Verizon Version info from Google Rep...

[dpham00]

Do you know how many people come in with issues on the their phone, because updates are forced? Seriously, Apple is one of the worst with bugs and problems, some of the updates from Google that Samsung pushes quickly are right behind. You guys don't understand, because you don't hear about it on these sites. I'm ok if updates take a little longer just to ensure they don't ruin people's phone.

And don't tell me that all the Nexus phones were perfect after being updated, because they weren't. I owned the 6, 6p and 5x. There were issues as well.

I have delt with many problematic updates on this forum.if You don't believe me, just read through all my posts. In fact the forums is where I usually hear about problems with system updates first,before it hits the blogs.

I am ok if Verizon fully tests out updates before pushing them out but.... Verizon updates have had plenty if issues too.

Also,Since when did I say rush updates? I simply said that Verizon pixel would most likely get a update later than the one straight from Google. Because Google would test it then send it to Verizon for further testing. And then Verizon will release the update. Getting it from Google would skip the Verizon testing. So those who want the updates the quickest can get it right away. Those who prefer to wait and see how things go have the option to wait a few weeks to make sure everything is smooth before they update.

Also if you are even vaguely familiar with my posts,you will know that I am not a proponent of the Nexus or Google phone. But i want people to realize that getting it from Verizon would most likely result in slower system updates, since some who want the Nexus/pixel want the updates the quickest. That was all I was getting at.

 

[IncredibleJedi]

Google Rep came in today and was answering questions about the Pixel and Pixel XL

Q:Will the Verizon Version be any different from the one on the Google Store?

A:No, Just like last year's Nexus, The phone is unlocked and will work on all major carriers. Verizon exclusively sells the phone, that's the only difference.

Q:Bloatware?

A: None, Verizon users can download VZ cloud and other app from the Play store.

Q: Updates

Updates will bypass Verizon with how Nougat works. Everything is done in the background. NO Verizon approvals needed. Bootloader will be locked.

Q:Unlocked or Locked?

It is Unlocked out of the box, but has to be activated on a Verizon plan meaning Non Verizon customers can't walk in, buy and take it elsewhere. This is a Verizon policy, other Verizon phones can't be purchased without being put on a plan first. It is unlocked though. People should look to the Google store for other carriers.

Q: Branding?

A: None, the box will have Verizon on it, But the phone itself is identical to the Google Store one.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info here, Joe. Even if Verizon did load the phone with their own apps, it's not too difficult to disable their apps (as I learned with my N7 previously).

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

I don't remember the login details for my incognito account. I don't even care anymore

Apps — the three listed are correct. There will also be a few additions in the software to better support VZW Navigator and the Verizon celebrite thingies that can transfer address books and stuff. Joe the Insider will know what that means, hopefully. The three apps can be uninstalled, but will probably reinstall themselves in any OS updates (they live in the recovery ROM). All the rest of the Verizon tools can be downloaded from google Play and will work on the Pixel.

Bootloader — locked. Encrypted. Verified at every boot. Very unlikely to ever get cracked.

Updates — any update that requires network testing for quality of service will need approval from Verizon. This is the same policy Apple has. The difference is Verizon can schedule updates that aren't a monthly patch and roll them out as they see fit.

Network "stuff" — normal Verizon purchase rules apply. You have to activate it on Verizon at least once. Unlocked models will work just fine, but a setting in one of the configuration files will allow Vzw to not show a menu to enable advanced networking features on non-verizon branded models.

Source — a dude who helped build the thing and worked with Verizon on it.

It's not nearly as bad as some worry it will be. Unlocked is always better, but this is no Galaxy Nexus v2. Google and Verizon have worked out what went wrong there and neither want it to happen again (Made google look bad, cost Verizon money)

 

[Ry]

Network "stuff" — normal Verizon purchase rules apply. You have to activate it on Verizon at least once. Unlocked models will work just fine, but a setting in one of the configuration files will allow Vzw to not show a menu to enable advanced networking features on non-verizon branded models.

Source — a dude who helped build the thing and worked with Verizon on it.

I think these two questions are what Verizon customers need answers for:

If I buy the Pixel from the Google Store and use it with my Verizon SIM, will I be able to use VoLTE? If no VoLTE on Verizon then no simultaneous voice and data.

If buy the Pixel from the Google Store and use it with my Verizon SIM, will I be able to use Verizon's Wi-Fi calling?

 

[dpham00]

I don't remember the login details for my incognito account. I don't even care anymore

Apps — the three listed are correct. There will also be a few additions in the software to better support VZW Navigator and the Verizon celebrite thingies that can transfer address books and stuff. Joe the Insider will know what that means, hopefully. The three apps can be uninstalled, but will probably reinstall themselves in any OS updates (they live in the recovery ROM). All the rest of the Verizon tools can be downloaded from google Play and will work on the Pixel.

Bootloader — locked. Encrypted. Verified at every boot. Very unlikely to ever get cracked.

Updates — any update that requires network testing for quality of service will need approval from Verizon. This is the same policy Apple has. The difference is Verizon can schedule updates that aren't a monthly patch and roll them out as they see fit.

Network "stuff" — normal Verizon purchase rules apply. You have to activate it on Verizon at least once. Unlocked models will work just fine, but a setting in one of the configuration files will allow Vzw to not show a menu to enable advanced networking features on non-verizon branded models.

Source — a dude who helped build the thing and worked with Verizon on it.

It's not nearly as bad as some worry it will be. Unlocked is always better, but this is no Galaxy Nexus v2. Google and Verizon have worked out what went wrong there and neither want it to happen again (Made google look bad, cost Verizon money)

Advanced networking, are you referring to HD voice and volte? What about hotspot?

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

I think these two questions are what Verizon customers need answers for:

If I buy the Pixel from the Google Store and use it with my Verizon SIM, will I be able to use VoLTE? If no VoLTE on Verizon then no simultaneous voice and data.

If buy the Pixel from the Google Store and use it with my Verizon SIM, will I be able to use Verizon's Wi-Fi calling?

That will be up to Verizon. They did ask for a way to block those features from appearing on the menu, so they are at least considering not allowing it.

Advanced networking, are you referring to HD voice and volte? What about hotspot?

No on hotspot.

 

[stanleybb50]

That will be up to Verizon. They did ask for a way to block those features from appearing on the menu, so they are at least considering not allowing it.



No on hotspot.

Wait... So no wifi Hotspot with the unlocked Pixel from Google??

This might be a deal breaker for me... Have a 4 year old that needs my Hotspot on car rides for the tablet...

I wish Verizon or Google would officially give us this info.

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

no, He asked if I was referring to the hotspot. The "no" meant I was not referring to the hotspot. It's a native part of Android that Google didn't change

 

[Clocks]

That will be up to Verizon. They did ask for a way to block those features from appearing on the menu, so they are at least considering not allowing it.

No simultaneous voice+data makes an unlocked pixel on Verizon doa for me. It'll go right back to Google and I'll preorder from Verizon once/if I confirm that's the case when my pixel arrives on 10/20-10/22.

Of course, that might be their plan all along...

Or it could be totally innocent and they may just want to not show their special Advanced Calling menu option to unlocked phones (which is not needed to enable volte on the 6p,5x,or mxpe, but is needed to enable wifi calling)

My guess is it works like other unlocked devices, you get volte but no wifi calling.

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

You're probably right, and I just think advanced networking because I'm not used to seeing an advanced calling menu anywhere.

 

[Amele]

Taken from the Pixel forum on this site.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/go...gle-confirms-verizon-will-handle-updates.html


Wondering who's telling the correct information.

I believe, from something I read on--9to5google, I think-- that Google was going to handle the security updates, the monthly ones and Verizon was going to handle system updates.

 

[weknsmith]

While I generally agree with your point, I would argue that Sprint is noticeably worse than the other three.

I would disagree, I have had far more issues with signal on T-Mobile than Sprint in the Midwest. This is based on supporting a user base with BYOD devices that generate support calls when mobile apps don't work. I personally carried Sprint and T-Mobile devices during a couple year period recently and saw similar results compared to the support calls.

Now Fi with the two carriers combined is pretty reliable.

 

[ggendel]

I agree that additional testing doesn't hurt. That said, unless testing is a priority, you end up with the delays that some of us have been seeing on Verizon. Patches delayed for 8 months doesn't speak well of Verizon's ability to test and QA. For example, the last update on my phone has a funny little problem where it pops up a cryptic message to tell you it failed to connect to the update server since you're not on LTE. Unfortunately, I am on LTE at the time of this message, as are all the other users that get it. Since this happens to everyone, every time you look to see if there is an OTA update, it doesn't sound like Verizon spent much effort in testing before the last update. We've been waiting 8 months for a fix, and they've fallen so far behind that there are 317 Vulnerabilities left unpatched (as well as patches to fix battery life and overheating issues). The worst part is that Verizon is claiming they can't tell us anything because it's proprietary information". Huh?

 

[carlos12001]

I have delt with many problematic updates on this forum.if You don't believe me, just read through all my posts. In fact the forums is where I usually hear about problems with system updates first,before it hits the blogs.

I am ok if Verizon fully tests out updates before pushing them out but.... Verizon updates have had plenty if issues too.

Also,Since when did I say rush updates? I simply said that Verizon pixel would most likely get a update later than the one straight from Google. Because Google would test it then send it to Verizon for further testing. And then Verizon will release the update. Getting it from Google would skip the Verizon testing. So those who want the updates the quickest can get it right away. Those who prefer to wait and see how things go have the option to wait a few weeks to make sure everything is smooth before they update.

Also if you are even vaguely familiar with my posts,you will know that I am not a proponent of the Nexus or Google phone. But i want people to realize that getting it from Verizon would most likely result in slower system updates, since some who want the Nexus/pixel want the updates the quickest. That was all I was getting at.

I must be the only person in the world that's never had a problem with an OS update.

 

[dsignori]

I agree that additional testing doesn't hurt. That said, unless testing is a priority, you end up with the delays that some of us have been seeing on Verizon. Patches delayed for 8 months doesn't speak well of Verizon's ability to test and QA. For example, the last update on my phone has a funny little problem where it pops up a cryptic message to tell you it failed to connect to the update server since you're not on LTE. Unfortunately, I am on LTE at the time of this message, as are all the other users that get it. Since this happens to everyone, every time you look to see if there is an OTA update, it doesn't sound like Verizon spent much effort in testing before the last update. We've been waiting 8 months for a fix, and they've fallen so far behind that there are 317 Vulnerabilities left unpatched (as well as patches to fix battery life and overheating issues). The worst part is that Verizon is claiming they can't tell us anything because it's proprietary information". Huh?

What phone do you have?

 

[tgrsnpr]

I agree that additional testing doesn't hurt. That said, unless testing is a priority, you end up with the delays that some of us have been seeing on Verizon. Patches delayed for 8 months doesn't speak well of Verizon's ability to test and QA. For example, the last update on my phone has a funny little problem where it pops up a cryptic message to tell you it failed to connect to the update server since you're not on LTE. Unfortunately, I am on LTE at the time of this message, as are all the other users that get it. Since this happens to everyone, every time you look to see if there is an OTA update, it doesn't sound like Verizon spent much effort in testing before the last update. We've been waiting 8 months for a fix, and they've fallen so far behind that there are 317 Vulnerabilities left unpatched (as well as patches to fix battery life and overheating issues). The worst part is that Verizon is claiming they can't tell us anything because it's proprietary information". Huh?

I am assuming that you have a Blackberry Priv from previous posts. But I have also the error message that says it failed to connect to the update server. I have tried using just the LTE and also just the wifi nothing works. And the MM update that says it will come but still waiting after 4 months for it. But I am going to get the Google Pixel and hopefully the update from Verizon does not take as long as the Priv to get.

 

[ggendel]

I am assuming that you have a Blackberry Priv from previous posts. But I have also the error message that says it failed to connect to the update server. I have tried using just the LTE and also just the wifi nothing works. And the MM update that says it will come but still waiting after 4 months for it. But I am going to get the Google Pixel and hopefully the update from Verizon does not take as long as the Priv to get.

Exactly. You can get past it by dismissing the popup and forcing the check. I hope you're right.

 

[tgrsnpr]

Exactly. You can get past it by dismissing the popup and forcing the check. I hope you're right.

I'm not sure if your gonna get it from Verizon or from Google. But I ordered mines from Verizon yesterday because I read that wifi calling will not work but someone from reddit who has the phone used a Verizon sim card on the Google pixel and said that the wifi calling worked. Now I'm thinking of switching my order to Google Store when it comes back from out of stock then I wouldn't have to worry about the Verizon updates.

 

[vzwuser76]

I'm not sure if your gonna get it from Verizon or from Google. But I ordered mines from Verizon yesterday because I read that wifi calling will not work but someone from reddit who has the phone used a Verizon sim card on the Google pixel and said that the wifi calling worked. Now I'm thinking of switching my order to Google Store when it comes back from out of stock then I wouldn't have to worry about the Verizon updates.

While I'm not making on going with a Pixel (unless my 6p takes dump), me being on Verizon I would definitely take a wait and see approach since there appears to be a lot of conflicting info about which device to go with. Some say only the one bought through Verizon will have VoLTE and WiFi calling, the OP's post said all updates were coming from Google and then later only the security patches will be done that way with major OS updates coming through Verizon. I'd definitely wait for the early adopters to get things figured out this go around, especially considering the price.

It kinda ticks me off considering Nougat was supposed to bring better battery life with a more optimized Doze feature. Last night I lost 10% of my battery overnight, that's about as bad as it was back on Lollipop. Keep that up and 7.1 will probably take me back to my battery life on Jellybean!

 

[qfnol31]

While I'm not making on going with a Pixel (unless my 6p takes dump), me being on Verizon I would definitely take a wait and see approach since there appears to be a lot of conflicting info about which device to go with. Some say only the one bought through Verizon will have VoLTE and WiFi calling, the OP's post said all updates were coming from Google and then later only the security patches will be done that way with major OS updates coming through Verizon. I'd definitely wait for the early adopters to get things figured out this go around, especially considering the price.

It kinda ticks me off considering Nougat was supposed to bring better battery life with a more optimized Doze feature. Last night I lost 10% of my battery overnight, that's about as bad as it was back on Lollipop. Keep that up and 7.1 will probably take me back to my battery life on Jellybean!

I would recommend you check out Wakelock Detector if you want to see what's killing your phone. There is even a workaround if your phone isn't rooted (mine is not rooted).

I forgot my charger for my Nexus 6P in the other room and was too lazy to get it, but this is what my battery looks like last night, with normal sync, BT and wifi on, and connected to a wear watch.

I've found that certain notifications can keep the phone awake and I'm not sure why. Otherwise I think that the new doze features work for the most part.

On the other hand I see a lot more battery loss when I watch media, especially YouTube these days. I wish I could say why.