Verizon says that Google Pixel phones on its service will be carrier unlocked and receive timely updates, sending them out at the same time whenever the Mountain View company makes them available.
At first, it was believed that models under the Big Red won't get the same punctual treatment software-wise as the others availed from non-carriers. Turns out, that's not the case at all.
Before this development unfolded, Google confirmed to 9to5Google that "system updates will be managed by Verizon for Verizon models, and Google for unlocked models bought from Google Store," adding that the Mountain View firm will take care of monthly security updates for all.
At the time, that more or less meant that major updates won't come on time, and it's safe to assume that many users were put off by it.
Now, a Verizon spokesperson got in touch with Ron Amadeo of Ars Technica, informing him that "Verizon will not stand in the way of any major updates and users will get all updates at the same time as Google."
More than that, the handsets are unlocked, allowing owners to use them on other networks.
The fun doesn't end there either, as there are only three — count 'em — preloaded apps: Go90, My Verizon and Verizon Messages, which can all be uninstalled.
Basically, that means the only difference between a Pixel phone from Google and a model from Verizon is that the latter will have a locked bootloader. Needless to say, that may turn off power users who want to tinker with Android or install other custom software.
At any rate, this is good news for everyone who's planning on nabbing the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
As a little refresher, Verizon has already put the Google smartphones up for preorder, offering the 32 GB Pixel for $27.08 a month for 24 months and the 128 GB version for $31.24 a month for the same duration.
Meanwhile, the 32 GB Pixel XL will hold back subscribers by $32.08 a month for 24 months and the 128 GB model by $36.24 a month for the same time frame.
To make the deal even sweeter, the Big Red is holding a trade-in promo that lets customers save up to $300 by handing over their older phones, not to mention that those who preorder the handsets between Oct. 4 and Oct. 19 will get a free Daydream View VR headset to boot.
What do you think of Verizon's new update strategy for the Pixel and Pixel XL? Drop by our comments section below and let us know.
