Skip to main content

Say it isn't so Google; The Pixel 3 XL may feature the notch (and massive chin)





In retrospect, we probably should have seen this coming. Since the iPhone X (and the Essential PH-1 before it), notches have taken over the world. In fact, I have even written before about the forthcoming "Era of Notches". However, as Google-centric Android person, I loved the fact that my Pixel 2 XL was notchless; I even find the beauty in the Galaxy lineup for its symmetrical bezels. Alas, it appears that Google is fully embracing the notch with the Pixel 3 XL.

Possible Pixel 3 screen protectors
After the "leak" of what appeared to be screen protectors for the upcoming Pixel 3 (due to be released in October), the Android world was sent in to a frenzy. As shown below, while the Pixel 3 appears to resemble the 2 XL, the Pixel 3 XL will featuring a very prominent notch as well as quite a large chin.

The phone will undoubtedly feature the greatest features available as every new flagship does (Snapdragon 845, OLED, plenty of RAM) as well as the signature feature that is Google's incredible camera software. Coupled with front facing speakers, these ingredients will make the Pixel 3 an amazing phone on par with the latest and greatest. Excitingly, the phone appears to have dual front cameras which could mean the inclusion of something akin to FaceID. As a Pixel owner, these phones do not disappoint.

But, that damn notch and chin though...
Render of possible Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

I understand why companies are trying to include the notch. Apart from giving slightly more screen real estate by moving the notification bar up, the notch is indeed the mobile device trend of the day. If everyone else is doing it, why wouldn't Google?

Am I totally against the notch? Not exactly...if it is utilized correctly. The reason I don't completely object to it on the iPhone X is that lack of chin; the symmetry does not seem completely out of whack. However, Android manufacturers have not been able to duplicate the folded LED panel on the iPhone X that has allowed the chin removal. The massive chin is just unsightly.

Android P allows users to "remove" the notch
Now, could the notch be embraced by not only me, but the rest of the tech community? Possibly, if it is done right. As I have said before, if the notification and status bar were completely blacked out at all times to create the illusion of symmetrical, minimal bezels, I could live with it. That would allow the phone to gain screen space while also not driving my OCD in to overdrive. I would gladly take a phone that resembles my Pixel 2 XL with the top bar sandwiched around the camera. Unfortunately, if the screen protectors and reports are true, the Pixel 3 notch and bezels will not be that.

We ask for so little Google; we just expect you to not be completely idiotic as well as not be a complete follower. I hope these rumors and potential screen protectors are not true, but it would seem that they may have some merit. If that is the case, be prepared to hear the huge sigh of disappointment from your most loyal fans.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Trust Indicators and Fake News

It is no secret that we have a significant "Fake News" problem in the world today. Before everyone starts preparing their defenses for their favorite news sources, let me clarify that I am not talking about "Biased News". As much as President Trump likes to say it, CNN is not actually "Fake News" and neither is FOX, NBC, ABC, et cetera. Biased as these sites may be at times (mostly all the time), the news they are reporting is based in fact; it just has a very biased spin. I would think that functioning adults would be able to tell the difference between: "Trump signs healthcare reform in to law causing issues for middle-class" and "Trump seen punching babies on his way out of gentleman's club" While there is no way for me to know if the second statement ever happened (I highly doubt it), I would assume that most people would understand that one is fake and one is biased. Unfortunately, we seem to have reached a point that peop...

iPhone 7

It is that time again: Apple has launched a new iPhone, and the masses will flock tomorrow to get their hands on the "best one yet". However, I believe that this line is beginning to be slightly misleading. Is it the best iPhone? Yes. Is it the best phone? I would say no. At the same time, I do believe that it is a solid device. Admittedly, I have not had an iPhone since 4; I also had a MacBook Pro and iPad 2 at the time. I used to be fully in the iCorner. I believed that the ecosystem they designed was unbeatable, and their hardware was second-to-none. These days I have a slightly different perspective. That is a different story, however. Let's look at the iPhone 7 (and plus) just on its own merits. In the days of 6" plus screens, built in DSLR's (hyperbole), and pixel-less screens, the iPhone is a jack-of-all trades, master of none. I have not personally tested the phone, but like all tech announcements, I watched the live streaming event. I did not see any...

Mobile payments are the future, but how long will it take for us to get there?

We are all understandably protective of our money right? We conceal our cash when we are forced to open our wallets, keep our pin numbers to ourselves, and certainly do not just hand our credit cards off to just anyway. So, along those lines, I am curious how we as a society feel about mobile payments. Now, because I try to keep this blog open and understandable to all, I will not talk about the encryption of mobile payment nor the process of virtual card numbers and the like. I am curious as to the perception of the average person. Personally, I am all for mobile payment, and I love the convenience of simply pulling out my phone and then being on my way. I never have to worry about pulling out my card, trying to figure out whether to slide it or insert it, typing in my number, putting my pin number in, pulling it back out and in my wallet, and putting my wallet away; when I am waiting in line, I often already have my phone out anyway. There is so much potential in mobile payment. ...