As someone who frequents many tech sites I can't remember hearing the name "Essential" in relation to phones before today. I don't know what sites you frequent, but they're apparently different than Hacker News, Ars, or even Slashdot.

Ars has definitely been covering it. Here's one article wondering what had happened to the Essential and why it wasn't out yet:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/08/andy-rubin-promises-...

I recently saw it in NYTimes and two major Canadian papers (Toronto Star and National Post). Each was about the new iPhones and mentioned "Essential" in the context of new pressure from competition (among other brands such as Samsung).

It was mentioned in passing as if it was a known competitor.

Note: I never complain about downvotes, but I'm confused why it's -4, do people think I'm lying? Although my comment is not yet grey, which means they were all newbie members.

I didn't say see it in any particular Tech blogs such as Ars, maybe I should have made that clear...

I only really frequent HN these days, and I've been hearing about that phone for a few months at this point.

Not to mention a lot of TV commercials for it.