Google's 2026 Pixel phones ship with an upgraded Gboard voice-typing tool powered by the Tensor chip and a new Rambler input system that cleans up filler words for more natural dictation. The lineup also includes the Pixel-exclusive Recorder app with real-time transcription and speaker labels, plus a Dual Screen Interpreter Mode for Pixel Fold devices that shows translated speech on each person's respective screen.
wired.com
· 2026-08-27
Google has replaced the Exynos modem used in previous Pixel phones with a MediaTek modem in the Pixel 11 series, promising better reliability, speed, and power efficiency. Android Authority ran side-by-side signal and performance tests comparing the Pixel 11 Pro against last year's Pixel 10 Pro using identical SIM cards and network conditions to verify these claims.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-27
ZDNET's review of the Google Pixel 11 finds the base model to be the standout among this year's four Pixel phones, despite few hardware changes beyond a new Hibiscus pink color option. The device retains a 6.3-inch AMOLED display and symmetrical design, but Google has slimmed the rear camera bar to nearly half its previous size, making the phone easier to use with a case and comfortable to hold without one.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-26
Google's Pixel 11 Pro retains the vivid, bright screen praised in its predecessor, but review testing found it throttles and shows overheating and battery-drain warnings when graphics settings are pushed above minimum levels. Google also dropped the 128GB storage tier across the lineup, meaning the cheapest configuration now starts at $1,099 for 256GB, with only 12GB of RAM at that entry level. Google attributed the higher storage and pricing to an AI-driven RAM shortage raising component costs industrywide.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-26
Google's new Pixel 11 lineup features the Tensor G6 chip, Gemini Intelligence AI tools, and upgraded cameras across both standard and Pro models. While the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL add extras like a longer 120x zoom, brighter displays, and a new HiLight notification feature, the base Pixel 11 now matches its Pro sibling in RAM and shares most core specs at a significantly lower price.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
Android Authority's review of the Pixel 11 Pro XL highlights HiLight, a feature that assigns glow colors to specific contacts similar to old notification LEDs. The reviewer found the concept appealing but the execution confusing, requiring navigation between multiple apps and menus just to assign a color to a contact.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-26
A poll conducted among readers asked what Google should prioritize for the Pixel 12, and a decisive 64% chose better hardware alone. About 19% wanted equal focus on hardware and AI, a similar share preferred more competitive pricing, and fewer than 2% wanted AI prioritized on its own.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-25
Researcher David Buchanan demonstrated that C2PA, the standard meant to cryptographically verify photos come straight from a camera, can be defeated on Android devices. He shows that root exploits, including a currently in-the-wild one-click attack (CVE-2026-43499) against fully patched Google Pixel phones, let attackers bypass Android's Key Attestation and Play Integrity protections that C2PA camera apps rely on, allowing arbitrary files to be signed as if they were genuine camera captures.
da.vidbuchanan.co.uk
· 2026-08-25
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold ships in just two colors and retains Google's asymmetrical hinge design, resulting in a noticeable crease and uneven thickness when unfolded. It features two bright OLED displays capable of 3,600 nits and 120Hz refresh rates, runs on the new Tensor G6 chip with up to 1TB storage, and adds a minor color-LED notification feature called HiLight.
wired.com
· 2026-08-25
A CNET poll of 2,605 US adults found that three-quarters have no interest in purchasing a foldable Apple device, even as rumors point to Apple unveiling its first foldable iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, at a September event. Analysts expect the device to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, but survey respondents said they'd only be willing to spend an average of $781 on such a phone.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-25
Google's Pixel 11 series still impresses with software and AI features, but the Tensor G6 chip continues to lag well behind rival flagship processors in CPU, GPU and efficiency benchmarks. That leaves the upcoming Tensor G7 as a critical opportunity for Google to close the performance gap before it becomes a bigger problem for the Pixel 12.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-25
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple will raise prices by at least $100 on the iPhone 18 Pro and other devices unveiled at its September event, pushing the Pro model to roughly $1,200. The increase is linked to an AI-driven RAM shortage squeezing supply across phones, laptops and consoles, and follows earlier price hikes this summer on select MacBooks, iPads and HomePods.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-24
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