Verizon Will Be The Gatekeeper For Android Updates On The Carrier's Version Of The Pixel Phones

Verizon will Be the Gatekeeper for Android Updates on the Carrier’s Version of the Pixel Phones

BY GreenBot Staff

GreenBot Staff

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Published 7 Oct 2016

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Nothing satisfies a gadget luster like walking into a store and buying that new phone right now. It’s why Google has partnered with Verizon on the Pixel, which will sell the phone in stores and is featuring it prominently on the carrier’s website. But with any bargain. There are bound to be some tradeoffs.

Control of Updates

The biggest is that Verizon will control when Android updates roll out. According to a report, carriers, in this case, Verizon, will have the authority to certify updates for any device on its network. As further evidence, the following statement was issued to 9to5. Monthly security updates will come from android for all models. System updates will come managed by Verizon for Verizon models. Also for unlocked models bought from Stores. This isn’t surprising that Verizon likes to keep tight reins on its network. The other caveat is that the phone will come with three Verizon apps. My Verizon, Verizon Messages, and the Go90 streaming service. Your phone will download these apps during the setup activation process.

Uninstall Bloatware

However, unlike bloatware on other phones, you’ll be able to thoroughly uninstall these apps, not just disable them. Android will be the one calling the shots on the monthly security patches. So you should get those at the same time as the unlocked Pixels. The experience will be far better than your typical Android phone. For example, nougat is nowhere in sight for the Note7, Galaxy S7, and S7 Edge. But given that the model from the Store also works with Big Red and comes with 24/7 support features, that’s really the way you ought to go. You can even pay via monthly financing through Google’s Store, so you don’t have to drop $700 or more.

Why this matters; The bottom line is that you should buy the Pixel from the Store. The phone still works on Verizon; you won’t have to uninstall the bloatware. You’ll get updates straight from Android. It makes sense why Google opted for the partnership, given that it gets the phone in front of more eyeballs. Still, more discerning buyers should know there’s a better way to pick up Google’s phone.