Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 | TechNews

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Tech Review: Google pushes Pixel pre-orders

David Sobel
COPY EDITOR

If you’re in the market for a new
smartphone and have a need for the latest
device, then the new Google Pixel may be for
you, offered in standard and XL variants with
“Very Silver,” “Quite Black,” and “Really Blue”
color options. Before I add in my opinion about
this release, here are the specifications for you,
which are essentially the same between the two
aside from battery and screen size/ quality:
Pixel
Dimensions: 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.6 mm, 143 grams
Display: 5—inch Full HD AMOLED, 441 ppi,
Gorilla Glass 4
Battery: 2,770 mAh, fast charging
Pixel XL

Dimensions: 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.6 mm, 168 grams
Display: 5.5—inch Quad HD AMOLED, 534
ppi, Gorilla Glass 4
Battery: 3,450 mAh, fast charging
Both Models
Processor: 2.15GHz Snapdragon 821 (quad—
core, 64—bit)
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 32GB or 128GB
Camera: Rear — 12.3MP, f/2.0, 1.55um, OIS.
Front — 8MP
Other features: fingerprint scanner, USB
Type—C, NFC, 3.5 mm headphone jack
OS: Android 7.1

Unlike the previous generation,
which included the Nexus 5X and 6P, the
specifications for the small and large device
are functionally the same, meaning that for
most users the only major difference will be
screen size. The extra screen space comes at a
cost of$120, however, with a base cost of $650

for the Pixel. In addition, getting the 128GB
storage model adds another $100 to the cost,
so for a maxed—out Pixel XL you would be
paying just under $900, which doesn’t even
include the insurance or the obvious carrier
costs. On that note, Google struck a deal with
Verizon Wireless on this one, meaning that
Verizon will have their own edition of the
Pixel devices, which is at their own discretion
in terms of updates and the number of pre—
installed applications. Those who remember
the Galaxy Nexus will remember the last time
Google allowed Verizon to have their own
edition of a device, which turned out horribly,
often making users miss out on some updates
altogether. Verizon has claimed in the past
week that they will not be holding back up dates;
however, concerned power users should know
that the bootloader is not unlockable, so it’s
advised that they buy the Google Store version.
I will be clear, though: this is an expensive
device, but the cost is no different than what
you’ll see from the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy
series. I don’t agree with the expense, but I’m
not especially surprised. As with the 5X and
6P, there is no carrier subsidization, so if you’re
currently pressed for cash, then you can opt for
24—month financing through Google, Verizon,
or Best Buy. A pre—order of Pixel from Google
nets you a promotional code for a free Google
VR headset, while any purchase through
Best Buy comes with a $100 gift card and a
Chromecast. So, what of the design?

What technology news sites and
Google will generally tell you is that Pixel
models are entirely Google—made, from the
ground up, due to the line being branded solely
with the “G” and “Made by Google” logos on
the back. This is essentially half true, because
the actual device builds are from HTC, who,
aside from their own current phones, are the

makers of the first Android handset to hit the
market and the designers of the 2010 Nexus
One. Google is using HTC as an original device
manufacturer (ODM) this time, which means
that Google is the main designer, but HTC is
the manufacturer. The only logo present on the
device is Google’s this time, versus the Nexus
line, which would have logos from companies
such as Samsung, LG, and Huawei on them
alongside Google’s. Logos aside, you can take
to essentially any tech site or Facebook and
find complaints about how this device looks,
most notably things like “it looks like an
iPhone” or “Pixel is Google’s iPhone clone.”
On their own, these are flawed statements, but
not entirely wrong. If we’re talking ideologies
alone, the self—branding alongside different
sized devices with nearly identical hardware
certainly make Pixel “Google’s iPhone.” To
most, it will probably be a jarring device to
look at due to the two—toned, multi—material
backside. As it turns out, the glass upper part
is not for show, but is rather meant to allow for
better reception due to being a more penetrable
surface. I’ve personally always had phones that
were deemed “ugly” by other people, so I’m
honestly quite indifferent about the physical
look.

At a price that is notably higher
than the Nexus line of phones, what does the
Pixel provide that other current smartphones
don’t? Well, honestly it does not bring a whole
lot to the table in terms of hardware, and to
be honest, phones like the OnePlus 3 I would
suggest over it, especially at almost half the
price unlocked (provided you aren’t on Verizon
like I am). I would say that where the hardware
shines most looks to be the camera, which has
been rated as the best smartphone camera on
the market based on benchmarks by DxOMark
Mobile, and features decent optical image

stabilization (OIS). Whether this justifies the
cost of the Pixel vs the OnePlus 3 and similar
devices, well, that’s up to you. If that minor
benefit is not enough for you, then it will come
down to the software shipping with the Pixel.
Exclusive to the device on release will be the
integration of the new Google Assistant into
the OS as a whole, replacing Now On Tap,
Google’s first context—sensitive search assistant.
If you’re familiar with any recent Android
developments, Google has put its Allo app
on the Play Store, which features a sandboxed
Google Assistant that can interject with
helpful tips based on your text conversation
with someone else, such as directions or local
restaurants. This will be function system—wide
for Pixel’s version of Android 7.1, and as of this
writing there are already Android developers
porting the feature to previous devices. In
addition, the fingerprint sensor, called Pixel
Imprint (previously Nexus Imprint) can be
used to show notifications if you swipe down
on it, which is interesting. One last nice feature
is an included adapter which will allow you
to transfer all your old device’s data to your
new Pixel via direct connection. This includes
transferring from an iPhone that’s using
iMessage as well.

With the new Google Pixel, we’re
seeing high level specs, a few exclusive and
nifty software additions, and a hefty price tag.
If you have a device that is about two years old,
it won’t be a bad upgrade. If you have anything
newer like a Nexus 5X or 6P, I would wait for
the expected second generation of the Pixel
series. However, as mentioned before, if this is
a case of wanting the newest technology, then
this device will not disappoint. According to
Google, pre—orders will ship within the next
four to five weeks.

Exploring Springfield, the often ignored capital of Illinois

Steven Milan Moreno
TECH N EWS WRITER

Many people don’t realize that the
capitol of the great state of Illinois is not the
city of Chicago. Despite Chicago being the
state’s most vital economic powerhouse and
tourist destination, the Governor of Illinois
and the state legislature do not meet and work
here, but rather in the much smaller town of
Springfield. The town of Springfield, which is
the sixth most populous city in the state, was
chosen to be the state capitol due to its much
more centralized location in the state than
Chicago. Prior to Springfield, the state capital
had been located in towns near the Mississippi
river due to the river’s easy access to other
parts of the country. But with the advent of
the railroad, the need for river access became
much less of a concern for political leaders.

The choice to move the capital of the state to
Springfield in 1839 was championed by several
political leaders in Illinois, including future
president Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln and his
associates argued that the increasing industry
near the Lake Michigan would become much
more important to the state in the near future
and that a capital closer to this region would
be a wise move to make. This realization was
proven to be correct, as a large portion of the
population of Illinois live in Chicagoland as
opposed to the rest of the state. Even many
state political leaders have their official offices
and residences in Chicago instead of the
smaller capital city.

Regardless of the location preference
of politicians for Chicago, the state capitol
building still stands proud and tall in stark
contrast to the small and humble town that
surrounds it. Springfield is home to both the
current and previous state capitol, both of
which are open for the public to see. The older

capitol was the one used during the time of
Abraham Lincoln, where he served as a state
representative and which he would later use as
a starting point for his run for the presidency
as Barack Obama would do over a hundred
years later. When the new, bigger capitol
was completed in 1888, the old capitol was
repurposed as the county courthouse, which it
was until its closure and transformation into a
museum in 1966. The museum is open daily
from nine to five, and has free admission.

The newer capitol building is work
of art in itself. The building was constructed
in the French renaissance style of architecture
and was meant to show the wealth and power
of the state to all who bore witness. The elegant
dome which tops the capitol is the tallest in
the nation, surpassing every other state capitol
dome and even the federal capitol dome in
Washington DC. by several feet. Inside, the
walls and floors are covered in the finest marble
the state could get its hands on and the ceilings

are covered in fresco paintings and gold leaf.
Many of the structure's finest works are found
in the chambers of the House and Senate,
where stained glass ceilings and numerous
crystal chandeliers hang for all to see. Despite
strict security, tours of the building are given
daily every half hour and are free for the
general public.

These two magnificent and
historically valuable sites are some of the
greatest tourist attractions that state has to
offer outside of Chicago. This is not all this
surprising little city on the prairie has to offer,
however. The next issue of TechNews will
include look at the town’s numerous ties to the
16th President of the United States: Abraham
Lincoln, and the sites open to tourists which
commemorate that man’s significant impact on
the state.

 

Photos by Steven Milan Moreno