The highly-anticipated Fitbit Air doesn't officially hit store shelves until May 25th, but you can already score the minimalist wearable for FREE with this preorder deal from the Google Store. Simply trade in an eligible smartwatch on the website and the Fitbit Air will be yours, no strings attached.

So what's the catch? Well, in order to get the free device, you'll need to trade in a premium smartwatch like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra or a newer Apple Watch. Considering those wearables are way more powerful than the intentionally-simplistic Fitbit Air, it honestly doesn't make much sense to claim the full $100 trade-in discount just yet. 

Instead, the wise thing to do would be to trade in a cheaper smartwatch or fitness tracker for a lesser discount. Sending in the Fitbit Versa 3 will land you a $50 price drop, for instance, while band-style wearables like the Fitbit Charge 6 will give you $25 off your preorder. Pair that with a free $35 credit and you're looking at an impressive preorder deal on a fitness tracker that was already pretty cheap at launch. 

The first great Google Fitbit Air deal has arrived ahead of launch

I usually avoid hyperbole when writing about new tech, but it seems fair to say that the Google Fitbit Air might just be the future of fitness tracker technology. For starters, similar to the Whoop, the Google wearable doesn't have a screen. Unlike other manufacturers, who seem dedicated to packing AMOLED displays and expensive Gorilla Glass technology into every device they build, Google has taken the opposite approach, removing the screen altogether to deliver a fitness band that's sleek, minimalist, and most importantly, affordable.

Starting at just $99.99, all of the power of the Fitbit Air is invisible to the naked eye. The screenless fitness tracker offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring with SpO2 blood oxygen tracking, Sleep Score, a step counter, and more. Since the wearable lacks a display, you're getting passive data that you can check in the free Google Health App. This companion software works with both iOS and Android, and you can even pair the Fitbit Air with other smartwatches for added versatility. 

Sure, a screenless fitness tracker won't be for everyone, but if you want an affordable way to passively collect health and fitness data and you don't mind a low profile device, the Fitbit Air is going to be your new favorite device when it finally arrives on May 25th. 

• All of the best Android deals on the web today

What you need to know

• Google now sells replacement earbuds, eartips, and cases for Pixel Buds directly through its online store.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2 parts cost up to $95, while Pixel Buds 2a replacements are priced at $55 per component.
• Buyers can select left or right earbuds and check availability, though some parts are already out of stock.

If you've ever lost a Pixel Bud or noticed one earbud or the charging case acting up, you know how tedious it can be to get a replacement. Google is finally making that process easier by selling replacement earbuds, eartips, and charging cases for the Pixel Buds directly through its online store.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the Google Store now lists replacement parts for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a. That means if you misplace one earbud, drop it in water, or your case starts malfunctioning, you can now buy those specific parts directly from Google without having to go through support.

Previously, users had to go through a lengthy self-service repair process on Google's website to order replacement parts, which often took days and involved multiple steps. Now, you can simply go to the online store, choose the part you need, and buy it straight away.

For the Pixel Buds Pro 2, replacement earbuds cost $70, while the charging case costs $95. They're available in Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony, though the new Moonstone color is currently unavailable. For the Pixel Buds 2a, both the earbuds and case cost $55 each, while replacement eartips for both earbuds are priced at $20.

Replacement parts are now just a click away

Google notes that replacements may not always be available in all regions or at all times. At the time of writing, eartips for the Pixel Buds 2a are already out of stock. It's worth noting that at the time of purchasing, you can also specify whether you want the left or right earbud replaced.

This move aligns with Google's growing emphasis on repairability and sustainability across its product lineup. The company recently highlighted that the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch 4 are easier to repair than ever before and even hosted a repair education session at its New York store last week to promote the effort.

With the Pixel Buds 2a, Google has also made it possible to replace the charging case battery, something that wasn't possible with the previous generation Pixel Buds. And now, replacement parts are available for the rest of the earbuds too — though you might want to wait for Black Friday, where a full pair of Pixel Buds might cost nearly the same as these replacement parts.

What you need to know

• The online Google Store is finally coming to India, offering a direct-to-consumer option for Pixel products for the first time in the region.
• Customers in India can use perks like no-cost EMI payment plans, Instant Cashback, and discounts when buying directly from Google.
• Google is partnering with Cashify to run an exchange program in India where you can get credit for trading in an old device.

Google is bringing its official online store to customers in India starting today, the company announced in a blog post. The Google Store will now sell Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds directly to buyers in India after previously utilizing third-parties like Flipkart and Amazon for distribution. To celebrate, the company is offering enhanced deals and exchange programs until the end of June.

"With the official Google Store now live in India, buying directly from Google gets you the peace of mind that comes with an authentic product, along with flexible payment options and reliable service," Google writes in a blog post. "It’s also the best way to take advantage of launch offers and exclusive discounts available only on the Google Store."

India is a major market for the Google Pixel brand, and smartphones in general. According to International Data Corporation (IDC) research, the smartphone industry shipped 151 million units in India last year. That represented a 4% growth year-over-year, signaling that India is a booming and lucrative market for smartphone manufacturers.

As such, Google's push into India continues as it brings an official vector for buying Pixel products to customers in the country.

The announcement highlights the perks of buying directly from Google, like no-cost EMI payment plans and Instant Cashback when paying with certain credit cards. The company also offers limited-time Google Store discounts and enhanced credits when you swap your existing device. Google partnered with Cashify in India to make trade-in deals easy.

UPI payments are also supported on the Google Store in India, making quick and secure purchases possible. Plus, the company will price match your purchase within its return period.

"When you buy your Pixel directly from Google, you’re not just getting great value - you’re also getting the assurance that comes with it. Every device is 100% authentic and backed by Google Store," the blog post explains. "If you find a better price at a selected retail partner or on Google Store within the return period, you may be eligible for a partial refund from Pixel Price Promise to match the lower price."

You can shop online at the Google Store in India starting today.

What you need to know

• Google has leased a 7,000-square-foot location in Washington, D.C. that will become a Google Store later this year.
• It'll be the eighth Google Store in the U.S., and the first in the nation's capitol.
• There are three other Google Stores in the works, with a Santa Monica location set to open March 7.

Compared to Apple or Samsung, Google's retail footprint for its Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit devices is relatively small. While the company's products are available in a wide variety of third-party stores, there are only a handful of Google Store locations in the U.S. Google has been improving on that in recent years, and a report from CoStar , a real estate publication, says that the company's eighth store will be opening in Washington, D.C. this year.

The news comes from EastBanc, a commercial real estate developer that owns the approximately 7,000 square feet of space that Google picked for its next Google Store location. The store, which will be located at 3235 M St. NW in the Georgetown neighborhood of D.C., is part of a 10-year lease, according to the report.

There are currently five Google Stores open for business, and they're concentrated in New York and California. The company also operates stores in Massachusetts and Illinois, which opened in 2024. Google was on track to open two stores in 2025, with those locations being previously announced. Now, the Washington, D.C. store is set to be Google's third retail location in the pipeline. It could open three Google Stores this year, bringing its nationwide total to eight, assuming there are no hiccups.

Google Store locations give potential customers the opportunity to learn more about Google's hardware offerings, with some hands-on elements. The Google Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit brands are just a few that typically have a prominent place in a Google Store. The company also offers repair and support options, which are crucial if it wants to seriously compete with Samsung and Apple's expansive retail and support networks.

Aside from the newly-reported Washington, D.C. location, there are Google Store locations planned for Santa Monica, California and Austin, Texas. The retail spot in Santa Monica is set to open March 7, according to Google's website. Currently, all we know about the Austin store is that it'll be part of the Domain Northside retail hub, located at 11701 Domain Blvd.

Google is ramping up Google Store developments after opening the first one in Chelsea in 2021.

What you need to know

• Google will open a Google Store location in Austin, Texas.
• The Google Domain Northside retail store will become Google’s seventh U.S. location.
• It’ll be the company’s first retail expansion into Texas, which will mark the fifth U.S. state with a Google Store.

Google has been slowly but steadily increasing its retail footprint across the U.S. since Google Chelsea opened up in 2021. It announced two more Google Store locations in 2024, including Google Santa Monica, which hasn’t opened to the public yet. Now, the company has added a seventh location to its Google Store page — and it’s coming to Austin, Texas.

Not much information about the Texas retail store is known, as there aren’t even renders available at this point. However, as 9to5Google first spotted, it is set to arrive in Domain Northside in Austin, which is a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, office space, and more. The store’s address will be 11701 Domain Blvd, Austin, and all we know for sure is that it’s “coming soon.”

We’re still waiting on Google’s Santa Monica location to open, which was announced last year as Google’s second California location and sixth U.S. store. It joins the Mountain View, California store near Google’s own headquarters. Google opened stores in Massachusetts and Illinois in 2024, and looks poised to open at least two retail stores in 2025 as well.

Google Store retail locations are crucial to the company expanding its market share in the U.S., specifically through the Google Pixel device lineup. Its biggest competitors, Apple and Google, already have a significant amount of U.S. locations where customers can learn about their products, buy them, and get repair and service help.

Put simply, Google is behind in this area and its current pace of adding at least two stores per year — especially ones outside of New York and California — is a big step in the right direction. The Austin location, when open, will make Texas the fifth state to have a Google Store.

What you need to know

• Google's official Merchandise Store sells company-branded products, but also offers some fan-favorites from Chrome and Android. 
• The Google Merchandise Store suddenly dropped a 3-inch vinyl figurine of "The Bot," the latest iteration of Android's mascot.
• The collectible was available for $16, and it's sold out. But there are a few other cool merch items you can check out. 

Google's iconic mascot for Android has been around for what feels like forever, but the company recently overhauled its design, which now appears more three-dimensional. The latest iteration of this fan-favorite is known as "The Bot," and Google briefly let Android collectors purchase a 3-inch version of the mascot. 

But limited quantities of the collectible were available, and it's unsurprisingly sold out already. It's unknown when or if the official "Android Classic Collectible" will return. Previously, you could buy the older "Android Mini Collectible" version from the Dead Zebra website for $10. 

The official Android Classic Collectible popped up on Google's official Merchandise Store, which is where you can find company-branded products. They're often available in limited quantities, and such was the case with the Android Classic Collectible. It appeared as a 3-inch vinyl figurine with poseable arms and antenna, retailing for $16. 

Android fans rushed to purchase "The Bot," and the figurine sold out within just a few hours of going viral on social media. It came with a gift box covered in Android and "The Bot" branding. 

If you were itching to get your hands on official Android merch, all hope is not lost. For one, the Android Mini Collectible from Dead Zebra occasionally pops up online, especially at resale sites like eBay. However, people looking for Android merch on Google's Merchandise Store can still find shirts, mugs, water bottles, stickers, and more. Keep in mind that these products are also available in limited quantities, so act fast if you want them. 

If you've gotten the itch for a Google collectible figurine, there is still one available. It's the Chrome Dino Collectible Figurines set, which includes the dinosaur and some cacti from the classic Chrome mini-game. This one costs $30, and there are over 300 units available at the time of writing. 

For those who really want to go crazy, there's even an accessory pack that includes a scarf, beanie, and hot chocolate for $14. 

Going beyond the Android and Chrome brands, there's a lot you can explore on the Google Merchandise Store. There's everything from t-shirts to windbreakers and bikes. But if you were hoping to snag an Android Classic Collectible, you'll have to wait and hope for a restock. 

What you need to know

• Google is seemingly canceling preorders of its Pixel Fold placed through the Google Store.
• The cancellations may be due to a system error or problems with payment verification.
• Consumers across the U.S. and U.K. report the issue through their Reddit accounts.
• It seems Google is aware of the issue.

Google unveiled its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, at Google I/O last month. The much-awaited folding phone was soon up for preorder after the launch for consumers. Some of them, however, experience a delay in getting their order shipped, while others are having their orders canceled altogether.

There are reports that users are unexpectedly having their orders canceled. Several Reddit users (via r/GooglePixel) are among those that had their Pixel Fold preorders canceled, an issue that seems to affect users who have placed orders through the Google Store.

It seems the problem may be related to payment verification issues, but it's not clear if this is what's responsible for every canceled order. Some users contacted support and were eventually allowed to reorder instead of proceeding with the placed order.

Another Reddit user in the comments stated that Google was aware of the issue when they contacted support, suggesting it could be some sort of system error causing the cancellations. The solution provided to them was to reorder the device. Unfortunately for some, reordering only leads to yet another cancellation or their Fold delivery date moving even further into August.

The preorder issues of the Pixel Fold aren't just limited to U.S. users but also consumers across the U.K. Alongside the Pixel Fold preorder, another user had reported that a case ordered with the phone had also been canceled for reasons unknown.

With the Pixel Fold set to go on sale on June 27, interested consumers across the aforementioned regions are recommended to get their Pixel Fold devices either from the retail or through carriers, as no significant order issuers have so far been reported through those channels.

With any luck, Google can figure out the issue for buyers affected by these seemingly random cancellations.

•  Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

What you need to know

• The second physical Google Store is now open in Williamsburg.
• The first one opened doors last year in New York City.
• Google Store Williamsburg claims to be a one-of-a-kind 'neighborhood' store.
• It offers the best hands-on experiences across Google products and services.

Google has opened the doors to a new store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The search giant began accepting customers at its store on 134 N 6th Street starting today, June 16. It is the company's second physical retail store in the United States, the first of which opened last year in New York City. It claims to be a one-of-a-kind 'neighborhood' store that offers hands-on encounters with Google products and its services.

The original blog post described the experience customers could expect in the new retail store. Firstly, consumers would be greeted by an installation done by Olalekan Jeyifous, a Brooklyn-based artist whose work explores the relationships between architecture, community, and the environment by reimagining communal places. Secondly, consumers are welcomed with a help desk for products such as Pixel devices.

Google Store Williamsburg has large interactive displays that showcase its products to give consumers an idea of what they're getting into before making a purchase. This could mean getting college students to choose a Pixel 6 case for their Pixel phone. Likewise, users interested in signing up for Google Fi can explore its plans with the interactive displays.

The other highlights across the new Williamsburg store include picking up a product from the Grab & Go wall — it can be a Pixel phone or a Nest smart speaker. The company also lets users preorder items online and pick up the devices from the store hassle-free. Lastly, there are couches to relax on, which can help customers experience using a Google Product in a home-like setting. The area would further be used to conduct workshops or organize local events.

Regarding local events, Google notes that the new store would host neighborhood events to celebrate Brooklyn that may include guided walks to try out Pixel photography features using the Pixel 6, for instance. If you live nearby, it can be worth a while to experience the new store in Williamsburg.

What you need to know

• Google announced it will launch a second Google Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York.
• The street address is 134 N 6th Street, and it will open doors on June 16.
• Google describes it as the "first of our 'neighborhood stores,'" suggesting it plans to launch more retail locations soon.
• Like the Google Store in NYC, it will offer hands-on with products, Pixel phone repairs, and online order pickups.

Despite its massive tech footprint, Google only has one retail store for its products deep in downtown NYC. But that's about to change: Google unveiled its second location at Google I/O 2022 on Wednesday, set to open in mid-June in Brooklyn. And according to the company's recent announcement post, it's merely the first new store of many.

"The Google Store Williamsburg will be the first of our 'neighborhood stores,' offering similar hands-on experiences with our products and services as our flagship store, but in a more intimate setting that celebrates the unique neighborhood we’re in."

Like the Chelsea Google Store, the Williamsburg location will have a Here to Help support team of Google experts to answer questions, interactive product displays, and all of the Pixel, Nest, Fitbit, and other Google products to buy. 

Unlike the Chelsea store, it will have "local events to celebrate Brooklyn" like Pixel photography tours, taking advantage of the calmer neighborhood.

We're very curious to find out whether Google will bring its neighborhood store design to more cities in the future. 

When the Williamsburg Google Store opens on June 16, it may have the upcoming Pixel 6a and Pixel Buds Pro on display. Both products are due to ship on July 28, and Google SVP Rick Osterloh mentioned during the I/O Keynote that you'll be able to try out upcoming devices in person at their physical locations.

Google isn't the only company currently ramping up its retail efforts. The Meta Store recently opened in California, and Meta also suggested it would launch a chain of stores to show off products like the Oculus Quest 2.

What you need to know

• The Google Store is launching a new, simpler website that replaces busy menus with clear pictures and broader categories.
• Phones and watches are the first categories in the list, signaling that Google could be changing priorities away from the smart home and toward smart watches.
• The new design is now live in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan.

Google sells all of its own products at the aptly named Google Store, a website dedicated to all things Google. Google launched its first physical retail store last Summer and now it's revamping the way its web store looks, including brand new simplified product categories and an important reorganization to note.

Now live in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, the new Google Store features a simplified layout that features product categories instead of Google brands (via 9to5Google). That's a big move for Google, which previously broke the website down by Pixel, Nest, Stadia, Fitbit, and Pixelbook on the top heading.

The new design features the categories Phones, Watches, Smart Home, Gaming, Laptops, and Subscriptions up top, instead. You can see the difference between the new and old designs in the images below.

Dialing down into each section, you'll find much more visual representations of each product category and its listings. Previously, you'd have to do a whole lot of reading to find the product you want as each menu was a giant wall of text. Most curiously is the priority change in menu headings, which now puts phones and watches in front of other Google product categories like smart home, gaming, and laptops.

That change comes ahead of the Pixel Watch's expected announcement at Google I/O 2022 early next month, which is part of the latest round of rumors for the fabled Google-built watch. The Pixel Watch has been rumored for years but, as of the last calendar year, all leaks and rumors have pointed toward the same design, giving credence to the credibility of the leaks. We fully expect the Pixel Watch to trade blows with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 as the best Android smartwatch if it ever does come out.

What you need to know

• Google's birthday sale is now live in several countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom.
• Customers can get 20% off across a wide range of Google products.
• The sale is set to end at midnight on September 27.

Google is offering a discount of up to 20% on a number of its popular products — including the company's best Android phones as part of its birthday celebration in Europe.

Customers in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and a few other countries across the old continent can also unlock bigger discounts on the Pixel 4a, Nest Audio, and Chromecast devices by finding hidden codes throughout the Google Store.

To get 20% off products like the Pixel 5, Nest Hub Max, Pixel Buds-A series, Pixelbook Go, and the Stadia Controller, all you need to do is to enter the promo code "GOOGLEBDAY" at checkout. It is worth noting that not all Google products are eligible for the 20% discount.

Google isn't offering any discount on the Chromecast with Google TV, Nest Hello, Nest Camera Indoor, Fitbit Charge 5, and the Fitbit Charge 4 Tracker.

However, there is no limit on the number of products that you can purchase with the discount. This means you can save more if you add multiple products to your cart. But you'll have to act fast, as the sale is set to end at midnight on September 27.

While the U.S. Google Store isn't running a similar sale, Google did announce a promotion for customers in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan last week, giving them a chance to get a discount on the upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones.

Google Pixel 4a

While it lacks 5G connectivity, the Pixel 4a is still a great option if you're looking for a budget Android phone that offers zippy performance and takes great photos. It also has a compact body and delivers excellent battery life.

• £279 at Google Store

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Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.

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What you need to know

• Black Friday starts November 22 for the Google Store with discounts across the board.
• Notable discounts include $50 off for the Google Pixel 5 and 30% off for the Stadia Premiere Edition.
• Google Store also offers financing options and price match guarantees.

In addition to launching the new Barely Blue edition of the Google Pixel 4a, Google also showcased all their upcoming Black Friday deals for the Google Store.

Google is offering discounts for most of its catalog including best Android phones, smart home devices, and Google Stadia. Most deals will start on November 22, while some will start on November 25.

One of the most notable deals coming on November 22 is the Google Pixel 5 on sale for $649, which is $50 off the original price. Considering the Pixel 5's already reasonable price tag and relatively recent release date, a $50 discount is not bad at all.

On top of that, starting November 22, you'll have many affordable options to enter the Nest ecosystem. You'll be able to buy a 2-pack bundle of the Nest Audio for $169.98 (originally $199.98) as well as a Google Home Max for a stunning 50% discount. If you want a screen with that, the Nest Hub Max will also be $50 off, priced at only $179.

Then, starting November 25, you'll be able to join the Stadia experience at a pretty substantial 30% discount. For $69.99, you'll be able to buy the Stadia Premiere Edition, which includes a Google Chromecast Ultra as well as Stadia Controller. No matter what you think of Stadia, this is a pretty good deal.

November 25 also makes the affordable Nest Mini more affordable than ever before, discounted at $18.99 from its original $49 price tag. For home owners looking to upgrade your security system, you'll be able to get a killer deal on the Nest Hello. The doorball will be discounted at $179 with professional installation only being $49.

We're expecting a lot more deals like these throughout Black Friday, so make sure to stay tuned to Android Central for all the deals.

Google Pixel 5

The Pixel 5 may not be the cutting-edge of mobile technology, but it's a very balanced device with a fantastic camera and software experience. For $699, it's a very reasonable option for anyone in the market.

• $699 at Google Store

What you need to know

• Google is launching a month-long sales event for its online store.
• Today's deal offers buyers $20 off a pair of Nest Minis.
• New sales will be available every day.

When the Google Nest Twitter account teased "something special" for this Monday, we all thought it was going to be the launch of a new Nest device, maybe that Nest-branded Google Home successor that we've all been hearing about. As it turns out, Google was simply foreshadowing a month-long salesapalooza (is that even a word?).

Though it's definitely not as exciting as a new product launch would be, it's something. Every day for the next month, a new Daily Special will be made available on the Google Store. Today's offering is $20 off a Nest Mini twofer — and some free 2-day shipping to boot.

That shipping offer, by the way, extends to all products, and not just the Nest Minis. Since the initial tease came from the Google Nest account, it's unclear if the sales over the coming month will all relate to the Nest line or if Google's other first-party hardware will also get some love over the coming days. We certainly hope so!

What Nest Wifi combo should I buy?

What you need to know

• Google is celebrating its 21st birthday with a 21% discount at the European Google Store using code B-GOOGLE21.
• The only exclusions appear to be Stadia pre-orders, subscriptions like Nest Aware, and some restrictions in certain regions.
• The offer expires on September 27 at 23:59 BST.

It might be Google's 21st birthday but it looks like we're the ones getting the gift with 21% off at the Google Store. Unfortunately, this deal is only good for the European Google Store (sorry U.S. readers) and the offer ends on September 27.

Whether you were in the market for some new Google gear or doing some super early Christmas shopping, 21% off can add up to a pretty big discount. Using the B-GOOGLE21 coupon code effectively drops the Pixel 3a down to £315/€315 making it a great deal on a great phone.

The discount also drops the Nest Hub Max down to a tempting £173. That's a steal for Google's latest smart display with a 10-inch display and built-in camera. Even better is the smaller 7-inch Nest Hub with no camera that you can pick up for only £94/€102.

It appears the only real restrictions are Stadia pre-orders, subscriptions such as Nest Aware, and a couple of regions have been left out. For instance, Swiss shoppers aren't eligible and the discount isn't applicable for the Pixel 3a in France.

While it could be tempting to pick up a Pixel 3 or Pixelbook with the code, just remember, we are only a couple of weeks away from Google's new hardware event. On October 15, we're expecting to see the Pixel 4 smartphones and the new Pixelbook Go.

What you need to know

• Google has begun selling refurbished hardware through its store.
• The Pixelbook and Google Wifi 3-Pack are the first two and only products available for sale.
• All devices sold have been renewed and feature a 1-year warranty.

Google makes some great hardware, but it can also be a bit pricey and leave a sizable dent in your bank account. Most of the time if you want to save a few bucks, you'd be left waiting for a random sale for whatever device you're pining for.

However, Google now has a new way for you to get that tech you want without paying top dollar through its Certified Refurbished storefront.

Currently, the Pixelbook and Google Wifi 3-Pack are the only two available products. The Pixelbook is the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $749. That's not the cheapest this model has ever been available for, but at least you can pick it up right now. That's better than waiting on some sporadic sale that may or may not happen.

The Google Wifi 3-Pack for $179, on the other hand, is at one of the best prices we've ever seen for the mesh Wi-Fi system, which can cover homes up to 4500 square feet.

Buying refurbished electronics to save money is nothing new, but until now, Google hardware was only available refurbished from third parties. Buying refurbished directly from Google comes with a host of benefits.

First, Google says the "products undergo our rigorous quality control process to ensure each device lives up to Google standards." That includes inspecting the product, repairing, restoring, and cleaning the device to bring it back to "like-new" condition.

Next, the product goes through testing to "ensure everything works as it should." Finally, it is packed with "accessories that fit Google's standard." If that's not enough to ease your concerns of buying refurbished, each product also comes with a 1-year warranty.

Both devices are in limited quantities, so get them while you can. And buying directly from Google also means you can take advantage of its financing options, in case the price tag is still a little out of your budget.

Google Pixelbook review: Finally

The customer support for Google Pixel phones is rivaled by few in the smartphone industry, especially in regards to when something with your phone goes wrong. The 24/7 chat and telephone support lines available for Google Pixel phones are a lifesaver — and I should know! My Google Pixel bricked itself at 5 AM the morning of my twin's wedding, and a quick chat and call with support had a replacement Pixel on the way home to my apartment before I even left the venue.

That was a warranty replacement, however. If I'd simply dropped my Pixel on the crushed granite driveway, Google Support wouldn't have been able to help me. If that happens today, though, Google Store's nifty new repair center would.

Google Support has had mail-in repair/replacement for Google Pixel phones since 2016, and today that program is expanding into the Google Store's new Repair Center. If your phone breaks outside of warranty, you can open a new repair order and get an estimate for your repair. Once you ship in your phone, Google techs will examine your phone and confirm that the repair and repair costs match their estimate.

If it does match, they'll charge your credit card, repair your phone and ship it back. If your phone arrives and the damage is more extensive than described, or the repair costs are higher than originally quote, then the Google Store will contact you to go over whether repairs can and will proceed with an updated repair order at the higher cost. Once your phone is repaired, it's shipped home to you, usually 2 weeks or less from when you shipped it out.

It's worth noting that Google Store repairs are not the same as Google Support repairs. If your Pixel's problems seem to be under warranty, you'd still contact Google Support, and extended warranty holders would contact Preferred Care. Google Store's Repair Center is for phone repairs that you have to pay for. This new option is a welcome repair option, though some may still elect to visit a uBreakiFix instead if they don't have a spare phone to switch to for 7-10 business days.

Last year, trying to buy a Pixel or Pixel XL was something of a nightmare. Even months after the phones' release, it wasn't uncommon to see an "out of stock" message on the Google Store when trying to place an order for Android's latest and greatest. Certain models of the Pixel 2/2XL have still proven to be difficult to get this year as well, but Google recently refreshed stock so you can finally get your hands on the coveted Panda version of the 2 XL.

We aren't sure how long stock will last this time around before you're prompted to join a waitlist, but at least at the time of publication, this is what the current stock for the Pixel 2 and 2 XL looks like:

Pixel 2 (Unlocked)

• Just Black, 64GB – Ships immediately
• Just Black, 128GB – Ships immediately
• Clearly White, 64GB – Ships by November 27
• Clearly White, 128GB – Ships by November 20

Pixel 2 (Verizon)

• Just Black, 64GB – Ships immediately
• Just Black, 128GB – Ships immediately
• Clearly White, 128GB – Ships immediately

Pixel 2 XL (Unlocked)

• Just Black, 64GB – Ships immediately
• Just Black, 128GB – Ships immediately
• Black & White, 64GB – Ships in 3 - 4 weeks
• Black & White, 128GB – Ships in 3 - 4 weeks

Pixel 2 XL (Verizon)

• Just Black, 128GB – Ships by November 27
• Black & White, 64GB – Ships in 2 - 3 weeks

Your best chance of getting a Panda Pixel 2 XL ASAP is with a Verizon unit, but remember that the only thing that differentiates this model is the fact that there's a Verizon SIM included. In other words, you'll be able to use it on any other carrier of your choosing.

Also, the striking Kinda Blue option is still nowhere to be seen. It might not be as bright or vibrant as last year's Really Blue, but it sure is proving to be just as difficult to get.

See at Google Store

Update: Since this story gained traction, Google has posted to its help pages to say that it has identified and fixed many of the issues customers were having with the trade-in program. Customers are encouraged to contact support if they're having issues.

Leading up to the Pixel 2's announcement, Google launched a new trade-in program on its Google Store online storefront. Similar to other retailers and carriers, customers can choose to send in their current device to Google after receiving their new phone, and in doing so, get a certain amount of money back – helping to offset the cost of their new phone.

The Google Store allows you to send in a decent variety of phones, with last year's Pixel and Pixel XL offering the highest dollar amounts (up to $410 back for a 128GB Pixel XL). When buying a new Pixel 2, all you need to do is confirm you'd like to trade in your current phone, choose what brand and model it is, complete your purchase, and then send your phone to Google with the shipping kit that's sent to you.

The whole process is quite simple, but the experience that users have been reporting with it has been anything but.

What's happening

Since the launch of this trade-in program, customers have been voicing their complaints about a myriad of issues they've been having after actually sending their phone off to Google. Some users have reported that Google claimed their Pixels were "unknown devices", trade-in values have decreased by $100 for no clear reason, and plenty of complaints of Google saying devices weren't in the condition originally stated are plentiful.

On top of all these pre-existing issues, it's also being reported that Google is lowering trade-in values for phones because they weren't factory reset despite users saying that they were.

In one of the most troubling cases, Redditor Nirecue sent in a mint Pixel XL with 128GB of storage that they'd only had since September 6 with a case and screen protector on since owning it. The estimated trade-in value was $410, but they only received $162 because Google claims the device wasn't factory reset and the condition wasn't as it was reported.

Even if the device wasn't factory reset and wasn't in pristine condition, lowering the value by nearly $250 is insane.

Rough patches and bumps in the road are to be expected when launching a new service like this, but seeing as how there have been steady complaints for more than a month since Google launched this program, it's clear that some precautions should be taken should you take part in it.

For its part, Google later updated its help pages with a statement that it has fixed the issues so many people were having, including claims of phones not being factory reset and phones not being the correct models identified:

What you can do to protect yourself

It's no secret that Google's got a lot of kinks to work out for its trade-in program, but we don't blame you if you still want to give the program a shot – espeically if you own a 2016 Pixel and are looking to upgrade to this year's model.

If you do decide to go through with the trade-in, it's a good idea to record the entire process. Record yourself factory resetting the phone, showing off the condition that it's in, putting it in the packaging, everything. Customer service agents certainly aren't out to get you, but having ample proof to back up your claims will save for a lot of potential headaches if you happen to run into an issue like so many people are.

This is a good practice to follow when trading in a phone with any company, but we recommend it even more when doing so with the Google Store based on how many complaints have popped up in such a short amount of time. We'd expect Google to get a lot of these issues resolved in the near future, but for now, make sure you cover your bases as much as possible.

When Google announced the Pixel 2 on October 4, one of the biggest complaints that fans and customers had was with the company's decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack. Google is one of many companies making the push to Bluetooth and USB Type-C audio solutions, and in an effort to make the transition a bit smoother, Google includes a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter in the box with every Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Although adapters/dongles are never preferable, this is still appreciated on Google's part. However, as anyone that uses phones, laptops, or other gadgets that are really pushing the USB Type-C lifestyle knows, adapters can be very easy to lose.

As such, when the Pixel 2 was added to the Google Store for preorder, another item popped up as well – a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter that you could purchase in case you want an extra one or ever lose the included one with the Pixel 2. The price? Twenty freaking dollars.

Google's unnecessarily high pricing for the adapter was quickly met with a bit of justified outrage, and likely due to all of the backlash, the price has been dropped from $20 to just $9.

The new price is much more reasonable than what was previously being asked, and we can only hope that not too many people purchased one of these prior to the change.

See at Google Store

Late last month, Google introduced a trade-in program on the Google Store. Buying a new Pixel or Pixel 2 gives you the option to trade in your old phone to help offset the cost of your purchase, and with Google offering as much as $410 for a Pixel XL, it's one of the better programs of its kind.

However, shortly after its launch, some confusion surrounding the eligibility of the quoted trade-in prices arose. Earlier this week, Droid Life spotted some conflicting information from Google. Some customers reported that Google representatives told them they had a 30-day window after the quote was offered to trade-in their old phone, but the Made by Google Twitter account was saying that customers actually had 50 days to do this.

In other words, it was believed that you had 50 (or 30) days after getting the quote with your new phone purchase to send in your old device. That may not sound like a big deal at first, but with many Pixel 2 preorders not expected to ship out until some point in November, a lot of people started to get worried.

Thankfully, Google has updated its policy to eliminate a lot of potential stress.

Once your new phone is delivered, you'll have 30 days from that date to return your old phone to get the quote that Google offered when you initially made that purchase. This isn't the biggest change in the world, but it's a smart one that Google was right to make. Well done.

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are official, and last week Google quietly launched a trade-in program on the Google Store.

You can access the trade-in program by going to the Google Store, clicking on the Pixel or Pixel 2, and by going to the purchase page. Below the size, color, and storage options, you'll see a new Trade-In category. Upon clicking this, you'll be able to choose the manufacturer of the phone you're trading in, including Apple, Huawei, Motorola, Samsung, LG, and Google.

From here, selecting either the Pixel or Pixel XL will ask you for your device's storage configuration, if you bought it on Verizon or unlocked, if the phone turns on, and whether or not the screen works properly and doesn't have any cracks.

Assuming your phone turns on and the screen is working without any issues, you'll be able to get the following for your trade-in:

• Google Pixel 32GB — $350
• Google Pixel 128GB — $360
• Google Pixel XL 32GB – $400
• Google Pixel XL 128GB — $410

Although you could probably get more for your Pixel or Pixel XL by selling it through a site like eBay or Swappa, those are pretty fair prices considering that the Pixel and Pixel XL are nearing their first birthday.

If you don't have the Pixel or Pixel XL, the Google Store also allows you to trade in devices like the Galaxy S8/S8+, LG G6, Nexus 6P, iPhone 7/7 Plus, and more. Interestingly enough, the most you can get from a 256GB iPhone 7 Plus is still less than a 128GB Pixel XL at $388.

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL aren't cheap, so having this trade-in system on the Google Store should make upgrading to this year's handset considerably easier.

See at Google Store{.cta .shop}

The Google Store is offering a $75 credit for people who finance more than $750 total when they buy a Pixel or Pixel XL with its zero-interest financing plan. The offer runs until June 18, and runs in tandem with the ongoing promotion that offers a free case with every Pixel XL order.

The terms are a bit convoluted, though. You have to spend $750 on one order, and as long as you make two payments on time you'll receive a $75 credit towards the bill automatically. For the free case deal, that case also must be ordered at the same time as a Pixel XL.

Spending $750 on a Pixel XL is easy enough, but a standard Pixel order doesn't quite hit the mark unless you go with 128GB storage and get $99 device protection — or perhaps pick up an extra cable or case at the same time. Device protection is never a bad idea though, and Google's accessories, while pricey, are solid — so it's not too terrible of a proposition. (Chances are that any sales tax you're required to pay would go toward that $750 purchase threshold as well, but we'd check with Google Store support on that before making a purchase.)

Remember that since the $75 credit arrives after just a couple of billing cycles and comes in one payment, you could also theoretically just pay off your remaining balance after it has been applied. You don't have to keep that financing account open for the full 24-month term. Just some food for thought.

Newer phones have come and taken the spotlight, but the Pixel line remains one of the best Android phones you can buy. Getting one and saving $75 isn't horrible if you're been looking.

See at Google

Now that Google seems to have some Pixel XLs back in stock on the Google Store, it's running a limited-time promotion to hand out a free case with each purchase. If you go to buy a Pixel XL, you can just add one of Google's silicone cases in a variety of colors to your cart and see a $35 discount applied automatically. There's no specific end date on the deal, as it's simply listed "while supplies last" — but as we know, that may not be long when it comes to the Pixel XL.

The deal is only available for the Pixel XL, and only for the $35 silicone case — which is interesting, because it could easily get away with letting people pick up the cheaper $30 hard plastic case for free instead. But either way, we can't look this gift horse in the mouth. Perhaps the knowledge that the Pixel XL is in stock and you're getting a free case will be enough for people to buy,

See at Google Store

The Google Store is finally easing geographic restrictions and allowing customers to purchase products from other countries. The store's country selector page lets you browse products and get them delivered to that specific country, provided you have a valid address. For instance, I can now browse the U.S. Google Store from India and pick up the Daydream View or Chromecast Ultra and get them delivered to my family in the U.S.

If you're looking to send a gift to someone across the world or are using a forwarding service to purchase an item that isn't available in your country yet, the feature definitely comes in handy.

As noted by Android Police, you can use debit or credit cards issued in your own country to purchase products in another region, and track the package from your Google account. The move is definitely welcome, and brings the Google Store on par with the likes of Best Buy when it comes to international orders.

Hey all you last-minute shoppers! The Google Store is offering free expedited shipping on all orders, ensuring everything will arrive ahead of Christmas Day. But you'll have to act fast, as the delivery window closes December 21 at 3 p.m. ET, though you won't want to cut it too close to that deadline.

This is great news if you've got some people left to hit on your list, as Google's got some of the hottest tech available this holiday season. As always, a Google Chromecast makes a great gift for just about anyone, with the newer Chromecast Ultra an ideal gift for someone with a new 4K TV. If you're buying for someone with a Google Pixel, get a Daydream View and give the gift of VR. Get your loved one a Google Home and make them the envy of everyone on the block. Or be the greatest Santa of all time and put a Google Pixel under the tree.

Google's shipping page says you can get expedited shipping before Christmas for order placed before December 21 at 3 p.m. ET, but also includes a note about orders about shipments placed after 11am local time counting from the day after you place your order.

The Google Store is packed with a ton of great stuff, and it's your last chance to get your order order in before Christmas, so don't be left out in the cold!

See what's offered at the Google Store

The back to school shopping season is here, and the Google Store has now marked the occasion with a number of deals on Chromebooks, Chromecasts and more. Of particular interest are the deals on select Chromebooks, which include $30 off on both the Acer Chromebook R11 and the Acer Chromebook 14. For those keeping track, that drops the Chromebook R11 down to just $280, while the Chromebook 14 comes in at $270.

If an Android Wear watch is more your style, Google is also advertising a $50 price cut on both the Huawei Watch and the Huawei Watch Jewel and Elegant, bringing prices down to $350 and $450, respectively.

Lastly, you can pick up a Chromecast or Chromecast Audio for a $5 discount, bringing the price of each down to just $30. Google is also advertising a $100 drop on the price of the Nexus 6P, which is a continuation of a previous deal.

Are you planning to pick anything up from this back to school sale? Be sure to give the sale a look and let us know in the comments what you think!

See at the Google Store

If you're on the lookout for some good gifts for dad this Father's Day, Google has your back with some discounts on the Google Store. Most notably, Google is offering up the Nexus 6P at a $50 discount, bringing its starting price down to $450 for the 32GB version.

On the more modest side of things, the Google Store also has discounts on Google Cardboard, Chromecast and Chromecast Audio — offering each at a $5 discount. It's not much, but the discounts do bring the Chromecast duo down to $30, while Google Cardboard drops to a paltry $10.

If you're interested, you can check out these discounts, along with some other Father's Day suggestions courtesy of Google, at the link below.

See at Google

It looks like Google is ramping up its efforts to promote virtual reality with a new VR section on the Google Store. As you'd expect, the new section highlights VR viewers on sale at the Google Store, including Google Cardboard, Mattel's View-master and the Google Tech C1-Glass VR Viewer.

In addition to featuring buy links to buy various Cardboard-based VR viewers, the new section also highlights what VR is, how the viewers interact with your smartphone and a brief look at the types of VR content that are on offer.

At the moment, the VR section isn't included alongside the other shopping categories on the Google Store's top menu bar. However, it is advertised with a big banner on the store's home page. If you'd like to check out the new section, and maybe pick up a viewer or two, you can do so at the source link below.

Source: Google Store

If you're planning on snagging some holiday gifts from the Google Store, you can now get them just a little faster with free overnight shipping for a limited time. Google's online store for all things hardware is offering the perk through December 22, and it lines up nicely with the current $50 discount Google is offering on the Nexus 5X and 6P.

Whether you plan on ordering a new phone, a set of Chromecasts, or just some cases and cables, this will save you a few bucks at least. Sadly, this is only for U.S. customers, but you can check out everything on offer from the Google Store at the link below.

Get free overnight shipping on everything at the Google Store

Late last week, Google started a small back-to-school sale on the Google Store, offering up some decent deals on Chromebooks. Now, it looks like Google has thrown in another offer, giving anyone who buys two Chromecasts a savings of $15.

Overall, it's not a bad deal at all. The Chromecast is excellent at its job, and has held up incredibly well as a streaming stick since its debut two years ago. The Chromecast retails for $35, meaning that you can snag two for $55 with this sale. At that price, we think it's worth hooking up two of your TVs with some streaming love.

If you'd like to get in on this offer, you can hit up the link to the Google Store below to get started.

Purchase two Chromecasts and save $15 at the Google Store

The devices eligible for the offer are the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, or any Android Wear smartwatch.

Taking advantage of the offer is pretty simple: you simply purchase one of the above devices and then Google will email you a promo code that you can then apply to your Google Play account.

It is important to note the fine print on this offer, however. The deal runs through March 31, and you'll have to add the Google Play credit to your wallet by April 20 use it by September 1 or risk losing it. Additionally, the credit only applies to Google Play, and not the recently-launched Google Store through which you'll be purchasing your device. In any event, if this sounds like a good deal to you, feel free to hit up the source link below to get cracking.

Source: Google Store

Google's coupon and deals app, Google Offers, is getting a nice update today to modernize and improve the interface throughout the app. The new main screen of the app is separated into three tabs — Browse, Featured and My Offers — that can be navigated between simply with a slide. Each tab is scrollable, and the Featured tab will of course have the most content. Scroll down to the bottom and you can switch between offers displayed in your own location or a different city.

The new interface continues into the individual offers, which follow more of the modern "cards" UI that Google has been putting into many of its apps today. The offers are still information-rich, with details on the store, the coupon, and where the nearest store that accepts the coupon is. The latest update also lets you redeem offers without a network connection — something we're suprirsed wasn't included before.

Although it's a small update, it's an update nonetheless. Google Offers v1.3 has now been pushed to the Google Play Store and is ready for download. The change log for this release is rather small and only notes two overall changes:

• Discover thousands of new, high quality deals from local businesses. Check the “Browse” section of the app to see offers near you.
• Smoother app navigation

The first change, I assume means they added some new offer partners to the mix because the browse tab was there already. The smoother app navigation however, is nice to see because offers did tend to run a little laggy on all the devices I use it on.

If you're a Google Offers user, you can jump into the Google Play Store to grab the update or if you're looking to give it a go for the first time, the link below will take you to the install file.

Google has expanded their Google Offers service with 4 new cities and 11 new partners, bringing the totals to 30 deal partners in 40 cities. Users in Austin, Houston, Philadelphia, and Miami will now be able to get more daily deals via the Android app or through their inbox, and the partner sites will get even more exposure now that they have aligned themselves with the big G.

The new deal partners look to expand things with deals for just about everyone.  8Moms, APDailyDeals, AT&T Interactive, Boston.com, DailyDeals.com, DoubleTakeDeals, Half Off Depot, Morgan’s Deals, Savored, Signpost and Urban Dealight are the latest additions, and should offer a varied mix to fit just about every taste.

I know many of us are deal-watchers. I spend more time and money than I should searching them out, and no day trip to downtown DC is complete without seeing what I can save while out and about. Now we all have even more partners to look forward to in our daily emails. And that dinner at The Cajun Experience looks artery-cloggingly delicious. 

Source: Google Commerce

Google has released an official app for Google Offers, their location-based deal service. With the app, you can view, purchase and redeem deals right from your Android device.

When you open the app, you'll be shown the Featured deals of the day that are nearest to you, which is based on your GPS data. You can also slide to the right to access any offers you have purchased in the past. If you want to subscribe to other offers in other cities, simply go into the settings -> subscriptions and then select the area you wish to subscribe to.

There is a shortcut in the top right of the app to a barcode scanner in case you see a QR code that you wish to scan.

The biggest drawback is that while it's expanded to a slew of new cities, it's still fairly limited. To find out if you're city is included, visit the official Google Offers website.

Google Offers is available for free in the Android Market. We've got download links and our video walkthrough after the break.

Youtube link for mobile viewing