Google's recently released Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are set to receive their very first software updates on Oct. 20, according to Verizon.
Verizon published the changelogs for both phones on its support site, claiming that the software updates will "optimize device performance, resolve known issues and apply the latest security patches."
The update shows the new build number as NDE63P. Don't expect for this to be a packed, feature-rich update that brings a host of improvements, since a "Wi-Fi connectivity improvement" seems to be the only thing listed in the changelog and nothing else.
Users who buy either the Google Pixel or Google Pixel XL from Verizon will be prompted immediately to install the newest software update. While it's a minor pet peeve for users who expect their newly purchased phone to be completely functional out of the box, it's not entirely new for Google, as some Nexus devices have needed software updates in the past, right after unboxing. It's a slight inconvenience, but a necessary one for Google to make sure that all their handsets are up and running without any snags. It gives it leeway to tidy the devices up with finishing touches before their eventual mass distribution.
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are Google's newest flagship smartphones dropping the name of its manufacturer, HTC. Google is intent on marketing this as its own brand of smartphones, beefing it with high-end specifications that directly take on Apple's iPhone 7.
It runs on Android 7.1 Nougat, Google's most recent software. It sports a custom Android UI that includes the first full-fledged Google Assistant integration, acting as a standalone, system-wide feature, as opposed to Google Assistant only nesting on Google Allo on other handsets.
The Pixel boasts a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 441 ppi. Google claims that the Pixel and Pixel XL has the "best camera on a smartphone ever." On the back of the device is a fingerprint scanner and a 12.3-megapixel camera that can record 4K video at 30 fps, 1080p video at 30/60/120 fps and 720p video at 240 fps. For selfies and video calls, it houses an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.
For those of you who'll get the new Google-branded smartphones, make sure that you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network, or if not available, a strong Verizon wireless connection, in order to avoid disrupting the update. It also pays to make sure that the battery on your Google Pixel or Pixel XL is fully charged before you hit download.
If you want to buy a 128 GB Pixel XL from Verizon then you're out of luck, since the device is currently sold out. All other models, however, are still in stock.
