4 ways Apple can HIT BACK at Google after the Pixel reveal

By , on October 7, 2016
Last modified 7 years, 5 months ago

This week, Google finally revealed its much anticipated follow up to the Nexus: the Pixel phone.

The consensus seems to be that Google has built a genuine challenger to the iPhone. I mean, of course they have - they look exactly the same!

Some people, however, seem to think the Pixel is pointless. That the point of an Android phone is to be cheap, and that anyone who's spending £599 on a piece of metal to go in their pocket is going to spend it on Apple's hunk o' junk.

There's definitely an argument to be had there, but we think the Pixel is gorgeous, and finally offers stiff, big money, big profile, big spec, big everything competition to the iPhone.

Given all that then, how can Apple hit back? Here's how…

4. Make the battery better

iPhone 5S

Google's Pixel may not have the best battery life in the world - it's pretty much comparable with the iPhone 7, in fact - but it does, according to Google, charge 7 hours' worth of battery life in 15 minutes.

I know a few iPhone users who would love their phones to have that kind of speed while they're getting ready for a night out.

In response, Apple should give the iPhone 8 a proper battery and fast charging. Then we can all flick through Twitter to our heart's content.

3. Make a VR headset

Google Daydream

Google has seemingly designed the Pixel with VR in mind. Google Daydream is the company's new VR headset, which is cheap, light, and even moderately fashionable! And knowing Google, it will just be brilliant.

Apple is also brilliant - so why haven't we got an iVR headset yet?

2. Make iPhone 8 cheaper

iPhone 7

The Nexus series had been creeping up in price for a number of years now, and this has culminated in Google pricing the Pixel and Pixel XL at the exact price point as the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. To hit back, Apple could undercut the Pixel next year, and make the iPhone the new consumer friendly phone on the market. iOS is already easy to use - now let's make it easy to acquire!

1. For heaven's sake, put the headphone port back in!

iPhone 7

If you've been living under a rock on Mars with your eyes shut, fingers over your ears and cute little fluffy earmuffs over your fingers for the past few weeks, then you'll be surprised to hear Apple has removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone.

Instead, the company wants you to listen to music and podcasts through the lightning port. Yep, you'll have to buy a new pair of headphones (or use the crappy ones that come with the phone). It also means you can't charge your phone with your headphones in, unless you buy an adapter for another forty quid and deal with the extra bulk in your pocket.

Not that kind of bulk. Come on now. This is disgusting.

Google went on the offensive in their Pixel reveal trailer, highlighting how they have a 3.5mm jack right there at the top of the device.

So how can Apple hit back? Simple: put a proper headphone port back in!