GoKawiil
Tech News
Google has released the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, an incremental update to last year's foldable that keeps the same overall design but adds a lighter body, a brighter display, improved wireless charging and an updated camera sensor. The device is thinner and 19 grams lighter than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Google says durability has tripled thanks to a new glass-ceramic cover and glass-fiber composite back.
Google's official PixelSnap Phone Case for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is currently discounted by 58% on Amazon. The case is built around Google's magnetic PixelSnap system, supporting chargers, stands, grips and wallets, and features a soft-touch exterior with microfiber lining. It comes in several colors, including Obsidian and Moonstone, though availability varies by seller.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is currently on sale for 29% off, bringing it back to its all-time low price, a $350 reduction from its list price. The device features Google's Tensor G5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and built-in AI capabilities.
Samsung and Motorola have issued guidance on maintaining foldable phone hinges, recommending users clear debris from the inner display before closing the device and avoid excessive pressure. Samsung notes its Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 carry IP48 ratings, meaning protection from objects 1mm or larger but not full dust resistance, while Motorola warns that dust buildup can shorten hinge life and damage internal displays, advising against pressurized air dusters.
Multiple Pixel owners, including users of the Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro, say the September 2026 software update has broken their lock screens, preventing correct PINs or patterns from registering. Affected users describe patterns resetting mid-gesture and PIN entries being rejected after only the first digit, leaving them unable to access their phones. Troubleshooting steps like Safe Mode, cleaning the screen or reinstalling the build have not fixed the issue for at least one user, who resorted to a factory reset.
Android Authority polled over 2,200 readers on which phone they'd choose instead of the Pixel 11 Pro. The Galaxy S26 Plus won with 26.2% of votes, followed by the Pixel 10 Pro at 21.8%, the Nothing Phone 3 at 20.5%, and the Motorola Razr at 19.5%. The standard Pixel 11 finished last with just 12% of the vote.
Several Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL users report redeeming an additional 12-month trial of Google AI Pro with 5TB storage after their original one-year promo expired. Users found the offer either in the My Pixel app or the Google One app, with reports suggesting it may be limited to certain regions, likely including the US.
Google has rolled out its September 2026 Pixel Drop, a smaller update separate from the broader Android Drop released earlier this month. The headline feature upgrades the Pixel VIPs widget, first introduced in June 2025, by letting users call or text saved contacts directly from the home screen instead of tapping into a profile card first. The update also expands Scam Detection to monitor text messages for suspicious content and flag likely scams as users type responses.
A reviewer chose the plain Obsidian colorway of the Pixel 11 Pro and found the matte metal rails a major upgrade over last year's glossy Pixel 10 Pro. The new finish resists smudges, skin oils, and slipperiness that plagued the previous model's shiny sides.
Google has released Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 to supported Pixel devices, a smaller update than the previous beta but one that introduces meaningful refinements. The standout addition lets users control which notification and system icons appear in the status bar through a new settings menu, alongside a Voice Broadcast option added to Quick Settings.
Android Authority surveyed readers on which phone they'd buy instead of Google's new Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the results showed a near three-way tie between the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the previous-generation Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Moto Razr Ultra. No single device dominated, reflecting mixed enthusiasm for this year's Pixel 11 lineup.
An Android Authority reviewer who tests dozens of phones annually reports being unable to put down the Galaxy Z Fold 8 nearly two weeks after switching his SIM into it. The writer, who has historically preferred clamshell foldables over book-style ones, says Samsung's latest model finally closes the gap between niche enthusiast gadget and a phone suited for everyday users. Despite acknowledging the device has flaws, the reviewer says its form factor outweighs them.