Google recently pushed an update to the Pixel line of smartphones, and got a lot of praise for benchmark scores improving! https://somegadgetguy.com/b/4K3
Has real world performance really improved though? Let's take a look!
Google introduce il supporto ad Auracast con Android 16
https://gomoot.com/google-introduce-il-supporto-ad-auracast-con-android-16/
Google I/O 2025: come seguirlo e cosa aspettarsi
https://gomoot.com/google-i-o-2025-come-seguirlo-e-cosa-aspettarsi/
So, I've managed to reduce my Pixel 9 with Graphene OS to the absolute minimum of necessary apps! Fewer apps, less battery consumption, less tracking.
I also deactivated all connections except for mobile communications, i.e. no NFC, no Bluetooth, no GPS, no permissions for the camera.
Now that I'm always sitting in front of my computer at home and have my ThinkPad with me when I'm out and about, I don't need a mail app, cloud connection or whatever on my smartphone, for example. I don't even take photos with it anymore, but unfortunately you can't deactivate/uninstall the Graphene OS camera app - for whatever reason.
Digital minimalism - a fine thing!
#Google #Pixel9 #PersonalSafety #SatelliteSOS
"Satellite SOS allows you to contact emergency services via a satellite when you don't have mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. It is also only available on the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold."
What is Satellite SOS on Google Pixel?
"How to use it and the other safety features you should know about."
https://www.androidpolice.com/what-is-satellite-sos-on-google-pixel/
New year, new gloves... Ok actually very old gloves that I may have only worn a couple of times more than 10 years ago. Just rediscovered them, and they match my wintergreen #Pixel9!
#新年快樂！蛇年大吉！有蛇才有得！
#ChineseNewYear
#Google #Pixel #PixelTips #Pixel9
"Even for tech enthusiasts, keeping track of everything is virtually impossible, which is why Google includes its Pixel Tips app onboard all of its smartphones, and it’ll occasionally pop up after an upgrade to help rejig our memory."
Pixel 9 guide: TOP tips & HIDDEN tricks you NEED to know! (Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL)
https://youtu.be/LlCX-FOzNHg?si=Jzj9UXSN_mmUd_eb
Microsoft teams chat is good, but it could use some improvements
My favorite messaging app: microsoft teams chat
It's my preferred messaging app for the following reasons:
1. Non-Google Login
On Android, using a chat system independent of Google enhances privacy and security. Logging into Google Chat automatically connects the account to all other Google apps, creating cybersecurity risks. Teams Chat avoids this issue, giving users more control.
Google should offer an option to log in to Google Chat without affecting other apps.
2. Comprehensive Edit Button
Teams Chat allows users to edit any message—text, photos, or files—at any time, ensuring complete control over their digital footprint.
Google Chat, while offering anytime text edits, only allows photos to be removed, not reattached. Teams’ flexibility ensures better content management.
Why Not Telegram?
Telegram limits message edits to 48 hours in private chats, while Teams allows unlimited edits. Additionally, Microsoft, as a U.S.-based company with a proven 40-year track record, feels more trustworthy for communication with family and friends.
Feature Requests for Teams Chat
1. Improved Voice Messaging:
I switched from Google Chat to Teams partly because Google lacked voice messaging. Though Google recently added it, managing multiple Google accounts remains cumbersome. Android’s "Private Space" is a step forward but only works in the default user profile.
Microsoft teams chat needs to tweak their voice message button though so that we can tap once to record and tap once to stop. The "hold to record" button is so finicky that it doesn't work. I press and hold and it release itself cutting voice messages to just a few seconds. Google Chat got voice messages right when they recently added voice messages for all users. You can tap once to record (no holding and pressing required) and tap once to stop, and we get a nice transcript as well. It'd be nice for privacy if the voice messages played out of the earpiece by default, instead of the speaker, for both Google Chat and Teams Chat.
Google Chat feature requests:
Allow app-specific logins (give us the option to not auto populate all other Google apps with a checkbox to not do so upon login)
An *option* to enter passwords for account switching. The current way is ok for some, but many want improved security with regards to the account switcher.
Enable private spaces in secondary user accounts. While private space works on the default user, for those of us with a 2-user setup still can't use private space in our alt user space.
Microsoft Teams Chat remains the best fit for my needs—prioritizing privacy, security, and flexibility, but I hope they, and Google, make improvements to better compete with each other to give users the best options for communication, cloud access, comprehensive edit buttons, voice messages, and privacy.
#microsoftteams
#msteams
#microsoftteamschat
#msteamschat
#teamschat
#googlechat
#privatespace
#android
#microsoft
#communication
#family
#friends
#memes
#telegram
#android15
#pixel8
#pixel9
#pixel9pro
#pixelfold
#pixel9profold
#ourdigitalfootprint
#editbutton
#digitalfootprint
#cybersecurity
#privacy
#chat
#people
I solved the Android Auto issues so...I did it!
I've just ordered a Pixel 9 Pro XL. I won't even try the stock Android, I'll immediately install #GrapheneOS on it since day 1 (that will be tomorrow).
With the Android 15 Private Space feature (and the GrapheneOS team made it possible to install Google Services inside it, disabling them when the space is locked), I can enable and disable that space (and Google Services) when needed and without having to change profile. This is impressive and, for me, a game changer.
I'll try everything for some time. The battery life of my Pixel 7 without the Google services has been impressive. Today, I had a great experience with it as a main phone.
While I used it all the day, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was idle (5 minutes of screen time). The Pixel consumes 22% of battery, the Samsung 20% - just being idle. No calls, no videos, just a bunch of notifications.
If the Pixel will have a comparable battery life to the Samsung, I'll keep it and eventually sell the Samsung.
A huge thank you to all the people the helped me to debug all the issues (I'm not tagging them as I'm sure I'll forget some) and to the GrapheneOS team for the great, impressive work they're doing.
Another phone review out the door (I’m catching up due to some health issues), with my take on the Google Pixel 9. I really liked the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold… but the Pixel 9 is a different kind of critter.
#Google #Pixel9 #GeminiAdvanced #Android
https://alexreviewstech.com/google-pixel-9-review-lacks-pro-appeal/
Pixel's Proactive Approach to Security: Addressing Vulnerabilities in Cellular Modems
https://security.googleblog.com/2024/10/pixel-proactive-security-cellular-modems.html
pixel 9 acquired
@GrapheneOS installed
(bootloader actually locked this time)
now taking suggestions for cases!
someone on matrix suggested dbrand grip ($140 cad and arrives next week)... i could get an otterbox tomorrow at best buy tho for like $100
am i missing something worth looking at
REPLAY CREW! GREAT chat this week! Some AWESOME comments during the stream! https://somegadgetguy.com/b/4BB
Apple's EU Tax Bill, Google Gemini For ALL, AI is cooking the planet! Is Pixel Better than iPhone This Year?
Let's get our tech week started right!
Available for FREE members on my Patreon: Android 15's External Display Settings Are Kinda Stupid...
https://www.patreon.com/posts/android-15s-are-111989070?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
If you've ever connected a phone to a display, there are some OBVIOUS pain points. The new settings menu in Android 15 address none of those pain points.
Allow me to explain...
(With a guest appearance by the LG G8!)
@cassidy I'm sort of preparing for this too. I just ordered Pixel 8, which is super small by today's standards, but since I'm moving from Pixel 4a, it's still going to be bigger and substantially heavier. I did used Pixel 3a before that, so hopefully I'll be fine dimension wise.
The Pixel 9 Pro does come with a USB3/C cable and has a Type-C 3.2 port.
The Pixel 6 Pro has a USB Type C 3.1 port.
Of course it'd migrate the data over some ad-hoc WiFi that keeps disconnecting rather than suggesting a cable connection.
This is fine.
I guess some good news: somehow all the weather things are now pointing to the same place, at least. The “AI summary” is completely useless, though, even if it’s done entirely on device.
G◍M◍◍T 
(plz hire me) 
