Halo Gray Announced as Amazon Exclusive

Got mine today. It's a nice device. Having go get used to it. Coming from a note 8. Wonder if they'll make an update to where the fingerprint scanner will be used to bring down the notification panel at some point.
 
Got mine today. It's a nice device. Having go get used to it. Coming from a note 8. Wonder if they'll make an update to where the fingerprint scanner will be used to bring down the notification panel at some point.
That's already an option in gestures.
 
Just spoke to Amazon again this morning. They are cancelling my original order and placing a new one for me with free 1 day shipping. Plus, there is a deal going on that you can get the camera and the pill case for $499.99.
 
Looks like Alexa doesn't come pre-installed. It installs after device setup but you can cancel.

Alexa is pre installed, maybe? but not sure it didn't install in one of the build updates that ran, but its in there, haven't tried it yet though. I got home an hour ago and it arrived. The halo gray color is nice, I was expecting something a bit lighter, this is close to flat black or slate, but I like it. Plugged it in, ran the sync to my existing device, ran 2 updates for the 7.1.1, any guesses how long before I see the 8.1 OTA? I installed nova launcher, always used pre installed launchers in the past, not used to the nova, well see. Haven't installed a SIM yet either, was hoping the 8.1 would show up quick, and I want to get a case and screen protector on before I take it on the street, also ordered some Anker cables to use in vehicles for it. Seems to fly on Nougat, and it's really elegant compared to the phablet N6.

I'm psyched.
 
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Alexa is pre installed, maybe? but not sure it didn't install in one of the build updates that ran, but its in there, haven't tried it yet though. I got home an hour ago and it arrived. The halo gray color is nice, I was expecting something a bit lighter, this is close to flat black or slate, but I like it. Plugged it in, ran the sync to my existing device, ran 2 updates for the 7.1.1, any guesses how long before I see the 8.1 OTA? I installed nova launcher, always used pre installed launchers in the past, not used to the nova, well see. Haven't installed a SIM yet either, was hoping the 8.1 would show up quick, and I want to get a case and screen protector on before I take it on the street, also ordered some Anker cables to use in vehicles for it. Seems to fly on Nougat, and it's really elegant compared to the phablet N6.

I'm psyched.
8.1 is still in beta. You'll have to adb sideload the update on computer with platform tools or wait for official 8.1 which is supposed to be pushed sooner than later. Essential did mention something about a planned option to sign up for 8.1 beta which wouldn't require side loading. If you do decide to sideload 8.1 don't use the included charging cable. It's not spec compliant for data transfer and has been known to cause issues and even brick some phones.
 
8.1 is still in beta. You'll have to adb sideload the update on computer with platform tools or wait for official 8.1 which is supposed to be pushed sooner than later. Essential did mention something about a planned option to sign up for 8.1 beta which wouldn't require side loading. If you do decide to sideload 8.1 don't use the included charging cable. It's not spec compliant for data transfer and has been known to cause issues and even brick some phones.

Actually you can go signup to get beta via an OTA now.
 
Can any of you guys with the Amazon only model post some pics if you don't mind?!
I'd love to see how it looks as I had an original white model but this looks pretty sweet from the render pics!
:)
I'm tempted to buy one, won't lie!
 
Can any of you guys with the Amazon only model post some pics if you don't mind?!
I'd love to see how it looks as I had an original white model but this looks pretty sweet from the render pics!
:)
I'm tempted to buy one, won't lie!

I will tonight, the phone has been delivered but I'm at work.
 
Very quick, I got it under 12 hours from the time I submitted the request. It is a 1 GB file but the install is VERY quick, under 3 min once it reboots!
 
Wow! I'm in love with the look and feel of the Halo Gray, absolutely a great job on it. the back feels like it's in between a Google Pixel 2 and an iPhone 7.

Here are some pictures I just took:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FpuCzxeHOHtHgB9I2

Thanks for the pics. I like that colour way a lot. I think it suits the matte look well.

I do love the black and copper one but I think phones with such a gloss look are so prone to damage and scratches that these days I'd rather them be as matte as possible.

Hope you enjoy it!!
 
It really looks great in Halo Gray, I'm very happy with the look and feel of it. Now the question is what do I do? Go case less? Maybe put on a Skinomi skin on it? Or just a tempered glass? I really don't want to hide it at all.

I have the Essential in White that I was playing around with. It is so slippery compared to the Halo Gray, literally night and day of a difference. Most likely going to return it unless someone here wants to buy it from me, barely used like brand new. lol
 
Its a tank of a phone, I'd go caseless for sure. When I had one I was going without a case and man, after seeing your photos, I am really tempted to try one again and just hope the one I had was just a lemon because it was glitchy as hell.
 
BTW - My photos were taken with the Google Pixel 2 in Portrait Mode....... lol
 
It really looks great in Halo Gray, I'm very happy with the look and feel of it. Now the question is what do I do? Go case less? Maybe put on a Skinomi skin on it? Or just a tempered glass? I really don't want to hide it at all.

I have the Essential in White that I was playing around with. It is so slippery compared to the Halo Gray, literally night and day of a difference. Most likely going to return it unless someone here wants to buy it from me, barely used like brand new. lol

I'll agree with Vega007, if the gray isn't slippery then go caseless. I'd have loved to go caseless with my Essential but the black Essential is just way too slick.