Welcome to today’s edition of AndroidBeat’s Daily Briefing where we talk about fast charging support on the Pixel, 3 years of OS updates for the handset, Microsoft’s Edge browser coming to Android, and more.
Google’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Support 27W USB-PD
Google’s original Pixel and Pixel XL supported fast charging over USB-Power Delivery at up to 18W. This year, with the new Pixels, Google continues to bundle a= 18W charger with the handsets. However, these two phones also support fast charging up to 27W when charged with a compatible charger.
With both handsets coming with beefy batteries, the inclusion of fast charging at up to 27W will definitely be a welcome move. Just make sure to buy a compliant charger to ensure you are able to enjoy the super fast charging speeds.
3 Years of OS Updates for Pixel 2
Google has usually offered two years of OS updates and 3 years of security updates for its Pixel and Nexus devices so far. However, with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the company is taking things to the next level by promising three years of OS updates. This means the new Pixel devices will get Android OS updates until 2020 or Android R.
➤ Google Pixel 2: 5 Things to Know
Android Wear Disappears from Google Store
Amidst all the announcements that Google made yesterday, the company silently removed all traces of Android Wear from its online Google Store. This means that as things stand right now, Google does not sell even one Android Wear running smartwatch through its online store. If anything, this just shows the amount of confidence and faith the company has in its own wearable platform.
Microsoft Launcher and Edge Arrive on Android
Microsoft today announced that it is bringing its Edge browser to Android. Additionally, the company also released a new launcher for Android devices. Both apps have been designed to make it easy for a user to see and share their work between their PC and phone. The preview version of Microsoft Edge for Android will launch at a later date, with a preview version of Microsoft Launcher already being available. It is based on the company’s fluent design and features tons of customisation option, a feed, and Continue on PC feature.
If you give Microsoft’s Launcher a try, do drop a comment and let us know whether you like it or not.
