The author also questions what Google's seven-year promise actually entails, given that it has previously failed to deliver promised features to older models when new ones are released. They suggest that Google could potentially decide not to backport major new features from future models to the Pixel 8 if it's not profitable. The fact that the Pixel 8 is already missing features available on the Pixel 8 Pro raises doubts about Google's commitment to its seven-year update promise.
Key takeaways:
- Google's new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones come with a promise of seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, feature drops, and AI innovations.
- However, some features are exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, despite the Pixel 8 having the same Google Tensor G3 processor, camera, and seven-year guarantee.
- Google's spokesperson Matthew Flegal confirmed that features like Recorder Summaries and upgraded Magic Eraser are exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, but did not provide a clear explanation for these exclusivities.
- The author expresses concern that Google's seven-year promise might not include major new features or OS upgrades if Google decides it's not profitable to backport them from future Pixel models to Pixel 8.