Google confirms Verizon will handle updates

[Unobtanium]

So if you buy from "not Verizon" (as I did with my HTC); will you be stuck with the same "update schedule" considering Verizon is the only authorized US dealer? With HTC even though you bought the phone direct from them you still got stuck with the Verizon garbagio and have to wait for Verizon to do its "thing"

Verizon is not the only authorized U.S. dealer. You can buy it from Google direct, or from Best Buy (though right now they are showing pre-order only for the 32GB models). Verizon is the only U.S. carrier with pre-orders and (presumably) stocking them on October 20.
Jerry (in one of these threads) said look for them at AT&T in November, so only a two-week "exclusive" at Verizon, if that pans out.
It will be interesting seeing how the updates play out.
EDIT: Seems that Verizon will control the updates on "their" Pixels. Which means I will probably buy mine unlocked through Best Buy (if they carry the 128 GB version, or Google).

 

[goober84]

So according to "9 to 5 Google", Google has confirmed that Verizon branded Pixel phones will get updates from the carrier and Google will only handle security updates.

 

[LailaAK]

Re: Verizon updates

Call me crazy, but I actually use My Verizon, so that doesn't bother me all that much.

That's fine... as you don't pay and use VZ Navigator.

 

[Aquila]

"Monthly security updates will come from Google (for all models), and system updates will be managed by Verizon for Verizon models, and Google for unlocked models bought from Google Store."

Well.. hrrmph, here comes the grumps from everyone...

 

[xocomaox]

Since Google likes to put out updated firmware available for download, we can simply flash it when it is released (if Verizon holds up deployment). Unless they don't sign it for that variant, which I guess is very likely.

 

[Aquila]

Since Google likes to put out updated firmware available for download, we can simply flash it when it is released (if Verizon holds up deployment). Unless they don't sign it for that variant, which I guess is very likely.

Flash it via adb OTA thing?

 

[jam4775]

As much as it would be nice to have the Pixel financed on my verizon bill... I'd much rather get it through Google... Google provides cheaper insurance and faster updates.

 

[Kamin]

Mercy. Sounds like a hassle coupled with a burden.

 

[jam4775]

Re: Verizon updates

Call me crazy, but I actually use My Verizon, so that doesn't bother me all that much.

Yep, so do I on my 6P, which I downloaded from the Play Store... so why does it have to come pre-installed? and why does verizon need to sell a different Pixel version than sold through the Play Store when the Play Store versions also work just fine on Verizon? (Well I guess we don't know if this last statement is true yet, but it most likely is.)

I also have, Go90 and Verizon's NFL mobile on my 6P which I also downloaded from the Play Store... but I have no desire to use VZ Messaging... so again why do they need to be preloaded on the Pixel?

 

[Clocks]

Re: Verizon updates

Yep, so do I on my 6P, which I downloaded from the Play Store... so why does it have to come pre-installed? and why does verizon need to sell a different Pixel version than sold through the Play Store when the Play Store versions also work just fine on Verizon? (Well I guess we don't know if this last statement is true yet, but it most likely is.)

I also have, Go90 and Verizon's NFL mobile on my 6P which I also downloaded from the Play Store... but I have no desire to use VZ Messaging... so again why do they need to be preloaded on the Pixel?

The Verizon apps will download from the play store when you first set up your Pixel with a Verizon sim installed. But you can uninstall them like any other app.

 

[xocomaox]

Flash it via adb OTA thing?

Yeah.

 

[XCalibration17]

I'm buying a Pixel through the Google store to use on Verizon, hopefully that won't make it so Verizon handles the updated

 

[jam4775]

Re: Verizon updates

The Verizon apps will download from the play store when you first set up your Pixel with a Verizon sim installed. But you can uninstall them like any other app.

According to this article it does sound like that'll be true that you'll be able to uninstall them... https://9to5google.com/2016/10/06/g...ut-google-will-still-manage-security-updates/

 

[jhnnyblze2000]

I'm buying a Pixel through the Google store to use on Verizon, hopefully that won't make it so Verizon handles the updated

I did the same thing. Should be OK. If it wouldn't come through u could shut off ur cellular data and download the update over just wifi. Used to work on galaxy Nexus and Nexus 6.

 

[Rumblee1]

Verizon and Updates

Well heres the reason to definitely NOT buy your pixel from Verizon. They will have complete control on when you get your updates. Why would you buy from them when you can get the same deal from Google direct.

 

[swebb]

Guess Google found out who has leverage with VZ. Only Apple can bend the will of Verizon.

 

[ClusterPuck]

Re: Verizon and Updates

Yep and now i just went to order my Pixel 128 from google and it is out of stock. What a crappy day.

 

[ClusterPuck]

Guess Google found out who has leverage with VZ. Only Apple can bend the will of Verizon.

Different times. AT&T needed the iPhone and was willing to do anything. Then it exploded and it was easy for Apple to say hey, want to sell the iPhone here is the contract. Unfortunately, Google needed a brick and mortar partner and well they needed vzw more than they needed them.

 

[Alex Wetzel]

Re: Bloatware and updates on Verizons pixels?

The VZW phone will come with 3 installed apps that I know of: My Verizon, GO90, and VZW Messages. It has been reported that you can uninstall these apps. In addition the booloader will not be able to be unlocked.

Updates and patches will come through VZW, which means there is risk they wont come as fast as google.

What I am trying to find out is wifi calling, will that be enabled on vzw if the phone is bought from google.

Security updates will come directly from Google, while OS updates will be handled by Verizon.

 

[Bearcats98]

Re: Verizon and Updates

Well heres the reason to definitely NOT buy your pixel from Verizon. They will have complete control on when you get your updates. Why would you buy from them when you can get the same deal from Google direct.

I so agree...which is why it doesn't make sense. While I bought my 10 directly from HTC; I was still stuck with the same phone, same bloat same *ahem* as what was sold in the Verizon stores. Same identical phone regardless of who I bought it from. So it was only a fiscal reason to purchase from HTC versus Verizon in my case (and a whole lot of reason NOT to give more money to Verizon). And the unlocked HTC version was missing like two CDMA bands if I recall correctly so you couldn't go that route either.

Given that, how can we be sure that the Google sold version isn't set up the same way? If you can get a Google bloat free updated by Google for OS and security why would you buy it Verizon? If the Google version is 100% Google with no Verizon tom foolery...I am in.