Both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are pretty simple phones, but that's partly why they appeal to Android fans significantly. There are no buggy, overly ingratiating skins, no annoying bloatware that can't be removed, and no funny widgets or extras that bog the phone's performance.
Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL Has Bluetooth Battery Levels
Both phones run Google's stock Android user interface, slightly customized to take full advantage of the Pixel and Pixel 2 XL, of course. They come with some nifty extras including a dark theme, a new power menu, and much more. But there are also nice little improvements that simply make Android much more functional.
Take Android Oreo's Bluetooth implementation, for instance, which now shows battery percentages for connected devices. For some reason, this extremely crucial feature has been mind-bogglingly absent on stock Android for years, which doesn't make sense at all. But with Pixel 2 on Oreo, it's now a regular thing. Here's what it looks like, according to 9to5Google:
As seen on the photos above, the battery percentage level of 9toGoogle's connected Jaybird headphones is displayed in the quick settings menu. This isn't a groundbreaking feature per se, but as mentioned, this is a feature that's long been missing on Android.
Some Models Aren't Supported, Though?
Battery percentage will only work on supported models, though, as some Bluetooth devices fail to show it at all, as 9to5Google notes. Anything from the "Made for Google" product lineup will work. Battery percentage levels are viewable in the quick settings menu and the full settings menu as well.
The Pixel Buds seem to give out ongoing notifications, as Android Police notes, but other headphones don't support it — for now. There's always a possibility that Google will allow users to opt-in for regular notifications about the battery status of their Bluetooth devices.
Anyhow, this feature should make it easier for users to monitor if their Bluetooth device is running low on juice, which should be handy especially since manufacturers are increasingly dropping the headphone jack from their newer phones, and some users are definitely gravitating toward Bluetooth headsets as a recourse.
But to make a tired point, why wasn't this added ages ago? Did Google simply overlook it?
What do you think? Does having battery percentage levels for Bluetooth devices come in handy? Thoughts about the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, and Android Oreo in general? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
