10 years ago today, Google launched the first Pixel smartphone and, at the time, teased it by saying we\u2019d still be talking about it years later. And, yeah, we still are, and this is a Google project that shows no signs of slowing down.<\/p>\n
9to5Google Weekender by Ben Schoon is a part of our free newsletter that also includes \u2018Inbox,\u2019 a twice-weekly roundup of key stories from around the web by Daniel Bader. Sign up here<\/a> to get Weekender delivered to your inbox every Sunday along with \u2018Inbox\u2019 on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find past issues here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Google has a bit of a reputation for churning through projects. If something isn\u2019t a hit, it either gets canned or converted into something else. And that\u2019s what many assumed would happen to Pixel, especially during the lean years in the middle of the series. While Pixel hit the ground running with great first impressions, missteps on the Pixel 2 XL\u2019s display, the Pixel 3 XL\u2019s funky bathtub notch, and the Pixel 4 series just, as a whole, left room for plenty of doubt.<\/p>\n Prior to the first Pixel\u2019s launch, Google\u2019s at-the-time head of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, said <\/a>that we\u2019d still \u201cbe talking about October 4, 2016.\u201d And, 10 years later, he wasn\u2019t wrong. <\/p>\n Google has stuck to its guns around Pixel, and perhaps expanded the project more than anyone might have thought. Investments like a mid-range lineup, Tensor <\/a>chips, and a whole ecosystem of accessories weren\u2019t really in the thought process a decade ago. Yet, here we are. <\/p>\n We\u2019ve revisited several of Google\u2019s Pixel devices this week and asked our readers what they think the best Pixel of all time is<\/a>. So far, Pixel 10 Pro XL is winning that poll. <\/p>\n Drop a comment below and let\u2019s talk. What was your first Pixel? Will you keep buying Google\u2019s phones? What do you think should come next?<\/p>\n This Week\u2019s Top Stories<\/p>\n Gemini 4 Argon is here<\/p>\n Google this week ended its drought in regards to flagship AI models with the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. The new model is rolling out gradually and makes big promises in terms of what it upgrades.<\/p>\n RIP Google Assistant<\/p>\n Right on schedule, Google has pulled the plug on Assistant for Android, going all-in on Gemini as a replacement.<\/p>\n Samsung opens the Android 17 floodgates<\/p>\n After some hiccups, Samsung is more widely rolling out Android 17 and One UI 9 to a host of Galaxy devices. The rollout has gone with for Galaxy S26 with more devices not too far behind.<\/p>\n More Top Stories<\/p>\n Pour one out for Android Central<\/p>\n In case you didn\u2019t know, one of our fellow Android sites, Android Central, effectively shut down earlier this week. The long-running publication\u2019s existing staffers were laid off and the future of the site is unclear at this point. Shruti, Derrek, Harish, Namarah, and Nick were all talented journalists and we wish them all the best in these dark times of the tech news industry.<\/p>\n From the rest of 9to5<\/p>\n 9to5Mac: \u2018HomePad\u2019 could launch in these four colors, per leaker<\/a><\/p>\n 9to5Toys: Amazon\u2019s new 2026 Kindles are now up for grabs with aluminum builds, redesigned displays, and a $35 page-turn remote<\/a><\/p>\n Electrek: Kia\u2019s new EV3 is just getting started after 500+ first-month sales<\/a><\/p>\n Follow Ben:\u00a0Twitter\/X<\/a>,\u00a0Threads<\/a>, Bluesky<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n