Value of pixel software?

[Randy Spear]

I have preordered an xl 128gb black already and pretty excited to get the phone but also having second thoughts about the value.
Besides 1) a slightly different way to access the app drawer and 2) the google assistant, I don't see much difference between this and what we've known as "stock android".
I've been using Allo's google assistant and I don't see any difference between it and Google Now.
I was hoping google would have done some development with the dated recents/multitasking. I like what samsung has done with their alternative "good lock" launcher and I would have bought a Note 7 because of that if it didn't have a curved screen and a tendancy to explode.

I guess I'll wait to see some reviews this week. I'm hoping there's more to the software than what I've seen thus far. Or at least the ability to customize without adding 3rd party apps or flashing a rom.

Thoughts?

 

[arthurhkt]

I would say, while it doesn't change much with the current Pixel Launcher, but I guess this is how the future goes, probably Google will slowly develop their own more Google version of Android, rather than just the stock Android we are having now.

Now as for assistant, the thing is, currently Google Now are more or less like a mild upgrade of Google search with additional voice assistant capabilities. Unlike, Siri, Cortana and BB Assistant which gather more information from the user to understand the pattern of the user, Google Now doesn't does much that for now, and Google Assistant is the answer for it.

But yeah, as for now, temporary these are the thing that are different now.

 

[jam4775]

Unlike, Siri, Cortana and BB Assistant which gather more information from the user to understand the pattern of the user, Google Now doesn't does much that for now, and Google Assistant is the answer for it.

Actually Google Now already does gather a lot of information about you, I'm willing to bet far more than any of those other assistants... It's actually creepy how much it knows... I get notifications and Now cards all the time of up coming bills and shipments (because Now can see my gmail) and appointments and how far away home is (I never told it were home is).

The difference between Google Now and Google Assistant is... Google Now is great at giving you information, but it can't do much for you besides a few basic commands like sending a text message or navigate somewhere with gmaps... whereas, Google Assistant adds the ability to do things for you. Google has made the Assistant an open platform, along with Google Actions, for developers to build commands on in order to do things for you.

Google Actions is part of the Google Assistant. There will be two kinds of Actions, Direct Actions and Conversation Actions... Direct Actions are for simple single commands like telling it to turn on a light bulb... And Conversation Actions are for more complex actions where Google Assistant needs to ask you questions, like when making a reservation Assistant can ask you the time for the reservation and then ask how many people will be there.

 

[Randy Spear]

Both great answers

 

[dpham00]

I am hoping that Google tweaked it to make it a whole cohesive experience like iOS

 

[qnet]

It's kind of minor, but besides the things you all mentioned; I like the way the new launcher has the weather and date at the top, with the new smaller google search button. I always liked the Google launcher but didn't like the persistent long search bar at the top. I think I will like the way it's implemented now, even if it is persistent and on all screens.

 

[1dtbrown]

When I listened to the Google presentation on Youtube I think he said that the Assistant will learn from each of us and become better and more efficient? I can't fathom the amount of computing power needed for the Google Assistant to learn the habits of each Google account holder and respond in a unique way to each person. Maybe that's the easy part.

I don't think the software is up to that challenge yet. I think they should start with something useful like voice commands for our phone settings, like turn off/on WiFi ect. Maybe it there! Does anyone know?

 

[bmoguy]

I am hoping that Google tweaked it to make it a whole cohesive experience like iOS

Me too. This hope is what led me to place my pre-order to get back in to Android.