Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold surprises with sturdy hinge in durability test
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s hinge impressed in a tough durability test.
- Despite a strong hinge, the inner display and device halves showed weaknesses.
- The foldable performed well overall but remains vulnerable to dust and damage.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Durability Overview
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, part of the newly launched Pixel 9 series, was recently tested for durability by the popular YouTube channel, JerryRigEverything. The tests involved scratching, burning, and bending the phone to assess its overall strength. One of the most surprising results was the durability of the hinge, which held up well during the tests.
Strong Hinge Design Stands Out
Google has emphasized that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is its most durable foldable device yet. This foldable smartphone stays impressively thin even when folded, showcasing Google’s “phone-first” approach to design. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also features a high-quality hinge that successfully withstood the infamous bend test conducted by JerryRigEverything. However, while the hinge remained intact, the inner display and the device’s overall structure were more vulnerable during extreme testing.
Everyday Use and Potential Risks
According to reviews from two YouTube channels, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has been labeled Google’s most repairable foldable to date, which is good news for buyers who plan to use it daily. Even so, like other foldable smartphones, it remains somewhat fragile and prone to damage, particularly from dust. During the “grit sandwich” test, where dust and debris were introduced into the hinge, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold made some alarming crunching noises. This suggests the hinge may collect dust, which could eventually impact its functionality.
Despite the impressive durability of the hinge, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold did not fare as well in other aspects of the tests. For instance, when the device was folded backward, it snapped in half, revealing potential weak spots, particularly near the antenna lines.
Conclusion
Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold performed respectably in durability tests, especially in terms of the hinge’s strength. However, like many foldables, it is not without vulnerabilities. While it may survive everyday use with care, users should still handle it cautiously to avoid dust damage or accidental breaks.
Google Photos is rolling out a powerful new feature called Ask Photos! This AI-powered tool lets you search your photo library with natural language questions. Gone are the days of clunky keywords. Now, you can ask things like “Show me Halloween costumes over the years” or “When did my child learn to swim?”
The feature is still in its early stages, but it shows great promise. It appears as a new tab in the Photos app, replacing the “Search” function. Initially, it focuses on recognizing people and places in your photos. It might not be perfect for events or objects yet, but it’s constantly learning.
Signing Up for Ask Photos:
While not available to everyone yet, Google opened a waitlist last month. If you signed up, keep an eye out for the update! For others, the waitlist is still open (US only for now).
A New Look for Google Shopping:
In addition to the exciting Photos update, Google Shopping is getting a makeover! It seems a new logo is on the way, replacing the familiar price tag icon. The new logo is a simplified shopping bag in Google’s signature colors, swirling together for a clean, modern look.
The website itself might also be getting a refresh. We spotted glimpses of a redesigned site with a user-friendly layout and helpful features like browsing recommendations and price comparisons.
What’s Next?
While official announcements from Google are likely forthcoming, these updates hint at exciting things to come for Google Photos and Shopping. Ask Photos has the potential to revolutionize how you search your memories, and the Google Shopping revamp promises a more streamlined shopping experience.
Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.
What’s New?
- Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
- Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.
When Will Car Media Be Available?
Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.
How to Get Android Auto 13.0
The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.
Google is rolling out a trio of powerful features designed to protect your Android phone (version 10 and above) from theft. These features, accessible through Google Play services updates, aim to automatically safeguard your data in case your phone goes missing.
Here’s how it works:
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Theft Detection Lock: This clever feature utilizes your phone’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and even smart device connections to detect suspicious activity. If someone snatches your unlocked phone and takes off running (think snatch-and-grab), Theft Detection Lock will automatically lock your screen, preventing access to your sensitive information.
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Offline Device Lock: This feature acts as a safeguard against thieves who might try to disable your phone’s internet connection to avoid location tracking. Offline Device Lock triggers a lock if your phone is stolen while unlocked and subsequently goes offline. Google emphasizes that this feature works under two conditions: your phone must be actively unlocked when stolen, and the screen can only be locked automatically twice a day.
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Remote Lock (Coming Soon): This feature, currently under testing, offers a faster alternative to accessing Find My Device. In case of theft, you can visit a dedicated website (android.com/lock) from any trusted device, enter your pre-registered phone number, and complete a security challenge. This will remotely lock your stolen phone.
These features were initially tested in Brazil back in June 2024. While a full global launch hasn’t happened yet, users worldwide are starting to see some Theft Detection features rolling out on their Pixel, Samsung, and other Android devices.
Availability:
- Full features are currently appearing for users enrolled in the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33).
- Stable channel rollout is expected soon.
Keeping Your Android Safe:
These theft protection features are a valuable addition to your Android security arsenal. Remember, it’s always a good practice to enable a strong lock screen password or PIN and utilize Find My Device to locate your phone in case it gets misplaced. With these tools in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your data is protected.
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