Rumor mill: Google may not have much else to reveal at its upcoming Pixel event, given all the leaks and rumors around its highly anticipated phones. The latest rumor suggests the company will launch the devices alongside a 'Pixel Pass' subscription that combines hardware and software benefits for Pixel owners. For a monthly fee, subscribers will be put on a 'regular' phone upgrade path and given access to Google One, YouTube Premium, Play Pass and Google's Fi network. Pixel Pass, which also unlocks extended device warranty, could initially be available to US customers only.
'Pixel Pass' might soon add to the dizzying amount of subscriptions out there, this time bringing all of Google's services to owners of the upcoming Pixel 6. Google appears to have poured a lot of effort into its next flagship phone, including a custom SoC, completely overhauled Android experience, and a major redesign of the phone that certainly differentiates itself from the competition.
While the Pixel experience shines in some places and remains lackluster in others, Google is looking to address the concern with 'Pixel Pass' in an effort to keep users tied to its platform by bundling several of its hardware and software services in one package.
According to M. Brandon Lee from This is Tech Today, Google's subscription combines Apple's iPhone-like upgrade plan to keep them on the latest Pixel while giving them access to key first-party services, including Google One, Play Pass and YouTube Premium.
Pixel Pass: This appears to be a blend of the iPhone upgrade plan where you can get a new phone every year and the Apple One Subscription.
— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) October 10, 2021
Contains YouTube Premium, Google One, Play Pass, extended warranty, and is associated with Google Fi.#pixel6 #teampixel pic.twitter.com/iU7VTc16vS
Subscribers will also get network coverage from Google Fi, though getting a carrier-unlocked phone via the Google Store is also rumored to be an option. Moreover, an extended device warranty that comes with Pixel Pass will likely bring peace of mind to owners, should the hardware pack any build quality surprises this time around.
The tweets from M. Brandon Lee also reveal color options and propositions for the regular Pixel 6 and its Pro variant. The former is apparently a 'great value' device, rumored to cost $849, while Google's first 'pro-level' phone is expected to make the jump into four figures and cost $1,099.
