The technology giant Google has made an unexpected move. Just a year after its launch, the Pixel Pass subscription service, which catered to the needs of Pixel phone enthusiasts, put forward a holistic technology package. The service, which included access to premium services such as YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and extended 200GB storage with Google One, will no longer be available for purchase or renewal.
The company's reasoning behind this decision has left consumers curious and speculation rife. Officially, Google stated they are committed to delivering the best value for their hardware products, implying a shift of focus. Maintaining a steadfast commitment to user feedback, they aim to provide the versatility of a la carte purchases over bundled services. Could this be an indication of novel, ground-breaking services in the pipeline or a strategy alteration in the face of market competition?
Pixel Pass debuted in 2021, coinciding with the flash launch of the Pixel 6. Google redefined the bundle game, setting the subscription price at $45 per month for Pixel 6 users and at $55 per month for the Pixel 6 Pro. For that fee, consumers enjoyed the luxury of top-notch games and apps with Google Play Pass and ad-free, high-quality video content with YouTube Premium.
Existing subscribers breathe easy as their Pixel Pass services remain untouched for the next two years. Post their subscription expiry, Google will offer a discount for service renewals; an enticing $100 off on an upgraded Pixel device does sweeten the deal. However, the absence of precise information on the renewed services bundle price raises eyebrows in the subscriber community.
Interestingly, the Pixel Pass never saw an expansion outside the US, nor were the Pixel 7a or the Pixel Fold clubbed with this service. This planned discontinuation poses intriguing questions about the direction of Google's product and services roadmap. As with all things Google, we wait in suspense for the next ingenious innovation to surface.