Google Fi gets third rebrand in 8 years, adds free trial for eSim phones

Google Fi, Google’s cellular service, is undergoing its third rebrand in eight years. First it was Project Fi, then Google Fi, and now Google Fi Wireless. It also has its third logo, and it’s pretty smart: it’s an “F”stylized as side signal stripes and painted in Google’s signature rainbow colors.

There is also now a free trial mode. Google is using the power of remotely configurable eSIM cards to give anyone with an eSIM compatible phone.seven-day/10 GB free trial of Google Fi. This makes it easy to run and test coverage. Google Fi is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) – a cellular reseller – of T-Mobile’s networks, so whatever your T-Mobile coverage is, that’s what Fi is. Google says that during the trial period “we will give you a new Fi number so you can try it out on your phone, but your current number will still work. During the trial period, you can choose between Fi or your current network whenever you call, text, or use mobile data.”You’ll need to enter a credit card for the trial, and after seven days, you’ll be automatically billed for the $50 “Simply Unlimited”plan. Google Notesthat you can cancel your subscription immediately (it’s just a tap or two inside the app) and you’ll still get a seven-day trial.

The Fi app gets a “new family experience”in the form of a large horizontal list of family members at the top. By clicking on a person, you will see that person’s data usage and parental controls set. Parents can choose to allow devices to only talk to people in their contacts (Android only), turn on location sharing remotely, or manage data restrictions.

Google Fi previously allowed you to share your smartphone for free on the Flexible or Unlimited Plus plans, but now that privilege also extends to the basic Unlimited plan. Google also offers free phones if you subscribe to Fi for 24 months. Google says that if you buy the Pixel 6a through the Fi site, “the full price of the device will be paid at the time of purchase, and you’ll get back $449 in 24 monthly credits.”This should work out to zero dollars and every line of your plan is eligible.