Google Pixel and Pixel 2 to get three new AR Sticker Packs

Google is introducing more AR Sticker Packs for Pixel owners to add to the handful it currently has. While not tied to specific movies or events (like the Stranger Things and Star Wars packs as well as the 2018 Winter Olympics), these should add a bit more fun to those who own Pixel and Pixel 2 phones. The new packs are called “Japan,” “Music,” and “Sports.” These AR Sticker Packs are accessible via Google Camera and are exclusive to variants of those two Google-branded phones. If you want to check these stickers out in action, you can see our quick video with the Stranger Things AR Sticker Pack. 

Source: XDA Developers

Android Auto can be used wirelessly, but only available to a select few

For those wishing to be untethered when they use Android Auto in their cars, your prayers have been answered… sort of. There are a few caveats. One is that it only works with select Pixel and Nexus devices as well as specific head units that are Wi-Fi-certified. The smartphones you need would be the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Nexus 5, or the Nexus 6P. JVC and Kenwood have a few head units that are Wi-Fi-certified but a lot of these haven’t hit the market yet.

If you’re one of the select few that does have access to these devices, setup is pretty painless. You first have to connect your phone via USB to set the feature up. But once you’ve done that, you can connect your phone to your dash wirelessly the next time. Google says they do plan to support other phones in the future. So we’re keeping an eye out for that.

Source: Android Authority

Google stops selling Pixel and Pixel XL on its online store

While you might still find the Pixel and Pixel XL being sold by third-party vendors, you won’t be seeing these Google smartphones in the company’s own online store. Google confirmed with The Verge that they are no longer selling the original Pixel phones. You’ll have to look elsewhere to get one. With Google pushing the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, it makes sense for them to take out the previous generation phones.

Pixel owners get behind the scenes look at 'Isle of Dogs' movie in VR

If you’re a Google Pixel owner (either generation) and are a fan of Wes Anderson, you’ll want to hear about this latest news from the company. Owners of these Google-branded devices get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage of the stop-motion film Isle of Dogs. The film is set in Japan and follows around a boy who goes on an epic adventure to find his dog.

The movie itself comes out at the end of March but for now Google Pixel owners just need to hop onto the Google Spotlight Stories app to access 360-degree virtual reality experience of the film. It’s advisable to use a Daydream View headset to get the full experience. On March 2, Isle of Dogs Behind the Scenes in VR will be available in VR, 360, and 2D via YouTube VR and Fox Searchlight YouTube app as well as any platform that supports YouTube VR app.

Source: Android Authority