The End of a Tumultuous 16 Year Relationship

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My new phone arrived today, a Google Pixel (Android), and it marks the end of what may be one of the longest continuous uses of mobile phones based on a Microsoft mobile operating system of anyone on the planet… maybe longer even than Bill Gates.

When I joined the Microsoft Mobile Business Unit way back in 2001, I was given the prototype phone shown above on the left, and have been a sometimes happy, often times unhappy, user of a stunning variety of Microsoft based mobile devices for 16 years.  Despite knowing years ago that I was on a steadily dying platform, I held on doggedly, partially from familiarity, partly from stubbornness, and partly because I’ve always been a home-town player.

These past 2-3 years have been increasingly tough, and downright frustrating, to be using a phone that nobody makes apps for, has continued to deteriorate in performance, and at this point, can hardly make it through about a half a day on a charge, and at least 50% of the time will decide to re-boot itself after taking a photo. (BTW, my 4 year old back-up phone, a Lumia 1020, still takes damn good photos thanks to it’s 20 megapixel camera.)

I’ve been limping along, waiting for this years new versions of the iPhone and the Pixel to be announced, so the current versions would go on sale, and I could, in slightly better conscience, buy a new phone at a discounted price (related note:  In 16 years I have only ever actually had to purchase a phone one time, one of the perks of being in the mobile business).

Two months ago I was 99% certain I would go Pixel, almost pulled the trigger during their “$200 off plus a free Google Daydream VR Headset” back-to-school sale, then thought, “shouldn’t I get the same new iPhone 7 Mary is getting?”.  I mean, we could share the same cables, charges, apps, etc, it just seemed so logical, so I waivered… and it cost me ~$200 in additional savings :-\ .

So, after the dust settled over the last couple of weeks from the announcements that Apple and Google made, and prices were dropped on the current versions of the iPhone and the Pixel, I ordered the Google Pixel XL 1st generation.

So Why the Google Pixel?

Everyone has their mix of reasons for choosing the phone they feel is best for them, here are mine:

Takes Damn Good Pictures:

Like most people, one of the most important features for me is that my phone takes excellent pictures, and the Pixel XL has had the highest rated camera for the past year, and at a DxOMark of 90, it still remains right in the mix with the iPhone 8 and Galaxy Note 8.

And given the DxOMark ratings have variability in their meaning based on how you most frequently use your phone, the bottom line remains that the Pixel takes damn good pictures.

I’m Invested in the Microsoft Ecosystem and Apps:

As a long time user of Microsoft apps, OneDrive cloud services, Cortana digital assistant, etc, it’s important to me that these apps and services are available on the phone I choose. Android is of particular interest as it allows developers like Microsoft deeper levels of control and integration than iOS, theoretically allowing Microsoft to deliver greater functionality.

To be fair, Microsoft is aggressively delivering it’s apps and service on both iPhones and Android, and I recognize that the deeper level of integration may translate into some potential technical challenges, but it’s a small risk I’m willing to take, for now.

I Wanted Pure Android

I’m sure users of Samsung, Motorola and other Android based phones are very happy with the modified version of Android these OEMs put on their devices, but I want both pure, unaltered Android, as well as direct updates from Google, without having to wait for when/if either the OEMs, or the cellular companies, make updates available.

Additionally, I love my Nexus 7 Android tablet and use it constantly, and wanted a consistent user experience I am already comfortable with on my phone.

Headphone Jack:

I love Bluetooth audio, have several sets of Bluetooth headphones, and I know the new iPhones and Pixel 2 come with USB C dongles and/or USB C headphones, but I listen to podcasts every night via earbuds as I fall asleep, and I want to be able to charge my phone while I’m listening, so to me a dedicated headphone jack is important.

Plus I want the ability to grab, use, or even purchase regular headphones/earbuds if I find myself without my regular ones and I need something.  Real life example was last year, when on my way skiing, I realized I had forgotten my earbuds, and ducked into a RiteAid along the way and grabbed a $9.00 pair.

What About the Whole Sharing Cables/Headphones with Mary’s iPhone 7 Thing?

Given the Pixel uses USB C which our current Lumia 950’s use, as well as a standard headphone jack, we are awash in both USB cables and headphones, meaning I pretty much have them everywhere, and already own them.

Why Not the New Pixel 2?

Have you LOOKED at new flagship phone prices lately??? There’s no doubt the latest phones are beautiful but, at a 25%-30% premium, the value for money is just not there for me.

An equivalently configured Pixel 2 would have been over $200 more expensive than the current Pixel 1 and to me that’s a material amount.  I’m already struggling to justify the need to purchase a $1,200 laptop, and just couldn’t see spending $1,000+ on a phone.

Ambient Devices and Smart Speakers/Assistants:

A final consideration is where the world is heading with smart assistants/speakers aka “ambient devices”.

I absolutely LOVE Amazon Alexa, we have a number of them throughout our house, and pre-orders for some of the newly announced devices awaiting delivery. But I also have a Google Home to help me keep an eye on, and understand, the strides Google is making.

It will be interesting to see who will win in this space but to me there is no doubt Google will be either the most dominant player or one of the top two.

As a side note, two things seem clear to me at this point however:

First is that Microsoft isn’t even in the running.  Only one smart speaker based on Cortana, the Harmon Kardon Invoke, is even close to shipping.  And not only has Microsoft ceded a huge lead to Amazon and Google here, Apples strong customer loyalty will further push Microsoft to the bottom of the pack. Additionally, Microsoft has consistently demonstrated it’s lack of ability to do anything in the consumer space beyond Xbox.  Even as a long time and loyal Microsoft fan I’ve just been burnt too many times.

And second, it would be hard for me to justify the price premium Apple is and will charge, especially for devices that will be ubiquitous around our homes.  There is no doubt the HomePod is beautiful, but it’s $350, which is crazy expensive given the other options available.

Fodder for future blog posts…

So there you have it, my reasons for choosing Android, and specifically the Pixel.

I know buying “last year’s” version means I won’t the one of the cool-kids carrying the latest and greatest phones, but I’m moving over to Android from Windows Mobile, which, you have to agree, is already a quantum leap for me into the cool-kids club ;-)!