Can You Trust Google?

Google's recent fall event unveiled a significant commitment to supporting the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with seven years of OS security and feature drop updates. This long-term support is a game-changer in the Android smartphone world, setting new industry standards and earning applause. However, this impressive promise from Google raises questions about the company's track record of discontinuing products and services that have a substantial user base or dependency.

The dilemma lies in the fact that while relying on a large and established company like Google seems more dependable, they also have a history of discontinuing services and projects seemingly on a whim. Small startups might pose risks due to their uncertain future, but giants like Google can abruptly abandon products, leaving users in the lurch. Google's approach is often summed up by the notion that if a new project doesn't garner a billion users or generate a billion dollars, it's at risk of being axed. This practice has resulted in the termination of various services, from Google Domains to Google Jamboard, Google Podcasts, and Pixel Pass.

Google's approach to discontinuing products can vary in terms of providing alternatives or support for affected users. In some cases, like Google Play Music, a transition to a replacement service, such as YouTube Music, was relatively smooth, allowing users to transfer their libraries. However, the transition is not always seamless. Google Jamboard, used by diverse groups like sports teams, faced discontinuation without a clear alternative. Google Stadia, a gaming service, was discontinued after a short lifespan, though users received refunds for purchased games.

One of the most recent and surprising terminations was Pixel Pass, a subscription plan bundled with the Pixel 6. This service promised a new Pixel phone every two years, alongside other Google services. However, Google abruptly ended the program 22 months after its launch, just before the first scheduled phone upgrade, leaving subscribers without alternatives.

This practice erodes trust in Google's offerings. Users become skeptical of committing to new Google services or products, fearing they may face abrupt discontinuation. It discourages users from exploring options like Google Fi, despite potential benefits.

While Google's promise of seven years of software updates for the Pixel is ambitious and beneficial, it is also met with skepticism due to Google's history of breaking promises. The tech world evolves rapidly, and ensuring long-term support is challenging.

Moreover, the tech industry is witnessing a trend of new announcements that include features coming at a later date. This approach, where devices are released without certain features available at launch, is reminiscent of the gaming industry's early access model. Apple has also adopted this approach, announcing features that will be available through future updates. While this trend poses challenges for reviewers and users, the ultimate advice remains to base tech purchases on the product's current capabilities, not solely on the promise of future updates. Future features, when delivered, should be considered a bonus rather than the primary reason for buying a device.

Moreover, the tech industry is witnessing a trend of new announcements that include features coming at a later date. This approach, where devices are released without certain features available at launch, is reminiscent of the gaming industry's early access model. Apple has also adopted this approach, announcing features that will be available through future updates. While this trend poses challenges for reviewers and users, the ultimate advice remains to base tech purchases on the product's current capabilities, not solely on the promise of future updates. Future features, when delivered, should be considered a bonus rather than the primary reason for buying a device.