Accessories are essential for any tech purchase, but Google Pixel has been lacking in this department. It would be great to see more third-party partners offering Pixel phone cases and Pixel Watch bands this year.
Smartphone cases are widely used, but the choices for Google Pixel have always been limited. This is not just a Google-specific issue; if you don’t have an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device, you may find a lack of accessories for your device.
In the early days of Pixel, Google had good first-party cases to make up for the lack of third-party options. However, as the “Made for Google” program expanded, Google’s own cases started to decline in quality. Third-party options became more appealing to users. In a recent poll, 9to5Google readers mostly reported using third-party cases, with the Made for Google program being a popular choice.
The problem lies in the fact that while there are many case options available, Google Pixel phones often miss out on the best offerings from these brands. For example, Bellroy only offers leather cases for Pixel, not the wallet cases available for iPhone. Otterbox has limited options for Pixel compared to Galaxy and iPhone. Even popular brands like Spigen have cases that are not available for Pixel owners.
The issue is even more pronounced when it comes to watch bands for the Pixel Watch series. First-party bands are virtually the only option, with few decent third-party alternatives available. Google has a decent collection of watch bands, but there is a lack of premium third-party options in the market.
Google has the partnerships to address these issues and provide users with more choices. Offering incentives to accessory brands to create Pixel Watch bands could help improve the situation. It is crucial for Google to ensure customers have a variety of accessories to choose from, especially with the upcoming Pixel Watch 3.
Google Messages has rolled out three new updates, including emoji reaction effects, a custom camera, and more color customization options. The March 2024 update for Pixel phones in the US also brought a long-awaited fix for notification history.
In conclusion, more variety in cases and watch bands for Google Pixel devices is needed. It would be great to see new brands and types of accessories arrive this year. Let’s hope Google works towards expanding accessory support for its products.
