Google is asking YouTubers to use their Pixel 3 XL notch-hating videos

by Georgi Zarkov / Sep 07, 2018, 8:15 AM

Google is asking YouTubers to use their Pixel 3 XL notch-hating videos

The infamous notch, seen here on the device Rozetked.me got

The Google Pixel XL 3 is easily one of the most leaked smartphones. The announcement of Google’s new phones is officially scheduled for October 9th, but we’ve already seen an unboxing, camera samples and even a full review of the larger model. Or have we? The leaks were so good, that some people started questioning if that’s not some next level trolling on behalf of Google. The reason for it? The giant notch on top of the phone’s display. The notch was ridiculed by pretty much everyone that laid eyes on it and was like gasoline to the leaks’ fire.

Now, there’s new development that further messes with our heads. According to Jon Prosser, the guy making videos for the “front page tech” channel, Google has contacted him and other YouTubers, asking for permission to use parts of videos they’ve made about the Pixel XL 3. That’s as much as he’s allowed to say, according to the arrangement he has with Google. Not much more is needed, however, considering how one-sided the opinions about the XL 3 and its notch were. It appears that Google wants to make a highlight reel of strong reactions that it will likely show during the event on October 9th.

Obviously, some skeptics might think he said it to get views, but in about a month there either will be a video like that or not, and we don’t think he’d risk his channel’s reputation for some quick gains. You can judge for yourselves by watching the video below (the interesting part starts at 3:00):

Let's assume Google did get those clips. That gives power to the theory that the leaks we’ve seen are not showing the real Pixel XL 3 and Google is planning to show how much people hated that design, only to release something completely different (well, as different as smartphone design allows these days). On the other hand, it could be just another way to make us talk about its upcoming devices (which is obviously happening). But does Google have any interest in getting our hopes up, only to later release the device everyone made fun of? Not really.

If there’s a company that has the resources to pull a stunt like that, it’s Google, and seeing it play out successfully will be amazing. However, the sceptics in us would rather keep our expectations low and we’re already preparing to accept Google’s ugly duckling (which could have been the goal all along!). One thing is certain, October can’t come fast enough.

source: front page tech via BGR

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27 Comments

1. pokharkarsaga

Posts: 547; Member since: Feb 23, 2012

I'm fine with notch.If only it could have telephoto lens or oversampling thing like Nokia 808,it could be much better.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 8:21 AM 4

2. GreenMan

Posts: 2697; Member since: Nov 09, 2015

Now, look what you've done, PhoneArena. Now I'm excited about The upcoming Pixel 3 XL. This news got me all dreamy and filled my little thump-thump with hope. A hope that says that notch days are almost over... And I don't like it when my dreams get crushed... My old worn out little heart can only take so much. Now I'm waiting for October 9th. The day we shall remember as the annihilation of the notch. Who cares about September 12th, eh? G'Day!

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 8:33 AM 21

22. BLUEBLASTER

Posts: 926; Member since: Feb 23, 2014

We can only hope so but for now its the Pixel 3 and not the XL that will be the best seller.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 12:22 PM 1

3. alias3800

Posts: 61; Member since: Jul 09, 2014

So excited for that damn notch to be fake. So much excite.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 8:51 AM 11

4. alias3800

Posts: 61; Member since: Jul 09, 2014

So excited for that damn notch to be fake. So much excite.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 8:51 AM 3

5. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2340; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

It’s only one Youtuber that was supposedly asked. I think the title should be fixed instead of saying Youtubers (which implies multiple).

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 9:18 AM 3

10. applesnapple93

Posts: 302; Member since: Jan 06, 2016

read the original article. The youtuber claims that other youtubers were contacted. He's just the only one that spoke

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:09 AM 2

19. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2340; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

Yet he never presented a screenshot of said email. He could’ve done so and blurred the person sending it but show us that it was an official Google email address. He also claims other Youtubers “big ones” but won’t tell us the names. Yeah totally sounds believable. I have all this info. TRUST ME GUYS ITS REAL. I just can’t tell you who told me!

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 11:52 AM 0

20. ssallen

Posts: 174; Member since: Oct 06, 2017

**IF** Google is playing the long game and this has been hoax devices. I'm sure he is under some NDA or at least at risk of losing further Google promotional access. Of course, it could just be a big play to get views but the YoutTuber would ultimately have the most to lose if its just a grift.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 12:20 PM 2

25. NarutoKage14

Posts: 1318; Member since: Aug 31, 2016

We know that flagship phones usually get several different prototype models made for testing purposes. This could simply be one of the various models. Now that Google has seen the dislike for the notch they have the opportunity to choose another model for the commercial release.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 6:11 PM 1

6. TMHKR

Posts: 202; Member since: Dec 08, 2012

Notch or not, the phone will probably have a plethora of hardware issues, like every other Google phone before.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 9:19 AM 4

21. ssallen

Posts: 174; Member since: Oct 06, 2017

Just like the iPhone. Batteries bursting the cases during shipping, cold weather rendering the touchscreen unresponsive, the list goes on and on....

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 12:21 PM 4

7. KickRocks

Posts: 270; Member since: Mar 22, 2011

Man, I just don't know what to believe. This does give me a gimmer of hope though.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 9:32 AM 3

8. Sammy_DEVIL737

Posts: 1529; Member since: Nov 28, 2016

Lol that will be massive troll from Google.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 9:50 AM 3

9. Sakeem

Posts: 857; Member since: Sep 05, 2012

I have a feeling that the troll job will end up being that the Pixel 3XL leaks were real.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:08 AM 1

11. surethom

Posts: 1662; Member since: Mar 04, 2009

The notch is not the think that is stopping me getting the Pixel 3 xl or even the Pixel 3, its the single camera, it needs a second telescopic camera.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:25 AM 1

12. rsiders

Posts: 1934; Member since: Nov 17, 2011

This would be like a reverse Lenovo if Google actually pulled this off.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:28 AM 3

13. Back_from_beyond

Posts: 1377; Member since: Sep 04, 2015

If this was a troll job by Google, then bravo Google, you fooled everyone. If however it does turn out to be the actual design, fire your entire design department, tell them to go work in a nursing home so they can be productive members of society.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:35 AM 7

14. G1dream

Posts: 5; Member since: Oct 20, 2014

I would expect something better for a 10 year anniversary device than this leaked device.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:38 AM 2

15. Calvein

Posts: 5; Member since: Jun 22, 2017

Don't Forget Pixel Ultra.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:51 AM 0

16. xq10xa

Posts: 808; Member since: Dec 07, 2010

This phone is going to bomb.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 11:31 AM 0

17. cmdacos

Posts: 4099; Member since: Nov 01, 2016

Not that I would buy a barebones android experience but would find it hilarious if Google was trolling with these ugly unibrowed lazy designed phones. Not holding my breath though.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 11:35 AM 1

18. ShadowWarrior

Posts: 165; Member since: Aug 08, 2017

Stop dreaming. The leaks will be correct like they always have been.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 11:37 AM 1

23. Rigmaster

Posts: 234; Member since: Jan 22, 2018

If there isn't going to be a notch, then the real blunder is waiting until after all the iHype and the new iPhones are released, right?

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 1:32 PM 0

24. luis.aag90

Posts: 272; Member since: Aug 12, 2014

So there's still hope of no notch, huh?

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 3:13 PM 0

26. Cingano

Posts: 14; Member since: Aug 20, 2018

If the goal is to be the iPhone replacement or iPhone killer. It makes perfect sense, knowing apples next phones are all notched, to do a fake leak of an exaggerated notch, get videos of people "the kids" care about bashing notches in general. Then release a video saying hey we actually listen and give you what you want. Listening to customers has worked with Samsung, and following apple on no headphone jack cost them reputation on the pixel 2. If this rumor of a notchless pixel 3 xl is true, I might buy one. If it isn't Google will have to work hard to earn my respect. And while normally that doesn't matter I sell lots of phones for s living.

posted on Sep 07, 2018, 10:11 PM 0

27. worldpeace

Posts: 3127; Member since: Apr 15, 2016

Plot Twist: all those leaks are fake, just like many people expected. Google just mocking iPhone's notch with those leaks. or..... Double Plot Twist: Google just trolling the media, they didn't use the montage, that ugly phone is really the phone they're going to release.

posted on Sep 08, 2018, 8:08 AM 0

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