This is a great move for Google, and goes beyond the minimum of what they needed to do. That’s a huge step forward for them, Pixels, and Android as a whole.
Right from the first Pixel, Google was seeking (for better or worse) to take a bite out of Apple’s pie. They’ve largely been successful in that. Without Google entering the fray, it would only be Samsung left.
They’ve elevated the hardware expectations of Android devices. Pushed the envelope of software integration. Shown that a bloat free experience is preferable and possible for the consumer (even though many here on Lemmy want a Google free device, that is a different discussion).
Now they didn’t merely match other OEMs, but exceeded their updated promises by years.
Android isn’t going anywhere. This is a pillar of their company now, and Pixels are a key part of that strategy. If Google dumped making Pixels, the whole Android ecosystem would be in doubt, because who would make phones if the maker itself doesn’t believe in them? Google, by jumping into the fray, has moved from a platform provider to a pillar of the hardware ecosystem.
So despite all the cynicism, which is justified for all but their core software, this promise has teeth. If they don’t follow through on this, we’re likely seeing the demise of Google as a company, not just the Pixel line.
Not denying any of this, Pixel is definitely a power player amongst phones, and I want them to succeed here because the benefits would be amazing. But given Googles track record, including the whole Pixel Pass fiasco, you simply can’t trust a promise like this (at this time).
Hook, line, and sinker? No. But Pixel Pass was a money thing, this promise is a brand thing.
Most people didn’t know Pixel Pass exists. They drop this promise, and I guarantee you your grandparents will know about it. It’s a brand killer kind of moment.
All I’m saying is the scales tip in favour of them holding this up. We’re on the 8th generation of Pixel phones now. Generations 4&5 we’re rough, but they stuck it through when it would have been easier to walk away.
The real question is, will Google actually follow through?
I hope it will motivate Apple to support their phones even longer as well. I have a XS (2018) and it still works really well, it’s fast and smooth, I’m sure it could support at least 2 more years of updates. Yet iOS 17 will probably be its last, which is a little frustrating.
Apple provided security updates to the iPhone 5 this year. Your fun is likely to be secure for a while longer.
