Andy Rubin

Essential is Done: No New Phone, No More Updates, and Newton Mail is Dead

Kellen February 12, 2020

Essential has called it quits. After teasing their next phone under the codename "Project GEM" back in October, we've heard little from the company, outside of a few updates to their original Essential Phone. Now, because the company sees "no clear path to...

Andy Rubin Shows Off Device With “Radically Different Form Factor” (Updated: More Details, Photos)

Tim October 8, 2019

UPDATE: Essential confirmed that the device is indeed their next project. It's called Project GEM and they've shared more photos and details. Today on Twitter, Andy Rubin showed off something, a device of some kind, one that he says sports a "radically...

Wonder What Andy Rubin and Essential Have to Announce?

Kellen June 11, 2019

I was up in the early hours of this beautiful west coast morning for work-related things, when I noticed that a random user on Twitter had liked a Tweet I sent back in September, where I compared the speed of Android updates on Google's phones vs. the...

Google Sued Over Payouts to Ex-Execs Accused of Sexual Harassment

Tim January 10, 2019

In the later part of October last year, we learned disturbing news about Andy Rubin and other ex-Google executives, thanks to a piece from The New York Times. If you missed it, I suggest you go ahead and read it. The gist is, the accused ex-executives were let...

It Looks Like the End has Finally Come to the Essential Phone (Updated: Yep)

Kellen December 28, 2018

It wasn't the successful, industry-changing run we had all hoped for from the startup founded by Android creator Andy Rubin, but the Essential Phone might be done. After a good year and a half of price drops and flash sales after a rocky, expensive start, the...

You Should Read the NY Times Piece on Google and Andy Rubin (Updated)

Kellen October 25, 2018

The New York Times has an article you should probably read today, assuming you are a follower of Google, Andy Rubin, and the story of Android. It's not necessarily a topic that we typically dive into on Droid Life, but it'll certainly help you form an opinion...

Essential Now Building New Phone, Report Says, With All the AI

Kellen October 10, 2018

In May, just as we were preparing mentally for a wonderful world filled with nothing but joy that could possibly include a refreshed Essential Phone with a proper camera and display, a report arrived suggesting that Andy Rubin and Co. were setting all follow-...

Report: Essential Cancels Next Phone as Company is Put Up for Sale (Updated)

Kellen May 24, 2018 77

Oh no, the end for Essential as we know it may be near, guys. According to a report out of Bloomberg, Essential has canceled the Essential Phone 2 and is looking to sell itself. The report says that Essential has hired Credit Suisse Group AG to advise on a...