As the Google Ecosystem grows...

http://www.androidauthority.com/googles-pixel-phones-big-deal-everyone-720203/

So Google released two new phones, the Pixel and the Pixel XL and I see that some are already complaining about a few things missing, no wireless charging, no Micro SD slot, not waterproof et al... For those thinking this is a not a big deal are missing the point of this article. Two things to point out: 

First, this device release is about Google's shift to become more of a hardware company not just a software company, A big deal considering they just offloaded Motorola a few years ago and yet they are back rather quickly recognizing they need FULL control, not simply partner control of the hardware as well on their smartphones and other devices. The two devices are designed to set Google in that new direction. It's goal is not to deliver a device that is totally better than the competition but a device that competes well enough not to be drowned by the competition. 

Secondly, The push into to VR and the Home environment. So essentially in one word, Consolidation. Google enthusiasts should know by now the company's focus is WAY beyond a single market provider but the integration if markets, segments and more. Google's goal is not to deliver the best smartphone out there but to deliver the best smartphone that will provide the best functions in its vast and growing ecosystem. Much like what Amazon is doing with its Echo, and other devices. We forget that Google at its core is an information technology company. Google has not forgotten that. This entire ecosystem is designed to provide us more and more information in our daily lives, for better or worse, that is the ultimate goal of Google. One example, how do you push and promote Google Photos? Provide a device that takes outstanding pictures and then throw in free cloud storage. And Google wants us to remain connected via or devices to the cloud and each other. So when you look at things from that perspective, where does wireless charging fit into the order of importance? Probably not at the very top. Or why provide a Micro SD slot? Don't forget Google also has Project Fi connecting us all to Wifi so the information just keep on going as we all remain connected.

Consider this, Why Google Home? plugging you into the Google online information, and to make sure you get good connectivity, you use Google WiFi and don't forget Google Fiber, expected to hit more and more cities in the future that brings the internet faster to your door step. Why Chromecast Ultra? It will keep up the earth shaking popularity of YouTube and the new introduction of YouTube Music. Google again is focused on its ecosystem and the devices needed to allow us use the ecosystem to the max. 

At the end of the day, there are some of us who much prefer pure Android to any UI or other OS that is overlaid on it. So we are always happy to see that Google is still putting out its own devices, note that "Google Edition" devices are fewer and fewer nowadays (In fact are there any news ones?). Sorry I don't need a waterproof phone, in my over 10 years of owning cells phones, I doubt I have dropped a phone in a puddle of water more that 5 times. Wireless charging? I am doing just fine without it, I can wait. Micro SD slot? Why do I need one when the phone has 32 / 128 GB of storage, but I play most of my music from The cloud via Google Play or Sirius XM, AND I have the cloud to store and for back up pictures... I am just saying, I for one don't need a lot of that, but an outstanding camera, Google assistant working with Google Home devices, that has me very much intersted. The ONLY thing I think miss from Google devices is a stylus, I would use one a lot if my Nexus 6P has one. So hopefully that is in the works as Google apps now have handwriting recognition.

Now I just need to figure out if and and when, and of course, am I Quite Black or Really Blue? When I'll be paying all that money for a new smartphone... dang!

This is indeed a big deal.