Various reports in recent weeks have claimed Google is having quality issues with its new Google Pixel 2 smartphone range, which was launched in the US and worldwide during Oct 2017.

Reports are widely sprinkled around the Internet of bad audio, clicking NFC receivers, OLED screen burn-in, and dull colors on the display.

The negative publicity is NOT good news for Google. The Pixel 1 lineup last year was a flop. If Pixel 2 does not takeoff this year, there may be no Pixel 3 next year.

Such a scenario has implications not just for Google's emerging reputation as a hardware maker, but also for its budding reputation as a mobile operator with Project Fi.