Google

Google Pixel’s Growing US Market Share: A clear trend amid fluctuating numbers

Published

4 months ago

November 26, 2024

Google’s Pixel lineup is making waves in the US smartphone market, with reports indicating significant growth. However, some early claims about the extent of this growth have been revised, revealing a mix of fluctuations and promising trends.

Early Growth Claims: Too Good to Be True?

In November, StatCounter shared data suggesting Google Pixel devices experienced an extraordinary threefold growth in the US market within just one month. This bold claim drew attention, but its accuracy was questioned. Shortly after, the numbers began to fluctuate, casting doubt on the initial figures.

A Reddit user noted that StatCounter’s data showed Pixel’s market share jumping between 5% and 20%, inversely mirroring the iPhone’s share. This inconsistency likely stems from how the data is collected—by tracking web traffic across numerous websites. Such data naturally varies as traffic patterns shift over time.

The Bigger Picture: Consistent Growth Over Time

Despite the short-term volatility, the broader trend is clear: Pixel is steadily gaining traction in the US market. Analyzing StatCounter’s figures for October and November reveals an average market share of 12.2% for Pixel devices, compared to 52.9% for iPhones and 23.8% for Samsung. This marks a significant improvement for Google, even if the earlier claims of 14.6% share seem overstated.

When examining the data from August through November, a pattern emerges. The Pixel’s share consistently climbed above 8% before the reported volatility began in October. This suggests that while the peak numbers might not fully reflect reality, Google’s upward trajectory in the smartphone market is undeniable.

What’s Driving Pixel’s Growth?

The Pixel series has been gaining momentum thanks to innovative features, competitive pricing, and growing brand recognition. Google’s recent record-breaking sales quarters and the inclusion of Pixel devices in top-10 lists further underline its progress. These achievements come amid strong competition from Apple and Samsung, making Google’s success in carving out a larger market share all the more impressive.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2024

As 2024 approaches, more comprehensive data reports will likely clarify the extent of Pixel’s growth. While StatCounter’s figures provide valuable insights, they are best viewed as part of a broader context rather than definitive metrics. Continued sales performance and market analysis will shed more light on whether Google can maintain this upward trajectory.

Conclusion: A Positive Outlook for Pixel

Despite the fluctuating numbers, the long-term trend for Google Pixel devices is one of growth. The data shows that Google is making inroads in the competitive US smartphone market, challenging established players. As the Pixel brand continues to evolve, its future in the market looks promising.

Google

New Google Home app update resolves issues for reset Chromecast devices

Published

3 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has just released a solution for people who reset their 2nd-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices. This comes after last week’s update, which helped most users with their streaming gadgets.

For those who tried fixing problems by doing a factory reset, Google has a simple answer. You’ll need to update your Google Home app to these versions:

Android: 3.30.1.6
iOS: 3.30.106 (now widely available)

Once updated, you can set up your Chromecast (2nd gen) or Chromecast Audio again without trouble. The update is starting today, but it might take a couple of days to reach everyone. Keep an eye on the Google Nest Community for the latest news.

Google also shared that if you didn’t reset your device, it should already be working fine. But if something still feels off, you can check your device’s firmware version with the steps provided by Google. If it’s not on the right version, just restart your device to kick off the update.

In a message sent today, Google said:

“We’re really sorry for the hassle this caused. We’re working hard to get everyone back to normal as fast as we can.”

This update shows Google’s effort to fix things quickly and keep users happy with their Chromecast devices.

Google

Pixel 9a unboxing videos reveal a simpler modem

Published

5 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s Pixel 9a is almost here, with an expected launch later this week. But before the official reveal, some early videos have popped up online, giving us a sneak peek at the phone—and hinting that its modem might not match the rest of the Pixel 9 family.

A YouTuber named Sahil Karoul got his hands on a Pixel 9a in Dubai. He picked up the “Iris” purple version and shared a full unboxing. The box looks just like the ones for other Pixel 9 phones—pretty basic, with a SIM tool, a USB-C cable, and a few papers inside. The video also highlights the phone’s smooth, matte purple finish on the back and sides, which looks pretty cool.

In the video, Sahil shows that the Pixel 9a runs on a Tensor G4 chip with 8GB of RAM. But the big news is the modem. The video shows a baseband code starting with “g5300,” which points to an Exynos 5300 modem. Other Pixel 9 models use a “g5400” code, tied to the newer Exynos 5400 modem. So, the Pixel 9a’s connection speed might feel closer to the older Pixel 8 than the shiny new Pixel 9.

The unboxing also includes some test scores from apps like AnTuTu and GeekBench, plus gameplay from PUBG Mobile, where the phone seems to hold up well. There are even a few camera shots to check out. Sahil’s video is in Hindi, but if you prefer English, another review from The Mobile Central (spotted by Android Police) covers the Pixel 9a too.

Google is likely dropping the Pixel 9a details later this week—rumors say March 19 could be the big day. For now, these early looks give us a solid idea of what’s coming, even if the modem news might disappoint some fans. Stay tuned!

Google

Google Assistant drops 7 more tools on Android and smart devices

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Last Friday, we found out that Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant on Android phones. Alongside this, Google quietly shared that Assistant is losing seven more tools. Earlier this year, in 2024, Google already cut 18 features from Android, smart screens, and speakers. Now, they’ve added seven more to the list:

You can no longer use your voice to like, share, or ask about the time and place of your photos. (You can still do this in the Google Photos app or check details on your smart screen or tablet.)
Voice commands won’t adjust photo frame or background screen settings anymore. (You can tweak these in your smart display’s settings instead.)
The interpreter mode, which helped translate live chats with someone speaking a different language, is gone. (Single words or short phrases can still be translated. Check out interpreter mode details.)
Birthday alerts won’t pop up in Routines anymore. (You can still ask Assistant to remind you about birthdays.)
You can’t schedule or hear Family Bell announcements with your voice. (Learn how to set up a Routine instead.)
Daily updates, like getting the weather every day, won’t come automatically. (Set them up yourself with a custom Routine.)
Assistant won’t work with car gadgets using Bluetooth or AUX connections.

The photo slideshow changes aren’t a big deal, but they take away some ease. Family Bell was loved by many, and now Routines is the go-to option.
Back in 2019, Google launched Assistant’s Interpreter Mode, turning smart screens and speakers into handy translation tools. It worked on Android too. Now, the Google Translate app on your phone is the better, more advanced choice to replace it.