Droid Life

Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 43

Written by

Tim

in

We’re back again for Volume 43 of the DL Q&A Sessions, providing you with direct access to ask us anything that might be on your mind. With the Galaxy Note 7 gone and never to return, you may want to know what phone you should buy next or if the Pixel and Pixel XL are any good, and we would be more than happy to share our insights with you.

If you have a question that doesn’t concern Android, we would also enjoy that. We can talk sports, music, movies, travel, or anything else you might want to know. Basically, this is your opportunity to ask us anything you want. 

On Friday, we will round up the questions, then post our answers.

Have at it.

Comments

78 responses to “Droid Life Q&A Sessions: Volume 43”

  1. Bourne, Jason C. Avatar
    Bourne, Jason C.

    Other than “competing with itself”, are there any other reasons why Pixel and the Nexus program can’t coexist?
    Where Pixel can still be Pixel (pushed hard by Google/carriers/etc) but the Nexus (only one phone released/year) can still be that vanilla Android prototype for tinkerers based on a particular OEM’s flagship that still gets direct updates but not necessarily the “Pixel UI”.

  2. Jaquness Avatar
    Jaquness

    Pixel/XL question:
    Does wifi calling work on vzw for Google version? And, is there a confirmed bootloader unlock method for Google version?

  3. An Avatar
    An

    Do you how how to change fb Messenger conversation’s color to black? No, i’m not talking about secret conversation feature. My friend did change our conversation to black (or any colors they want), but I couldnt find out how (they didnt tell). Messenger only has 15 colors ? Thank you.

  4. Kellin Brown Avatar
    Kellin Brown

    Hey Kellen, So was hoping you could clear up if the Pixel WIFI tether works on Verizon out of the box. After looking into it more it apperas that it does not work out of the box but by installing app Network Signal Refresher it bypasses the check and work on both Verizon and Google Store version of the Pixel and Pixel XL.

  5. Kellin Brown Avatar
    Kellin Brown

    Hey Kellen can you confirm this one. Does the Google Store Pixel have tether out of the box on Verizon or any other network for that matter. Or are we going to have to Root the device to gain this feature. Thanks

  6. Greyhame Avatar
    Greyhame

    What’s taking so long for your Pixel review? Also, do you consider it your phone of the year?

    1. Bourne, Jason C. Avatar
      Bourne, Jason C.

      This is pretty much par for the course when it comes to their reviews. DL’s reviews are always very thorough, long enough to really get a feel for the phone. They’re usually not concerned with being the first but they are concerned with being the most accurate and giving their most honest impressions of really world use.

  7. James Avatar
    James

    What’s the relationship like between DL other Android / tech news sites? For example, how do you see writers on other sites – Competitors? Colleagues? Frenemies? Does it make you mad when other sites drop leaks or exclusives you don’t have? What sets DL apart in your opinion?

    1. Tim-o-tato Avatar
      Tim-o-tato

      Don’t know if we’ll feature this on Friday, but would like to answer it now.

      I think the relationship between all the Android sites is pretty friendly. When we see each other in person it seems pretty mature and non hostile. We see the same people many times throughout a year, so if you have beef with someone, that would suck. However, there will always be people you just don’t get along with. That’s just being human.

      We all bring something different to the table. There are sites that focus heavily on the development side of Android, while others cover more International news, and then a few that put more effort into covering the carriers. This reality means you can go to the different sites and not expect to find the same experience on each one, which makes being an Android fan really nice.

      As for sites dropping leaks and exclusives, I don’t think anyone minds when one site has something the others don’t. The only time you might see someone frustrated is when embargoes are broken. That’s no fun. For the most part, though, I think everyone is pretty cool with their place in the blogosphere.

      You asked what sets DL apart, too. If you ask me, it has to be the community. That’s how I came to DL and why I kept returning each day, eventually talking Kellen into letting me be a writer (not an easy task). I enjoy the interactions with the various characters we have, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Everyone seems very passionate about what they like, which makes this place very special.

      Sorry for long response and sorry for typos. Ain’t nobody got time to edit stuff here 🙂

      1. Bourne, Jason C. Avatar
        Bourne, Jason C.

        THIS.
        I gotta say, though, the articles kept me coming back but the community made it a “home”. STILL haven’t seen anything like it, lol. Even the most mundane article can become a “comment-fest” at the drop of a hat. (Throw in “Verizon”, “Nexus”, “Unlimited Data”, or “Apple” in the title and you’re pretty much guaranteed 100 comments minimum).
        And no matter what the topic you’re always guaranteed to get:
        “I hate Verizon!”
        “So glad I left Verizon for ____!”
        “Samsung is copying Apple!”
        “Apple is copying Android!”
        “Fragmentation is killing Android!”
        “#NexusMasterRace”
        “Jank”
        “FACKWORS”
        “Half-Life 3 confirmed!”
        “It’s Happening!” (gif)
        Someone who wants to be “that guy” about EVERYthing (troll)
        “They’ll pry my grandfathered unlimited data from my cold dead DROOOOID”
        “WHY DO YOUR REVIEWS TAKE SO LONG?!”
        “My body is ready”
        “Shut up and take my money!”
        “X company must be paying you!”

        #wouldnttradeitforanythingexceptaPixelXLgiveaway (lol) #RaffleCopterimissyou

  8. WAldenIV Avatar
    WAldenIV

    Do you have any smart home devices? What are your favorites?

  9. trixnkix637 Avatar
    trixnkix637

    What do you think Google needs to do for the Pixel Brand to truly be successful?

    1. James_75 Avatar
      James_75

      Launching on all carriers to start…. Design their own processor, vastly faster storage speeds, better screen to bezel ratios, update the Pixel launcher with Nova Prime level customizations, IP68, wireless charging, and have enough inventory to support demand.

  10. David Quillinan Avatar
    David Quillinan

    Lennon or McCartney?

    1. James Keleman Avatar
      James Keleman

      Lennon

      1. James Keleman Avatar
        James Keleman

        Starkey haha

      2. David Quillinan Avatar
        David Quillinan

        Same here.

  11. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    Google seems to be betting heavily on its Google Assistant as a selling point for its Pixel phones. Some people have wondered if the quality of the voice assistant is the next major battleground for phones.

    Do you guys think these “A.I. wars” are for real, or more of a flash in the pan? That is, do you think customers really will start to view the quality of the built-in assistant as a major factor when choosing a phone?

  12. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    Lately, I have been thinking that the *age* of one’s phone (and updating regularly) is more important than how high-end a device one buys. For example, no matter how premium a device one bought in 2014, it’s going to be horribly outdated now. With the rise of competitive mid-range phones, does it now make more sense to buy a mid-range phone every year than a flagship phone every 2 years?

    1. cobalt27 Avatar
      cobalt27

      Just want to add my two cents: I feel like getting a mid-range phone yearly would be unsatisfying, especially when the latest flagship comes out.

      If you really want a flagship phone yearly, you could compromise IF you wait a few months for the phone to drop in price or a few deals to come out. Example: I’m sure you could a new Galaxy S7 today from some retailers like Amazon or Costco, or from Swappa, for a good deal off it’s original MSRP price.

    2. michael arazan Avatar
      michael arazan

      Don’t think newer phones now will be outdated anymore so quickly. They are powerful enough with a decent processor and Ram to be a bit future-proof. Holding on to my Nexus 6 till at least when the next iteration of the Pixel comes out. Phones with a 2.3+ processor and 4GB+ ram will last years as long as the software/ security is supported. I hope to see Google start supporting the software side longer like 3-4 years like apple does.

      1. Sam Avatar
        Sam

        @michaelarazan:disqus I’m not that convinced of this, actually. In 2014, flagship phones had about 2 GB of RAM. In 2016, they usually have 4 GB (sometimes more). And many 2017 releases look like they’ll have 6 GB. It seems like there’s no stop to the RAM train. And while not all of that RAM is truly “needed” at the moment (often feels like manufacturers just looking to show off on the spec sheet), it can easily start to become needed, depending on how app developers respond.

        Meanwhile, there have also been a few major hardware changes. In 2014, fingerprint scanners were still pretty bad (just look at the Galaxy S5). In 2016, they’ve gotten very good and fast. 2016 has also now made USB-C standard. Peeking ahead to 2017, dual cameras seem like they’re about to become standard, along with many more phones going with curved glass and/or bezel-less displays.

        What I mean is that, while the year-to-year difference between phones is often small, 2 years is still way too long for a device to stay up to date.

  13. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    I am a Verizon customer, and it frustrates me that so many of the well-specced-yet-affordable phones coming out are only available on GSM networks (not CDMA). Should that be a major consideration in what carrier to choose? Which carrier(s) do you guys typically think most favorably of?

  14. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    The Android world as we know it seems to have been majorly shaken up in 2016, between Pixel phones, the Galaxy Note 7 drama, and the rise of “flagship killers.” If you guys were to take your best guess at what some of the major differences in the Android World will be 1-2 years out, what would they be?

  15. GraignotCraig Avatar
    GraignotCraig

    Do you think the next round of Moto phones will include modularity, or does LG’s abandonment of the concept spell an industry-wide abandonment? Aside from the battery pack mods, the others don’t seem terribly necessary. Cases > style mods. BT speakers > JBL sound boost. P&S camera > Haaselblad true-zoom. Any projector > Insta-share. Seems like a good idea until you actually use them.

  16. J.McFly Avatar
    J.McFly

    What are your thoughts about this weeks Walking Dead premier?

  17. J.McFly Avatar
    J.McFly

    Do you think the Pixel phone is at a level where it can compete with Apple and convert iPhone users to Android?

  18. Knlegend1 Avatar
    Knlegend1

    What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch?

  19. Captain Insano Avatar
    Captain Insano

    Is anyone gonna talk about at&t about to buy time Warner? I feel that’s pretty big for Android, smartphones and beyond.

  20. Beardr8 Avatar
    Beardr8

    Let’s switch it up and get to the questions that really matter…. What’s your go to porn website? lol

    1. Bigmatt503 Avatar
      Bigmatt503

      Youporn

  21. Sean G Avatar
    Sean G

    If you were going to create a “franken-phone” and take a element or two from each individual OEM, what design, hardware or software elements would you take and what would your final “franken-phone” look like? Thanks!

  22. Sean G Avatar
    Sean G

    As a Nexus 6P owner, I’m disappointed to hear that we won’t be getting pixel type updates. My question is given with the new things you are getting with the pixel XL (Google assistant, updated camera, etc.), is it worth selling my 6P, which I love especially with those front facing speakers, and moving onto a Pixel XL or do you feel that the 6P still holds up well against it?

    1. Tyler Avatar
      Tyler

      I own a nexus 6p and don’t see the need to upgrade. I think the pixel phones are great but not worth upgrading to from last year’s flagships. Wait it out and see if the pixel features eventually come to other devices. Then you can get next year’s pixel which should be a worthwhile jump.

  23. Shawn Spring Avatar
    Shawn Spring

    Blazers: they take a step forward, stay the same, or take a step back? Are they still going to make the playoffs with teams like Utah and Minnesota expected to perform better this year?

  24. Sean G Avatar
    Sean G

    Any immediate or future plans on possibly expanding the droid-life team? If so, what kind of qualifications are you looking for? Thanks and keep up the great work!

  25. Justinlstn Avatar
    Justinlstn

    Is the 6P worth buying still or would it be a better idea to just wait after a few months then get the Pixel XL after the first price drop? Current EDC is the Nexus 6.

  26. Tyler Avatar
    Tyler

    What phone will you be using (daily driver) once you aren’t reviewing products?

  27. XvierX Avatar
    XvierX

    Thoughts on Nintendo’s recently announced “Switch”?

  28. Daeshaun Avatar
    Daeshaun

    It’s week 6/7. What teams are you expecting to play in the nfc/afc finals?

    1. Good_Ole_Pinocchio Avatar
      Good_Ole_Pinocchio

      Patriots

  29. AHoL2206 Avatar
    AHoL2206

    Is it worth selling my S7 Edge and taking a couple hundo loss to get a Pixel?

  30. MichaelFranz Avatar
    MichaelFranz

    Give all the tech and design in the mobile world today. Give us your dream phone. Do you want a Note 7 body, with a 4000mah battery, no touchwiz, pure android etc etc do you want IP68 specs, new sensors, gestures, etc? Whatever you can think of spit it out.

  31. Ryan Avatar
    Ryan

    Why are phone manufacturers (including Apple) so slow to put the latest fast charging technology in their phones?

  32. Higher_Ground Avatar
    Higher_Ground

    What would you guys do if Google sold off android?

    I’m sure that’s about as likely as the sun rising in the west, but after watching Motorola crash and burn and now lots of talk with big mergers with Verizon, Yahoo, AT&T, Time Warner, etc, I suppose it’s still possible.

    Follow up question – should Lenovo just quit selling Motorola phones or do you ever see them turning it around? With them out and HTC on it’s last legs, who’s going to compete with Samsung? Another year of exploding phones and we won’t have any large manufacturers left.

    1. Cael Avatar
      Cael

      I bet the Moto name is going to be shuttered within 2 years.

  33. MichaelFranz Avatar
    MichaelFranz

    Cubbies or Indians?? Who ya got and why?

    1. Suicide_Note Avatar
      Suicide_Note

      Indians, because the Cubs always choke.

  34. ddevito Avatar
    ddevito

    One has to think The Pixel phone might be bad for Android news sites – if it’s the end all be all of Android phones moving forward, will Droid-Life change or alter its articles based on other areas of Android? I mean, otherwise it’ll just be “new phone launches, etc – but is it better than the Pixel? Of course not”, etc

  35. Cael Avatar
    Cael

    So since the Note 7 literally blew up in Samsung’s face. How would you rate the other OEMs’ capitalization (excluding Google w/ the Pixels) on this opportunity to actually have room to gain market share?

    1. WAldenIV Avatar
      WAldenIV

      Samsung doesn’t have a face. Literally.

      1. Cael Avatar
        Cael

        Every company has a face! It’s usually their CEO.

    2. James_75 Avatar
      James_75

      I think the Note 7 debacle has directly contributed to how quickly the Pixel devices have sold out. DL should do a survey asking which device all the Note 7 owners have jumped to.

  36. MichaelFranz Avatar
    MichaelFranz

    Does Samsung need to do anything to re-gain your trust in their devices? Obviously you’ll get certain ones for review etc etc…but is this Note 7 fiasco something you are gonna brush under the rug or take into account anytime you hold a samsung device for the next X # of years?

  37. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    What are your opinions on the Arizona Cardinal and Seattle Seahawk game that ended in a tie?

    1. Higher_Ground Avatar
      Higher_Ground

      a lot of people were bored I’m sure but I thought it was a nice change of pace compared to always catching a shootout. That being said I did fall asleep before the end of OT…

  38. mcdonsco Avatar
    mcdonsco

    Standard pixel battery life?

  39. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    What’s the best phone I can get with an emphasis on the camera at non-premium prices? Around the $300-$450 range. An S6 or 6P or is there something from Moto?

    1. Suicide_Note Avatar
      Suicide_Note

      If go with the 6P or S6.

    2. Greyhame Avatar
      Greyhame

      I’ve heard good things about the OP3. The 6P can produce fantastic images, albeit a bit slowly.

    3. Daistaar Avatar
      Daistaar

      LeEco’s new Pro phone. Insane specs at 300 bucks.

    4. michael arazan Avatar
      michael arazan

      Google play now has monthly installment plans, that’s worth looking into. 6P are going for $300-350 refurbs, but get from a trusted site, not like ebay unless they are brand new. My friend hates his S6 and he was a Samsung loyalist.

  40. morteum Avatar
    morteum

    Do you guys plan on introducing more staff, or keeping it at just you two for a while?

  41. Ravioli Avatar
    Ravioli

    May not be directly relevant to the Q&A, but got any tips for someone coming back to Android after a couple of years? I haven’t tried Android since Lollipop first came out, and that was on a Samsung device.

  42. moew Avatar
    moew

    Does the verizon pixel have all the bands as the google play store pixel? I see answers in both directions on this internet thing.

    1. zzz525 Avatar
      zzz525

      Yes. Only difference is:

      VZW Pixel: Bootloader Locked
      Play Store Pixel: Bootloader unlockable

      1. moew Avatar
        moew

        And I’ve seen a lot of people say that there are bands missing, as well as what you just said. I think the bootloader is consistent if you ignore pcmag. Good topic for Friday!

  43. Suicide_Note Avatar
    Suicide_Note

    Would you consider the Pixel to be the phone of the year, or would you still give it to the Note 7 despite its exploding battery and no longer being for sale?

    1. Higher_Ground Avatar
      Higher_Ground

      lol

    2. Good_Ole_Pinocchio Avatar
      Good_Ole_Pinocchio

      Automatic disqualification..

      1. Tim-o-tato Avatar
        Tim-o-tato

        You’re right, it has been DQ’d. However, if it was still available, it might’ve won my vote 😉

  44. Schnazzy Avatar
    Schnazzy

    Assume for a moment that the Pixel didn’t exist, and only the Pixel XL came out. Is the Pixel XL good enough to become Kellen’s daily driver, or is it too big?

  45. thatgeekdad Avatar
    thatgeekdad

    When you and Tim decide to retire years from now, are you thinking of passing the site on, selling it, or closing up shop?

    1. Suicide_Note Avatar
      Suicide_Note

      Considering that’s probably 30 years or so away, Android will likely have gone bye bye well before then.

      1. El_Big_CHRIS Avatar
        El_Big_CHRIS

        This got me thinking, would it be replaced by something like Andromeda or something different altogether? In the few years it’s been out, android has changed a lot, but there are still parts on it that people can recognize as android. I wonder if we could still see them 30 yrs from now

  46. Rick_Diesel Avatar
    Rick_Diesel

    for someone tied to T-mo via their JUMP/Jump on demand (which means unless i want to pay for 2 phones, no Pixels), what should the next device in my pocket be? is the V20 “worth it”? Go Blazers #RipCity

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