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As Google is reportedly looking ahead to its tentatively titled Pixel 3 smartphone, it is putting its first generation of Pixel devices to rest in October. The handsets have already been removed from the Google Store and the US Project Fi marketplace, but third party vendors will continue selling the devices until stock wears thin.
The company revealed its end of support plans for its first generation Pixel devices in an updated Google Support document, with feature updates ceasing in October 2018 and security updates lasting for a further year, ending in October 2019. Pixel 2 devices are also included on the roadmap, with a lifespan that will last until October 2020 at the very least.
Google further confirmed its departure from the original Pixel by telling Gizmodo that it will no longer be available in first-party stores. This is presumably to shift focus to the current Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL lines, as well as push forward on the upcoming flagships expected later in the year.
While some might see this as a good business move, eliminating potentially confusing choice from the market, the original Pixel devices are still lauded as some of Google’s finest modern handsets. This is particularly in light of the launch issues surrounding the Pixel 2’s, which have since been ironed out, leaving the company with a capable successor.
Three years of mainstream support, and four years overall isn’t too bad for smartphones, which are usually on a yearly cycle. That being said, Google prides its Pixel devices as the first to receive its Android updates, meaning that the original Pixel has lost some of its appeal. This is to be expected, but it doesn’t lessen the sting for current Pixel owners.
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KitGuru Says: Personally, I am hoping that the launch of Google’s next flagship proves to be a worthy upgrade so that I will have something to move onto around the time the Pixel enters its end of life. Do you think that three-years-worth of support is enough? Are you planning an upgrade any time soon?
