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Unboxing the Google Pop-Up

  • Writer: kendrickumstattd
    kendrickumstattd
  • Dec 13, 2017
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 29, 2020


Many of the products at the pop-up stores are from the October 4th Google product launch. For those unsure about making the switch from iOS to Android or debating a Google Home purchase, I wanted to share my opinions on the Google Pixel 2 XL, the Google Home Mini, and the Google Pixel Buds, in addition to including some initial thoughts about the Google Home Max, which I checked out at the pop-up.

Google Pixel 2 XL

If you make decisions based on Tech Specs, Google lays them out for you. If you instead rely upon watching, reading, or listening to reviews, there are a plethora of YouTube videos, articles, and podcasts that discuss the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones. For me, these specifications and opinions translate to the user experience in a number of important areas.

Taking Photos

DxOMark, which ranks camera quality, gave the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL a 98% rating, the highest smartphone camera rating. What this means is that the photos you take on your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL will be of a very high quality.

Storage

In Google's advertising, there is the repeated message that the Pixel phones have unlimited photo storage, so you will never be faced with the annoying "Storage Full" message while trying to get a great shot. This is possible because the photos you take are automatically stored in Google Photos cloud storage.

Texting

For those looking for a superior camera but attached to Apple emojis, switching to Google Pixel and downloading the Textra messaging app could be the perfect compromise. Textra allows users to choose the emoji style from Android Oreo, Android Blob, Twitter, Emoji One, and iOS (the emojis you see on iPhones). Beyond emojis, Textra allows for customization down to the message bubble color.

Battery Life

I charge my phone every night. During the time that I have had the Pixel 2 XL, I have only had to use my portable charger once: the day I went to NYC all day to visit the Google pop-up shop.

I started the morning at 5:50 a.m., and I plugged the phone into my portable charger around 5:30 p.m., when it was at 15% battery. Throughout the day, I used my phone to take around 100 photos, access directions in Google Maps, and text messages and images. Beyond this usage, I also used the Pixel 2 XL as outlined below:

  • 5:50 a.m.: Use Gmail app to check email

  • 6:51 a.m.: Use Starbucks app to buy coffee

  • 7:07 a.m.: Use Lyft app to request a Lyft ride

  • 7:40 a.m.: Use electronic Amtrak ticket to prove ticket purchase

  • 7:40 a.m.-9:26 a.m.: Use Google Play Music to listen to podcasts, use Chrome to read articles, and use Duolingo to complete daily French lesson during the train ride from New Haven to New York City

  • 2:30 p.m.: Use Sweetgreen app to buy a salad

  • 5:00 p.m.: Edit photos/videos in Google Photos, Snapseed and Quik while waiting for the train

Google Home Mini

For anyone interested in the idea of a "smart home," Google Home Mini is a great starting point. At the time this is being written, it is only $29 from the Google Store, making it the perfect stocking stuffer.

What does it do?

Powered by Google Assistant, Google's virtual assistant, the Google Home Mini can answer questions like, "What will the weather be like today?", complete tasks like, "Play Christmas music", or settle debates with, "Hey Google, flip a coin."

Who is it for?

The best thing about the Google Home Mini is that everyone, even those who have never touched a smartphone, will want to interact with it. The audio quality is great for something of its size, and for those who are invested in the best-quality audio, the Google Home Max is an appealing option. Although I don't own one myself, I got to listen to it in action at the Google Pop-Up store, and the sound quality was delightful, powerful, and crisp.

Google Pixel Buds

With any new headphone/earbud experience, there are some questions that likely come to mind:

Are they easy to connect over Bluetooth?

Yes, the Pixel Buds are easy to connect both to a Pixel phone and also to a non-Google device. I have used them with my MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) laptop, and the "pairing" process, where the Pixel Buds and other device recognize each other's existence, was seamless.

Do they stay in your ears?

Yes, there is a little loop of cord that goes in your ear and that can be adjusted to make the Pixel Buds stay in place.

Are they easy to put back in the case?

Yes, I was delighted by the fact that putting the Pixel Buds back in the case is really easy, meaning I can complete the task as I'm walking into a building for a meeting, after a podcast listening session.

How do they make life easier?

Google Assistant is accessible through the Pixel Buds when they are paired with a Google device, like the Pixel 2 XL. There are gestures on the right bud, like a tap to pause/play music, a double tap to hear notifications, and a long press to talk with the Google Assistant, that are very useful. Personally, I am especially enjoying no longer getting tangled in an earbud cable.

Google might be somewhat new to the hardware game, but they are truly bringing their A game with the products and experience they have created. If you can, visit one of the pop-up shops, and the Googlers will answer any questions you might have. Enjoy!

 
 
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