Is pixel pass worth it

Author: q | 2025-04-24

I'm buying out my pixel 5a pass for $200 and trading it in on the Google store for $350. Seems worth it. Not sure pixel pass is actually worth continuing.

Are the pixel pass weapons worth it?

In October 2021, Google launched a new Pixel Pass subscription program alongside the Pixel 6 series of phones that promised three things for one monthly payment ($45 for a Pixel 6 or $55 for a 6 Pro): “Google’s best mobile services, device protection, and regular device upgrades.”However, on Tuesday, Google emailed Pixel Pass customers to say: “We are writing to you to inform you that starting today, we are no longer offering new Pixel Pass subscriptions or renewals.”They’re not losing out on special paid-for privileges (the fee covered the cost of the phone and a discounted rate for the bundled services over its two-year timeframe). Still, disappointed customers in the Google Pixel subreddit mention things like losing a grandfathered-in lower rate from Google Play Music to join the Play Pass and losing access to bundled services they’d enjoyed as a part of the package.Snagging a Pixel 6 subscription package in 2021 was supposed to set up a no-brainer upgrade process two years later, and now that option is considerably murkier for loyal Pixel customers, just as Google starts touting the new Pixel 8 lineup launch on October 4th.The advertised “regular device upgrades” will never happen for anyone as part of Pixel Pass, even customers who battled Google’s servers to order a Pixel 6 the moment they became available (it’s me; I’m one of those people) because there’s still more than a month to go before the very first customers in would cross the two-year mark and be eligible to upgrade. It’s not surprising that Google added Pixel Pass to its ever-growing graveyard of canceled products and services, but the timing of the news is incredible.The Pixel Pass offer stuck around through the launch of last year’s Pixel 7 series, but by May of this year, its Twitter account told a potential Pixel Fold owner that the package would not be available for that device, using language echoed in the explanation given to current subscribers this week.@madebygoogle, on May 17th, 2023:Hi Chris, we are not offering Pixel Pass for Pixel Fold. There is no impact on current subscribers. We are focused on offering the best value of our hardware product while giving users the flexibility to purchase their favorite services. Hope this info helps. ^MarkHere’s what Google’s new FAQ says as of August 29th, 2023:Why is Pixel Pass being discontinued?We offer the best value of our hardware products and give users The flexibility to purchase their favorite services. We continue to evaluate offers based on customer feedback and provide different ways for them to access the best of Google.In the FAQ, Google argues that, actually, “you can still upgrade your Pixel device after 24 months,” with 0 percent APR financing available through either Google Fi or the Google Store and the same partner used for Pixel Pass, Synchrony Bank. You just can’t do it and maintain the Pixel Pass package once that expires.That’s also why, according to the FAQ, Google isn’t offering a refund:Refunds aren’t issued because we’re committed to fulfilling our promise for the full 2 year term on the Pixel Pass subscription. However, a $100 loyalty reward credit is issued to all active subscribers. Subscribers, who subscribed through Google Store receive $100 Google Store credit to their account which can be used towards any Google Store purchase. Subscribers, who subscribed through Google Fi Wireless receive a $100 coupon code which can be used towards a Pixel device purchase on Google Fi WirelessA $100 credit isn’t exactly nothing, but it still stings since it’s only accessible by signing up for another go-round with the company that ran 22 months off the two-year clock before suddenly altering the deal.

Is the Google Pixel Pass worth it? - GameRevolution

Frequency sample = pixel[x] + pixel[x+1]two inputs, is the '2' part of 2-6 Wavelet.For high frequency it can be as simple as the difference of the same two pixels:high frequency sample = pixel[x] - pixel[x+1]this would be a 2-2 Wavelet, also called a HAAR wavelet.For a 2-6 wavelet this math is for the high frequency:high frequency sample = pixel[x] - pixel[x+1] + (-pixel[x-2] - pixel[x-1] + pixel[x+2] + pixel[x+3])/8i.e 6 inputs for the high frequency, the '6' part of 2-6 Wavelet.The math doesn't get much more complex than that.To wavelet compress a monochrome frame (color can be compressed as separate monochrome channels), we start with a 2D array of pixels (a.k.a image.)If you store data with low frequencies (low pass) on the left and the high frequencies (high pass) on the right you get the image below. A low pass image is basically the average, and high pass image is like an edge enhance.You repeat the same operation vertically using the previous output as the input image.Resulting in a 1 level 2D wavelet:For a two level wavelet, you repeat the same horizontal and vertical wavelet operations of the top left quadrant to provide:Repeating again for the third level.QuantizationAll that grey is easy to compress. The reason there is very little information seen in these high frequency regions of the image (generated from WaveletDemo) is the high frequency data has been quantized. The human eye is not very good at seeing subtle changes in high frequency regions, so this is exploited by scaling the high-frequency samples before they are stored:high frequency sample = (wavelet output) / quantizerEntropy CodingAfter the wavelet and quantization stages, you have the same number of samples as the original source. The compression is achieved as the samples are no longer evenly distributed (after wavelet and quantization.) There are many many zeros and ones, than higher values, so we can store all these values more efficiently, often up to 10 times more so.Run lengthThe output of the quantization stage has a lot of zeros, and many in a row. Additional compression is achieved by counting runs of zeros, and storing them like: a "z15" for 15 zeros, rather than "0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0"Variable length codingAfter all previous steps the high frequency samples are stored with a variable length coding scheme. In CineForm classic Huffman coding is used. Again a lot of theory is turned into a table which maps sample values to codewords with differing bit lengths -- not a lot of complexity.The lack of complexity is what makes CineForm fast.To DecodeReverse all the steps.CineForm implementationWhile I showed that the steps involved are fairly simple, and much can be modeled in only 800 lines of source code (WavetletDemo), the CineForm SDK is currently over 160k lines of code. There are many paths through the CineForm codec that where hand-optimized, each path for different source pixel format -- back in 2003 realtime encoding of 1920x1080 was bleeding edge. There are also older bitstream formats supported by the SDK, even a 3D wavelet. I'm buying out my pixel 5a pass for $200 and trading it in on the Google store for $350. Seems worth it. Not sure pixel pass is actually worth continuing.

Is this season’s regular pixel pass worth it or not?

Letdown this time around: Real Tone. This is Google's image processing algorithm that's supposed to capture more accurate skin tones for people of color. I lauded it when it first landed on the Pixel 6, but I've noticed on the Pixel 8A—where it's supposed to now work in videos—my brown skin tone is a little lighter.I captured footage of my brother with the Pixel 8A and the Galaxy A35, and both my brother and mom say the A35's video clips rendered a more accurate skin tone, even if it was still a bit aggressive in saturation. This was not the case when I snapped some pics of my wife though, who is Chinese—her skin tones on the Pixel 8A were much more accurate than those from the A35.Despite this, it's hard to not be happy with the camera results of the Pixel 8A. Heck, the whole package remains the best value in a smartphone. That said, it's worth keeping an eye on sales. The flagship Pixel 8 has dipped as low as $499 before, and if that's the case again, it's worth snagging it instead.However, Google's phones frequently go on sale, and if the Pixel 7A is any indicator, expect the Pixel 8A to periodically drop to around $450, then around $375 in a few months. It's a killer deal at those prices—if you can wait. So, you‘ve just unboxed your brand new Google Pixel phone. As you marvel at the sleek design, powerful camera, and pure Android experience, a worrying thought crosses your mind: "What if I drop it? What if something goes wrong?" Enter Google Pixel Preferred Care – Google‘s extended warranty program designed to protect your Pixel from life‘s mishaps. But is it actually worth the extra cost? Let‘s dive deep into the details so you can make an informed decision.What Does Google Pixel Preferred Care Cover?Preferred Care is an optional add-on warranty that extends and enhances the coverage provided by Google‘s standard limited warranty. Here‘s a breakdown of what‘s included:CoveragePreferred CareStandard WarrantyDefects in materials and workmanship2 years1 yearAccidental damage from drops and spills2 years (with deductible)Not coveredPixel battery replacements2 years1 year24/7 priority access to Google expertsIncludedNot includedRepairs with genuine Google parts at authorized centersIncludedVariesAs you can see, the key benefit of Preferred Care is the accidental damage protection. If you crack your screen, drown your Pixel in the toilet, or encounter any other clumsy calamity, Google will repair or replace your phone for a deductible fee.Speaking of fees, here are the current Preferred Care prices and deductibles as of June 2023:Pixel ModelPreferred Care PriceAccidental Damage DeductiblePixel 7$149$129Pixel 7 Pro$199$149Pixel 6a$129$99It‘s worth noting that Google increased the prices significantly from the Pixel 6 series, which had Preferred Care at $99 and $149 respectively. The deductibles have stayed the same though.How Does Pixel Preferred Care Compare to Alternatives?Of course, Google isn‘t the only one

Google Pixel Pass: What is it and is it worth the money?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL include Super Res Zoom Video. This feature reaches 30x while recording a video. However, it uses Google's servers to handle the heavy lifting, so using it isn't as simple as regular video recording. We show you how to use Super Res Zoom Video and explain how to make the most of this feature. Super Res Zoom Video is only available on the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL as they include a telephoto camera. While Super Res Zoom isn't available on the Pixel 9, you can use its unique and impressive features across all three phones in the Pixel 9 lineup. Read our review Before you can use Super Res Zoom Video, you must activate Video Boost on your Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have identical cameras. Everything detailed in this article is available on both phones, even if one is not mentioned. Open the Pixel Camera app. Tap the Video mode button at the bottom of your screen. Tap Video Settings. Tap the rightmost button next to the Video Boost heading. Video Boost remains active until you turn it off. Turn it off when you aren't using it to avoid wasting your mobile data and storage space. After turning on Video Boost, you're ready to record a video with Super Res Zoom Video. Open the Pixel Camera app. Tap the Video button at the bottom of your screen. Drag the zoom slider to zoom in. Start recording your video. Super Res Zoom Video automatically kicks in when you pass the 10x optical zoom threshold. When you finish recording your video, your Pixel uploads the video to Google's servers for post-processing. You can view the final video on your Pixel

Pixel Pass. Is it worth it? : r/GooglePixel - Reddit

More.A feature we're still in the dark about is stylus support – Google's current foldables still don't have it, in contrast to Samsung and its Galaxy Fold, among other competitors. No rumors to suggest stylus support is coming, and we're skeptical that Google doesn't consider it a necessity, so don't hold your breath on that.HardwareGoogle Pixel 10 Pro Fold specs*:Processor: Google Tensor G5 RAM: 16 GBBattery: 4,650 mAhCharging: 21W wired, 7.5 wirelessStorage: 256GB, 512GB (non-expandable)Camera setup: 48 MP main, 10.5 MP ultrawide, 10.8 MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10 MP selfie (outer display), 10 MP selfie (folding display)Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC*speculative specsOur speculations for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold are currently largely based on what its predecessor is packing. The only notable difference we expect would be the processor, as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is going to feature a yet-unannounced Google Tensor G5.Recent leaks regarding the G5 suggest a minor increase in performance, and similarly underwhelming, but present increase in AI processing in particular, which as we know, is the hot new thing nowadays.Should you wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?You should wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold if you're either a folding phone enthusiast or someone looking to get into this exciting form factor for the first time, and have a hard time picking a phone to upgrade to, or start with right now. Sure, the Galaxy Z Fold is tall and narrow, while the other foldable options are largely from Chinese brands that are either hard to get a hold of, or without the brand trust and support you may want – in that case, it's worth waiting to see what the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be all about. But don't expect any major differences from the 9 Pro Fold… which brings us to…You should not wait for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold if you're already set on getting the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We have no reasons to believe that the 10 Pro Fold will offer that much more, enough to be worth the wait, so pulling the trigger on. I'm buying out my pixel 5a pass for $200 and trading it in on the Google store for $350. Seems worth it. Not sure pixel pass is actually worth continuing.

Is pixel pass worth it? : r/PixelGun - Reddit

Pass; the SG Tourist Pass can only be purchased at Cheers outlets located in the airport.3. Offers unlimited ridesThe defining feature of the Singapore Tourist Pass is that it offers unlimited rides on MRT, LRT, and buses across Singapore (with a few exceptions - see below). Normal EZ Link cards can never have this unlimited rides feature added.Unlimited rides includes all MRT journeys, all LRT journeys, and most bus journeys in Singapore. Notable exceptions are the Sentosa Express, the RWS buses, and express buses (marked with an e after their route - express buses typically only run during peak hours).A typical public transport journey in Singapore costs between S$1.10 and S$2.00 depending on distance travelled. If you take half a dozen of these in a single day then you might find the Singapore Tourist Pass unlimited rides feature to be worth it.Unlimited rides might not be worth it depending on how far you plan to travel over 2 or 3 consecutive days (I’ve never found the 1-Day pass to be worth it). Check out my guide here for more detail about how much travel you have to do to make the Singapore Tourist Pass worth it: reachingsingapore.com/is-stp-worth-it4. Cannot be used on the Sentosa ExpressThe Singapore Tourist Pass does not include rides on the Sentosa Express, while EZ Link cards are valid for use on the Sentosa Express.Connecting the HarbourFront station with Sentosa island, the Sentosa Express is Singapore’s only monorail. It costs S$4 for the short ride on the monorail.The Sentosa Express accepts the following payment methods: EZ Link Visa or MasterCard American ExpressThese cards can be tapped on readers at the station entrance to ride the monorail. Tickets can also be purchased online.Notably, Singapore Tourist Pass is not accepted as a payment method.If you add value to your Singapore