Google Pixel launched

[irBosOtter]

Anybody waiting for the Orange store to stock these phones should know they have closed up shop in SA (received an email from them last night). Best bet now is Zeek or Cellucity

Now Zeek is the only option it seems

Dear Google fans,

It is unfortunate that we must pass on some bad news. Google will not be launching the Google Pixel in South Africa – or any country that does not have Google Assistant active.

Usually, this would not stop us from importing a device directly from alternative market but, in this case, Google are not able to supply us with European compliance certificates. Without this, there is no way to get ICASA approval for these devices.

In turn, without ICASA approval, we would fall foul of the law in importing and on-selling these devices.

As a company passionate about the latest technology, this is as frustrating for us we are sure it must be for you. Rest assured, we have not given up but until we get the relevant compliance certificates from Google, and ICASA approval, we will not be able to offer the Google Pixel range of phones.


Sincerely

Frankie
The Cellucity Online Guru

 

[corwill]

" It is unfortunate that we must pass on some bad news. Google will not be launching the Google Pixel in South Africa – or any country that does not have Google Assistant active. "...?
This to me is strange?
I have Google Assistant installed on my Note5. (Yes, it part of Google Allo.)
I installed it from Playstore and it's been updated a few times.
Google Assistant is working 100%
with no hiccups.
I even configured it, if i press my Home
button Assistant is launched automatically.

 

[Swa]

I don't get why it should have Google Assist installed. I prefer less junk and bloatware.

 

[Dave]

I don't get why it should have Google Assist installed. I prefer less junk and bloatware.

Google are always going to put all the google apps on their phones, it's how they make money...

 

[calypso]

I don't get why it should have Google Assist installed. I prefer less junk and bloatware.

Actually has far less default apps compared the the nexus range.

 

[Ecco]

And Zeek is currently sold out

 

[JacquesR]

Have now had mine - Silver XL, 32Gb - for a day (bought in the US via Play Store), as a replacement for a Galaxy S6 that was annoying me greatly thanks to its crappy battery life. So good to be back on the "Nexus" train - I had a N1, N4 and an N5, and swore to myself I'd never buy another Android other than something stock. But a OnePlus One, then a S6, led me astray. Good to be back. It's super-smooth and fast, and so far, the battery life is as per the reviews, with idle drain being pretty much insignificant, and me sitting at 60% after fiddling with it since 6am.

 

[Ecco]

Have now had mine - Silver XL, 32Gb - for a day (bought in the US via Play Store), as a replacement for a Galaxy S6 that was annoying me greatly thanks to its crappy battery life. So good to be back on the "Nexus" train - I had a N1, N4 and an N5, and swore to myself I'd never buy another Android other than something stock. But a OnePlus One, then a S6, led me astray. Good to be back. It's super-smooth and fast, and so far, the battery life is as per the reviews, with idle drain being pretty much insignificant, and me sitting at 60% after fiddling with it since 6am.

Lucky man. Which network are you using it on? Any issues with LTE?

 

[JacquesR]

Lucky man. Which network are you using it on? Any issues with LTE?

Vodacom - no issues with LTE, no (if I recall correctly, it's only Telkom's LTE band that isn't supported by the US version).

 

[Ecco]

Vodacom - no issues with LTE, no (if I recall correctly, it's only Telkom's LTE band that isn't supported by the US version).

Useful information.

Thank you

 

[Taahir92]

So Google Assistant works perfectly here in South Africa on the Google Pixel?

 

[IOPS]

So Google Assistant works perfectly here in South Africa on the Google Pixel?

Works fine on both my Pixel and Google Home.

 

[JacquesR]

So Google Assistant works perfectly here in South Africa on the Google Pixel?

Works fine for me, yes, though I'm not that impressed with it. At home I'll use Alexa exclusively - Google Assistant when driving, though.

 

[Taahir92]

Thanks gents, I'm gonna put my order in at Zook

 

[Maelly]

The Google Store was recently opened up to all countries (not local ZA store, but ability to buy from whichever the country's store via Web). I was just wondering whether anyone has tried buying something from there and so they really ship to ZA? I just noticed that they are running some nice specials (see screenshot) on the USA store.

 

[Dave]

The Google Store was recently opened up to all countries (not local ZA store, but ability to buy from whichever the country's store via Web). I was just wondering whether anyone has tried buying something from there and so they really ship to ZA? I just noticed that they are running some nice specials (see screenshot) on the USA store.

UK Price has just dropped to £399 for the 32GB Pixel, that's only $520 at today's exchange rate.

Price is dropping as the new Pixel is expected soon.

 

[calypso]

The Google Store was recently opened up to all countries (not local ZA store, but ability to buy from whichever the country's store via Web). I was just wondering whether anyone has tried buying something from there and so they really ship to ZA? I just noticed that they are running some nice specials (see screenshot) on the USA store.

Going through the store it appears that they won't ship to SA. You can always use a freight forwarder though. Previously Google required you to pay with an American registered credit card. Not sure if this is still the case.