Submitted via IRC for takyon
But it's not just what's outside that matters. When it comes to Google's products, software can not only make up for lackluster hardware, but even give the company's devices an edge over competing gadgets. This year, Google delivered thoughtful software and truly helpful AI that made some of its otherwise mediocre devices surprisingly compelling.
The Pixel 3 is the best example. Physically, the phone is a more premium version of the Pixel 2. It also comes in a really nice "Not Pink" color. But aside from that, nothing about the Pixel 3's design makes me yearn for the phone. In fact, the 3 XL even has one of the biggest screen notches in the market, which some people find hideous. And yet, the Pixel 3s were still one of our favorite phones of the year, and ended up on our best gadgets list.
But if you can stomach the notch, or don't mind using the smaller phone, then boy, will you be blown away by Google's software. Let's start with my favorite -- Call Screening.
(Score: 2) by zeigerpuppy on Wednesday December 26 2018, @01:36AM (1 child)
The other thing that will be blown away by Google software is any semblance of privacy. I'll happily continue to use my Sailfish OS phone coupled to my own cloud services server thanks.
(Score: 2) by Nerdfest on Wednesday December 26 2018, @05:41PM
Meh. This is no different a situation than using credit cards. You get a big bump in ease of use over cash for exposure of personal information. You don't think they sell that, as well as use it themselves? Google doesn't even sell it, and has a pretty good record for data security.
It's a trade. You can live your life just using cash, and you can live your life without Google. If you don't think the trade is worth it, don't use it. There are alternatives as well, each with its own features and anti-features.
I do have to mention that I find it very strange that Microsoft is not being raked over the coals for the privacy nightmare that is Windows these days.