Google Pixel XL Configuration, Tricks and Tips

This is ThatCyberSecurityGuy, LLC series of blog entries on Google Pixel XL Configuration, Tricks and Tips series. My first question was what apps I should download to my shiny new Pixel. The first were Accuweather, Netflix, Netflix VR and Hulu. Once downloaded you may have to put your finger on them for a few seconds and drag them to your home screen; otherwise you will be moving horizontally back and forth between screens and that is a pain. I was also going to install the Amazon Prime app but it was too invasive on my privacy wanting access to my pictures and much more.

I later uninstalled Accuweather as it annoyed the HELL out of me with constant alerts that I cared nothing about. When I activate the phone I'm only interested in my voice and text messages! If I'm worried about the weather I can get that information a number of ways that does not need to be in my face 24/7 every time I look at my phone.

We now need to talk about tweaking the Pixel XL for your benefit. For example, I was wondering how to show the battery percentage on the Google Pixel? This is something that should be a toggle in the main settings app. However, you’ve got to do a little digging to access this option. If you’re like me, I like to see the percentage in the status bar and not have to swipe down to get that info.

Do note that some of this info also works on stock Android based phones/ROMs. Here are five easy steps to show the battery percentage on the Google Pixel.

Enabling Battery Percentage on the Google Pixel XL

Swipe down on the status bar to get to the settings icon upper right.

1. Long-press the settings icon. This will enable System UI Tuner or scroll down to tap on System UI Tuner
2. Tap Status bar
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the settings and tap "Battery - Show percentage when charging (default)"
4. Change that by selecting "Always show percentage" so that the percentage is always visible.
5. The screen now shows "Battery - Always show percentage"

Remove versus Uninstall an app on the Google Pixel XL

At first I just removed the Accuweather app but it came back. You do this by holding your finger tip on the app shortcut and you will see the words Remove on the left, and Uninstall on the right. Drag the app shortcut to either one. So what is the difference you ask? Remove only moves the app to the app drawer where it can continue to annoy you, uninstall officially removes it from your phone.

Bring your DIM screen back to bright life on the Google Pixel XL

In Settings you can adjust the brightness level by selecting Settings > under Device pick Display > then under Display select Adaptive brightness... and turn it off by sliding to the left. Somehow mine got turned on and for the life of me I could hardly see anything on the phone. My guess is an automatic update.

Take A Photo With Your Voice on the Google Pixel XL

With the new Google Pixel phone, you can take a photo with your voice. Simply say “Ok Google, take a picture.” You can also have the camera wait before taking the picture. You can tell the camera to wait 30 seconds. For example, “Ok Google, take a picture in 30 seconds."

Switch Between Photos And Videos on the Google Pixel XL

Google’s Pixel allows you to switch between photos and videos. Swipe left in the camera to start filming your video. Swipe right to get back to shooting stills. You can also press the power button twice from any screen to jump to the camera.

Transferring/Copying Photos and Videos from your Google Pixel to your Computer

Being used to my old Samsung Galaxy phone and my Nicon L840 camera transferring photos was as simple as plugging the cable into the computer USB port and the device. Upon doing this the Photos app would appear in Windows 10 and I would just import the pictures. This changed with the Pixel as upon plugging in the USB cable I would see There’s nothing to import on my computer screen. The default Pixel phone setting is to charge the phone from the USB port and not to transfer pictures. Try as I might going into the Pixel settings and such I could not figure out how to transfer photos. I even worked with Google technical support who suggested flashing the phone back to factory settings. Rather than take this drastic measure I kept experimenting and researching. Below is how to transfer pictures from your Pixel to your computer:

1. Plug the USB/Type-C cable into your phone and computer.
2. Hopefully, the Windows 10 Photos application will appear showing There’s nothing to import.
3. Click on Close but leave the Photos computer application running.
4. On the Pixel make sure no apps are running by clicking on the lower right square and select Clear all.
5. On the phone drag down the top menu where you will see the Wi-Fi, Cellular data, Battery, flashlight and other icons. You should also see a window stating, Android System, USB charging this device, Tap for more options.
6. Tap for more options and you will see Use USB to:

• Charge this device
• Supply power
• Transfer files
• Transfer photos
• Use device as MIDI

1. Click on Transfer files and your computer Photos app should present you with the photos to import. You should see Looking for new photos and videos appear.
2. Select your photos, videos and click on Continue, on the Start importing? Consider checking Delete imported items from after importing and click on the Import button.

Camera volume button use on the Google Pixel XL

Out of the box, the volume button will act as a shutter release when using the camera app. However, you can go into the Camera settings and set it to control zoom, or remove any camera related tasks from the button.

Camera picture and video quality on the Google Pixel XL

Customize the picture and video quality your Pixel captures by opening the Camera settings, and switching to your preferred resolution.

Start the camera using the quick launch camera icon on the lower right of the main screen > tap the three parallel lines on the top left of the phone > tap Settings next to the gear icon > under Video tap:

• Back camera video resolution and change it from HD 1080p to UHD 4K.
• For Front camera video resolution leave it at HD 1080p.

For privacy under General, leave Save location off.

Quickly open the camera from anywhere on the Google Pixel

Double-press the power button and the camera app will open, regardless if the phone is locked or if you're composing an email.

When taking a photo you can switch between the rear and front camera by tapping on a button to the left of the shutter release or use a fancy new Moves gesture.

Using the same motion as turning a door handle, twist your wrist two times when in the camera app and the phone will switch between cameras. Twist again to go back to the previous camera.

Camera shooting modes are kind of hidden on the Google Pixel XL

With the camera app activated, swipe in from the left edge of the display to slide out a list of modes and the Settings button. Currently, the list of shooting modes includes Slow Motion, Panorama, Photo Sphere and Lens Blur.

To auto-create a GIF or not, that is the question

When you press and hold on the camera's shutter button, it rapidly captures photos one after another.

Because Google Photos is awesome and likes to combine burst photo sessions into an animated image, the Pixel's camera app naturally does the same.

But if you hate seeing your photos come to life, you can disable the feature in the Camera's settings.

App shortcut

Don't forget you can long-press on the camera's app icon to bring up shortcuts for taking a selfie or recording a video without interacting with the app itself.

Disable video stabilization on the Google Pixel XL

As long as you aren't panning around when recording video with stabilization turned on, the feature is really impressive. However, if you're walking around or moving the phone quite a bit, stabilization causes the video to jump around a lot. For some, it's acceptable. For others, it's annoying.

You can turn off Video Stabilization by opening Settings > scroll down to Video and slide the Video stabilization setting left to turn it off.

Losing and finding you Google Pixel XL phone

To Ring, find, lock or erase your Pixel XL visit https://android.com/devicemanager and log in using your Gmail email address and password. Once you are logged in you will see, "Contacting your device…" and from here things are pretty self-explanatory as you can Ring, Lock and Erase your phone. If you log into your main Google account and select Find your phone -> GET STARTED, and you will see more options that you can perform on your phone remotely such as:

• Check recent security events for suspicious activity
• Lock your phone
• Try calling your phone
• Sign out on your phone
• Reach out to your carrier
• Reach out for local help
• Consider erasing your device

It is uncanny how we have surrendered our privacy for convenience! Google found my phone and even showed me where in the back of the house the phone was located. (NOTE: The Settings -> Location feature under the Personal menu has to be on for Google to locate your phone). Remember the police and your government can use this feature whether or not this feature is enabled or not.

Bringing back the speaker on a Google Pixel XL phone call

So here I am talking to my mother while out walking the dog and I want to put her on speaker. Holding the phone up to my head was killing my arm but when I look at the phone screen I did not see the speaker icon. After a crap load of experimentation and dropped calls (my mom was not  happy) I finally figured out if you hit the arrow in the very bottom lower left corner takes you back to a screen where you can choose the speaker as an option!

There are many other settings on this screen for you to evaluate and we will continue to explore in this blog entry with future updates.

How to limit Google Pixel XL Data Usage using Project Fi

ThatCyberSecurityGuy never worried about data because my Wal-Mart T-Mobile and AT&T unlimited data plans with down throttling (slower speeds) when I went over a certain limit. Plus with my VERY OLD Samsung Galaxy S2 phone I never used much data, if any. Project Fi does not give you unlimited data and charges $10 per gigabyte. When you sign up you pick how much data you think you will need and only pay for what you use. Since I had learned about my Pixel XL phone a lot of data questions popped into my head. For example, the Maps app that Google provides is unbelievable. I have never used GPS as my wife's car GPS has placed us in the middle of nowhere more than once. I'm old and I tell my family that unlike them, I can read a map!

I already talked about this in a previous blog entry but began to wonder how much data apps like Maps, Netflix VR, and such use? What if using my GPS was costing me $10 or $20 per 2,000 miles of use? Does texting uses data? When I turn my phone into a hotspot how much data does checking my email use? Can I use my phone as an encrypted hotspot connected to a questionable hotspot and use their Wi-Fi, and so on. I'm finding that I only use a few megabytes of data a month. I'm sure your kid could chew up much more than that so be careful.

Another question I had is when is data being used when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi? Does the phone automatically connect to password configured hotspots and so on?

1. The phone does automatically connect to password protected hotspots once configured. I have been shocked when I check and see it automatically connected. We have to compare this to my wife's Samsung Galaxy X4 where I had to manually connect it.
2. According to Project Fi technical support, when you turn the phone into a hotspot for your Internet devices, those devices will use data even if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi. The idea was to have an encrypted Pixel Wi-Fi hotspot use and unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspot saving data.
3. Does the phone use data streaming video? The answer is no as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi. However, before you sit down to watch a movie using Netflix VR in your hotel room it is wise to turn “Cellular Data” off just in case the Wi-Fi your phone is connected to goes down. We will talk about data limits soon but if you blow out your set data limit you can’t use your phone for things that need data for the rest of the month unless you want to PAY for it.

First off, Maps does use data but not much. After a 1,800 mile trip using the Maps app most of the way for day my data bill was only about $5.00 along with whatever else used data on the phone.

Reduce and manage Google Pixel XL cellular data usage

The Google Pixel XL phone offers up "data saver mode" to keep those massive bills away.

1. Swipe down on the status bar to get to the settings icon upper right.
2. Scroll down and under Wireless & networks tap on Data usage.
3. Tap Data Saver and turn it On. This will prevent some apps from sending or receiving data in the background.

Set up a data usage limit before you get hammered!

The default data usage limit on the Google Pixel XL phone is set to 50 GB and was not even turned on! Google is not your friend in some respects because if you had an errant child or just thought you were connected to Wi-Fi, and were not, (streaming video, playing games, or using apps) outside of Wi-Fi you could rack up a massive bill real quick! You must adjust this setting to a much lower amount that you are willing to pay. Google should set this limit by default to 1 GB and suggest that you adjust it upwards as necessary.

This reminds me of the IRS who say you are responsible for your taxes even when you pay someone else to do them for you, which make no sense. You can set a limit to automatically turn off cellular data for your device when your device has used a certain amount of cellular data. Note: Many features on your device may not work correctly when cellular data is turned off.

To set a Google Pixel XL phone data usage limit:

Open your device's Settings app and Tap Data usage and then Cellular data usage.

1. From the Home screen, tap the Apps arrow at the bottom.
2. Tap on the Settings shortcut.
3. Scroll down to under Wireless & networks and tap Data usage.
4. Tap on the gear below and next to Cellular data usage on the top of the phone screen.
5. Turn on Set data warning by sliding the blue dot to the right.
6. Tap on Data warning; enter the amount you can tolerate and tap on SET. Note: To switch between megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), tap the Down arrow Down Arrow.
7. Turn on Set data limit by sliding the blue dot to the right.
8. Tap on Data limit; enter the amount you can tolerate and tap on SET.

Google says that when you reach your limit and your data automatically turns off:

• You'll get a notification on your device.
• To turn cellular data back on, follow the steps above and switch off Set data limit.
• Data will add to your Google Pixel XL bill so you also need to disable Data roaming. This is especially important for your child or employee's phones that are connected to your Project Fi plan. You must emphasize to them that this feature is NEVER to be enabled. Open up Settings -> … More -> Cellular networks -> Data roaming, Connect to data services when roaming -> slide left to OFF.

(See: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7055392 and https://support.google.com/fi/answer/2819524?hl=en)

Google Pixel XL Must Have Accessories and Reviews

The blog entry will be updated and edited as my review process proceeds. ThatCyberSecurityGuy wanted to get this information out ASAP as the Pixel has been on the market since October 2016.

The purchase or lease of a new smartphone never ends there. Now we have to figure out what those must have accessories are. The first thing you must purchase with a new smartphone is a protective case. I have always opted for a bomb proof version that is usually bulky but functional. Many people don't like this so this time I went with the clear Pixel case by Google. I'm not sure I trust it to protect my phone from a concrete or asphalt drop but Google recommended it. I have not tested it with a drop yet so I can't review the case. I'm scared it will not protect the phone but I'm under warranty and if I drop the phone (something I do often) and it breaks, I will contact Project Fi on their 24 hour hotline and say, "Hey, I went with the case you recommended and a drop broke my phone! I want a new phone and you should no longer recommend that case." Google should not recommend a protective case that does not protect their phone!
 

Pixel Case by Google - Clear

The ultra-thin design helps protect without adding unnecessary bulkiness and allows quick, precise access to all your buttons and sensors. The material is Polycarbonate so it gives the phone some protection.

From Google's website:

The next thing to consider it a protective shield for the Pixel Corning Gorilla glass 4. The one Google recommends in the Google store is (text taken from their website):

• InvisibleShield Glass+ for Pixel with Next-level scratch protection.
• Made from ultra-thin, high-quality tempered glass, the easy-to-apply InvisibleShield Glass+ protects your Pixel against scratches while providing sharp image clarity and great touchscreen sensitivity.
• Limited lifetime warranty
• The unique oil-resistant coating repels natural skin oils, so it’s always a breeze to clean. But, if your InvisibleShield Glass+ ever gets worn or damaged, ZAGG will replace it for as long as you own your device.

I have not dropped the phone from 6 feet onto concrete but when I do I will update this blog entry. I have dropped it on to thin carpet from about 4 feet and it survived.

_______________________________________________________________________

The next thing to consider it a protective shield for the Pixel Corning Gorilla glass 4. The one Google recommends from the Google store is (text taken from their website):

InvisibleShield Glass+ for Pixel with Next-level scratch protection.

Made from ultra-thin, high-quality tempered glass, the easy-to-apply InvisibleShield Glass+ protects your Pixel against scratches while providing sharp image clarity and great touchscreen sensitivity.

Limited lifetime warranty

The unique oil-resistant coating repels natural skin oils, so it’s always a breeze to clean. But, if your InvisibleShield Glass+ ever gets worn or damaged, ZAGG will replace it for as long as you own your device.

The price of $40 seemed really HIGH to me so I searched Amazon for other shield deals. I finally settled on the Google Pixel XL Screen Protector 5.5" [3Pack], Benuo [Defender Series] [3D Touch Compatible] Google Pixel XL Tempered Glass Screen Protector [HD Clear], for Google Pixel XL.

This shield was not easy to install but with the aid of my wife we got it done. Getting the air bubbles out was difficult but what cant you expect in other products? So far it is protecting the Pixel well and I can tap on everything just fine. Therefore, I recommend this product.

_______________________________________________________________________

You will need a way to have a hands-free conversation while using your shiny new Google Pixel XL phone. The speaker works OK in very quiet area but if you are out walking around the loud city you cannot carry on a conversation with the phone to your ear. There are many Bluetooth options available including your car but I prefer the old microphone attached by wire as I'm old fashioned. I think this is a HUGE advantage the Pixel has over the new iPhone 7 which does not provide a 3.5mm jack in their phone. After searching around I settled upon the following (taken from Amazon description):  (still testing it out, TBD)

Google Pixel XL Cellet Stereo Sports Headphones With Hands Free Microphone Blue

• Provides a comfortable conversation while keeping your hands free.
• Dynamic Driver Technology Provides Undistorted Crisp & Clear Audio
• Microphone is attached to the wire
• Fits the 3.5mm jack in your Google Pixel XL
• Some states requires a hands free device for using the phone while driving

I tried these out talking to my 80 year old mother down in the basement while waking on the treadmill (a place no cell phone has ever worked before my Google Pixel on Project Fi). She never complained about the voice quality as we talked for about one hour. The volume was a little low but I could make out what she was saying AOK. Once we get out of the arctic freeze here in Michigan I will let you know how they do in high winds or with traffic noise while out walking the dog.

 More Review TBD…
_______________________________________________________________________

The Pixel comes with a type C connection for charging. Therefore all those old car chargers you had for you Samsung Galaxy S4 (my wife's phone) will no longer work. You now need a car charger that will work with both so I choose the Maxboost (take from Amazon description):

Type C Car Charger, Maxboost 35W w/ Quick Charge 2.0 Technology+Built-in Type-C (3.1) USB C Adapter Charging Cable for Google Pixel XL, Nexus 5X 6P, MacBook 12" iPhone, Galaxy S7 S6/Note 5, Nokia-TC Black

• Powerful Quick Charge 2.0 + Type C Car Charger features an integrated Type C charging cable for iPhone 6/6S Plus, Galaxy S7 S6, Note 6 5, Macbook 2015, Google Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Lumia 950, OnePlus 2 and others; as well as an intelligent USB port with Quick Charge 2.0 technology for fast-charging capabilities (with compatible devices).
• Certified Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 output (via USB port) charges QC2.0 enabled devices up to 75% faster; up to its maximum allowance 18W (12V/1.5A 9V/2A 5V/2A) and non-QC2.0 devices up to 5V/2A.
• The charger features an external soft-glow LED ring that lights up “Blue” when plugged in for ease of use at night or in the dark. [Note: The LED ring is specifically softened to avoid distraction while driving.]
• The attached USB Type-C 3.1 cable features a next-generation Type-C connector that is fully reversible and provides faster, more powerful charging. Works with any Type-C compatible device including laptops, phones, and many other devices. The car charger will supply up to 15W to Galaxy Note.
• Smart port 2.0A output with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 and powerful Type-C output cable are compatible with devices made by any brand including Apple, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and more. (Type-C & Quick Charge abilities are limited to products with compatible technologies.)

 Review TBD…
_______________________________________________________________________

The next thing we need is a way to recharge the phone when we are away from civilization. I took my step-grandson camping and he about had a meltdown when he could not find his smartphone recharging battery pack. He demanded that I start my car and waste gas to recharge his phone, to which I just said, "take a chill pill young man and enjoy the great outdoors!" We even had to stop on the way home for him to purchase a new one at great expense to his parents.

However, even for an outdoors person who hates smartphones like me, there are exceptions. One time when camping way off the grid in a National Forest, I was using my car headlights to set up camp. At that time I did not know that factory installed batteries in small cars were garbage. I had used the headlights in my Ford Pickup truck to set up camp in the dark many times in the past. After about 20 minutes I looked back to see a dim pair of headlights so I ran to the car and turned them off. When I tried to start the car, nothing but a click and it was a cold night. I was many miles away from anything resembling civilization. I finished setting up camp giving it about an hour and tried to start the car again and grudgingly it started! I was ecstatic and immediately drove the car up and down a dusty dirt road for about an hour at 2:00 AM in the morning. The car was filthy and I had to change the air filter when I got home but at least I did not have to walk many miles to get help. Cell phones have no reception where I was.

Anyway as a Cyber Security business I'm constantly upgrading and studying new technology. I came across the following item at a bargain that will start my car, recharge my smartphone, recharge my laptop and so on while camping (taken from Amazon description):

Bolt Power D28A 13600mAh Portable Car Jump Starter 500 Peak Ampx with Compact Air Compressor, Power Bank, Automobile and Laptop Emergency Power Supply.

• Built-in 13600 mAh power bank with (12V/16V/19V) DC output for PC and Macbook
• Air Compressor (80 PSI max) can inflate tire for motorcycle, bike even a ball
• Jump start 5.5L gas or 3.8 L diesel vehicle

Review TBD…
_______________________________________________________________________

OK, you are out in the forest and either forgot that your Bolt Power D28A was in another car or forgot to charge it in the last six months. Luckily you have your Pixel phone on Project Fi with its awesome U.S. and international voice coverage. Worst case, you may have to hike 10 or 15 miles to get coverage in most very remote places. Unfortunately, the phone is dead because you forget to recharge it in the last 48 hours. Luckily, being the Boy Scout that you are you purchased a solar charger for your laptop and Pixel XL phone (taken from Amazon description):

SNAN Portable 21W Dual USB Solar Charger with Foldable Solar Panel and Stand

• SMART CHARGING TECHNOLOGY - Built-in intelligent chip detects the remaining power of your devices and matches optimal current output automatically. Two USB ports provide up to 2A per port under direct sunshine and charge your devices very fast, even faster than being connected to a wall port on really hot summer day.
• HIGH CONVERSION RATE - Solar power conversion efficiency can reach up to 23.5%, giving you a peace of mind whenever you need power to charge your devices. Sometimes you would forget to charge your power bank. This product offers you a far better solution than a battery, as it's also more environmentally friendly.
• USEFUL STAND - The unit has two stands attached that can be pulled out to stand the unit on its side to collect more sunlight throughout the day. It gives you the best angle for charging, as it will allow the most direct solar radiation.
• THOUGHTFUL DETAILS - It folds up 11.4×6.4×1.7 in and weights 1.9 lbs, is also fits great in a backpack. There are 4 snap links for attaching the charger to a backpack or other item. The charging ports were securely fastened to the inside of an internal pocket that keeps the phone safe inside the pocket in the event of rain and/or a strong sunbeam.
• FULL PROTECTIONS - Industrial strength PET polymer fabric makes waterproof and dust-proof possible, great for any outdoor activities. SNAN solar charger is covered with a super 18 month warranty and friendly customer service.

Review TBD…