New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on October 29, 2019) follows:

Despite being the developer of the Android platform, Google didn’t bother manufacturing an in-house smartphone lineup until 2016. What about Nexus then, you may ask! In case you are not aware, the mammoth corporation collaborated with other OEMs to manufacture those devices.

When it comes to Pixel phones, Google never let any other brand to interfere in the whole designing and development. The entire procedure from the concept attainment to the launch happens inside the realm of the search engine giant.

Google-Pixel-and-Pixel-XL
Original Google Pixel and Pixel XL

The first generation Google Pixel saw the light in October 2019. And each year, they continue releasing two variants- a regular and an XL one. Most of the gadget enthusiasts see the camera of Pixels as a benchmark for optics on smartphones.

Google, being the originator of Android, releases all the major software updates before anyone else. It wasn’t an exception for Android 10 as well. Even in the case of security overhauls, the company never usually test the patience of their customers.

Let’s take first generation Pixels into the consideration. On the contrary to the standard threshold of two major OS updates, the company delivered three to these devices. Launched with Nougat, the users tasted Oreo, Pie, and Android 10.

Moreover, both the variants used to get security patches until this month (October 2019). Going by a list Google published, the units won’t be able to secure any updates in the future. However when it went public, people thought maybe, carrier networks would release OTAs on their behalf.

Google Pixel update schedule
Source (Click on the image to zoom)

But no! Two Canadian telecom companies (Fido and Rogers) have made their update schedule public. Yeah, the original Google Pixels are not there. For the same reason, we are almost certain that the devices will not get security patches anymore without a twist in the plot.

Google Pixel update schedule rogers
Rogers OS upgrade schedule (Click on the image to zoom)

You can’t condemn Google though. They have done their part. And, you shouldn’t expect updates to a three-year old device. If you really want regular OTA notifications flashing on your screen, it’s time you bid adieu to the first generation Pixel and grab a rather latest phone.

Update 1 (November 5)

Google has published the November 2019 security update bulletin, and 2016’s Google Pixel/Pixel XL are no longer a part of it.

google_pixel_family_november_2019_patch_details
Click/Tap to zoom

Update 2 (November 6)

According to a Google spokesperson, first gen Google Pixel and Pixel XL will receive their final update in December.

In October 2016 at the launch of the Pixel and Pixel XL, we announced that the devices would receive two years of software updates and three years of security updates. Pixel and Pixel XL users did not receive the November OTA, but will get one final software update in December that encapsulates a variety of updates from both monthly pushes.

(Source: Android Police)

Update 3 (December 4)

As promised, December security update for original Google Pixel has gone live. Read the full story here.

Note:- Don’t forget to stay tuned to our Google section for similar stories.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Rahul Krishnan
282 Posts

Rahul Krishnan, a wordsmith from Kerala, India is always in lookout for his next article idea. He is a fanatic reader. And, the rumour is that his mom has recently hidden his debit card so that he won't buy books anymore. She doesn't know he has a spare one.

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