We firmly assumed that Google would also provide its Pixel 6 smartphones with new updates on time from now on. But the latest feature drop including the switch to Android 12.1 proves the opposite again. With this, Google is reducing its promises enormously and no longer fulfills expectations of the Pixel phones. Google destroys a very important unique selling point.
Well. Google does not advertise the day-one patches directly, in fact not in the domestic American market either. This might not disappoint new customers. But certainly the die-hard fan base. We are no different. I am quite disappointed with the current update policy of my Pixel 6 Pro. Especially since Google has been struggling with these problems for many months and cannot get a grip on them.
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First the Android 12 update that was too faulty overall, then the disaster surrounding the December patch, the necessary and delayed update for full use of the Pixel Stand 2nd Gen, the delayed Android 12.1 beta and now the delayed monthly patch or feature again -Drop. Quite a lot for half a year if you ask me.
But why so much worry? The most drastic change in the Pixel 6 smartphones is the new processor platform. Google’s first SoC could have a significant share in the problematic updates. At least that’s a common assumption because Google has never made a statement on this. The internal workflow does not seem to be at the necessary level yet.
In any case, Google is currently struggling not to alienate its long-standing fan base, as has happened to other brands. On the other hand, it is probably more important for Google as a company to address a larger market. You take a certain risk for that.