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.

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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.

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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…