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Typo in custom ROM code breaks unlimited photo backups on the Google Pixels

Apparently, 'google' is not the same as 'Google' if you want to claim unlimited storage on Google Photos. (Source: XDA Developers)
Apparently, 'google' is not the same as 'Google' if you want to claim unlimited storage on Google Photos. (Source: XDA Developers)
A typo in the build script of AOSP-based custom ROMs for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones is reportedly causing the photo uploads from Google Camera to count against the Google Photos storage limit. The bug, however, is fixed now and users running custom ROMs on first gen Pixel phones should be able to use the unlimited Google Photos storage as usual.
by Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 2018/07/09
Android Google Nexus / Pixel Smartphone Software

A typo error in the build scripts for Google Pixel and Pixel XL custom ROMs resulted in photos uploaded to Google Photos being counted against the storage limit. The Pixel smartphones have been bestowed with unlimited Google Photos storage, which enables users to upload high quality original photos taken by the Google Camera app without counting against the storage limit.

This typo error in question was because the flag "PRODUCT_MANUFACTURER" was set to "google" instead of "Google" resulting in the consumption of storage on Google Photos. Only the first generation Pixels running on AOSP-based ROMs are being reportedly affected by this bug. Those running on stock ROMs and the Pixel 2 phones running AOSP-based ROMs seem to be okay. 

The error, however, has been identified and fixed by XDA Senior Member 'razorloves'. A fix for this was submitted to AOSP on July 3 and merged on July 6. Therefore, downloading newer custom ROM builds from XDA should be just fine. 

Did you flash a custom ROM on your Pixel and happened to run into this bug? Let us know below.

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Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 2018-07- 9 (Update: 2018-07- 9)
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam - News Editor
I am a cell and molecular biologist and computers have been an integral part of my life ever since I laid my hands on my first PC which was based on an Intel Celeron 266 MHz processor, 16 MB RAM and a modest 2 GB hard disk. Since then, I’ve seen my passion for technology evolve with the times. From traditional floppy based storage and running DOS commands for every other task, to the connected cloud and shared social experiences we take for granted today, I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed a sea change in the technology landscape. I honestly feel that the best is yet to come, when things like AI and cloud computing mature further. When I am not out finding the next big cure for cancer, I read and write about a lot of technology related stuff or go about ripping and re-assembling PCs and laptops.