Google Pixel 8 series to get 7 years of OS updates

Google

Google Pixel 8 series debuted without too many unexpected surprises, except possibly for one. Google's biggest surprise for the phones' official announcement today: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will get seven years of operating system upgrades. That’s a huge leap from the three years of OS upgrades and five years of security support Google offered for its previous flagships. And it potentially matches the lifespan Apple provides for its iPhones. That is, if Google delivers on it. 

Now, if there’s one thing that makes a higher price more palatable, it’s the promise that you’ll get many more years of use out of your device. And if Google stays true to its word, we finally have that option in the Android space. We're curious to see if other Android manufacturers, like Samsung, will follow suit.

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EU privacy rules may force Meta to offer subscription options for its apps

Meta might charge European Instagram users US$14 (around CA$19) per month to avoid targeted ads. It could also offer a US$17 (~CA$23) monthly fee for ad-free Facebook and Instagram on desktop. Meta reportedly plans to force subscriptions on users who reject ad tracking, based on their personal data. This is in response to a court ruling that Facebook must get users’ consent to access their data.

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Air Canada partners with Audible in flight

Air Canada today became the first airline to offer Canadian Audible Original Audiobooks and Podcasts and more in its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, further expanding its product offering to travellers. Through premium and dynamic audio storytelling, Audible provides Air Canada’s customers immersive, relaxing entertainment during their travel journey onboard all while 30,000 feet up in the air.

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The original Apple Watch series is now obsolete

Apple

Apple’s 2015 Watch models, including the Hermes and US$17,000 gold versions, are now obsolete. This means they can’t get hardware service or parts from Apple anymore. This raises the issue of “planned obsolescence.” Apple only has to provide parts for five years after it stops selling a product (seven years in France for iPhones and Mac laptops). This policy has faced criticism and legal challenges before, forcing Apple to improve its device reparability and adopt USB-C ports instead of Lightning.

The Watch Edition is a curious case. Unlike regular watches that can last for decades and increase in value, the Watch Edition was always doomed to become outdated. And here's the reminder that it has.

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