is the rumored infrared light for Face Unlock in pitch-black environments. Google’s leveraging AI to genuinely improve daily life, unlike Apple’s approach which often feels like a collection of gimmicks. I’m eager to see how ‘Magic Cue’ and ‘Camera Coach’ will play out, and frankly, I'm not giving up on the Pixel.