Tag: Pixel Phones

  • Google Pixel March Feature Drop: Call Screening, Fitness Upgrades & More

    Google Pixel March Feature Drop: Call Screening, Fitness Upgrades & More

    Google has unveiled its latest Pixel Feature Drop for March, aiming to boost productivity and health tracking capabilities across Pixel phones, the first-generation Pixel Watch, and the wider Pixel ecosystem. This update introduces significant enhancements that users will find beneficial.

    Enhanced Call Screening and Productivity

    Pixel phone users will now enjoy an improved Call Screening feature. If a call that is being screened remains silent, a new "hello" prompt will prompt the caller to speak, encouraging them to state their purpose for contacting you. Moreover, Google Assistant can now ask callers to hold on if you opt not to answer immediately.

    Stunning Visuals and Search Feature

    A notable addition is the ability to share vibrant 10-bit HDR videos directly on Instagram Reels and upload gorgeous Ultra HDR photos to your Instagram feed from your Pixel phone. Additionally, the convenient "Circle to Search" feature that allows seamless searching without switching apps is extending to Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, making it easier to find desired content instantly.

    Fitness Boost for Pixel Watch

    The first-generation Pixel Watch is receiving a fitness upgrade with features previously exclusive to the second generation. These include Pace Training for specific pace training, Heart Zone Training for heart rate zone monitoring, and a revamped user interface for improved workout data visualization.

    Google Pixel March Feature Drop: Call Screening, Fitness Upgrades & More

    Mindfulness and Navigation Features

    Users can now find moments of tranquility with the Fitbit Relax app, now accessible on the first-gen Pixel Watch, guiding users through breathing exercises directly on their wrist. Moreover, enhance your city navigation experience with Google Maps on your Pixel Watch, offering real-time departure times, diverse transit options, and compass-enabled map guidance.

    Portfolio Enhancements and Connectivity

    The Pixel portfolio is also receiving enhancements. During video calls on Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, or Pixel 5a (and newer phones), users can now selectively share specific app content with app screen sharing to maintain privacy while sharing relevant information. Furthermore, connecting previously used devices to your new Pixel phone or tablet is now simplified through the "Connected Devices" settings page, with Fast Pair facilitating connections with Bluetooth accessories.

    Document Markups and Gboard Voice Toolbar

    Users can now annotate documents and assignments directly on their Pixel device using their finger or stylus with Google Docs markups. This feature offers various tools like pen colors and highlighters for individual and collaborative work. Additionally, the new Gboard voice toolbar on Pixel Tablet streamlines the keyboard into a toolbar when activated, optimizing screen space and enhancing multitasking capabilities.

    These updates are set to roll out to Pixel devices over the following weeks.

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  • Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3.1 Update Rolling Out for Pixel Phones

    Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3.1 Update Rolling Out for Pixel Phones

    Google's Pixel phones are receiving the Android 14 QPR 2 Beta 3.1 update, which focuses on bug fixes and improvements. This update comes after a major update was released two weeks ago, bringing new features and a revamped user interface.

    Update Details

    The latest update, codenamed AP11.231215.009, includes the January 2024 security patch. It is available for all Pixel phones, starting from the 5a to the latest Pixel 8 Pro, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Fold. The update is relatively small, with a file size of approximately 122MB.

    Bug Fixes and Improvements

    While this update does not introduce any flashy new features, it aims to enhance the Android 14 beta experience by addressing various issues. Google has resolved problems related to fingerprint unlocking, app icon placement, and overlay glitches. Here is a complete list of the fixes:

    Changelog

    • Fixed an issue that prevented overlays such as the Game Dashboard from opening while the device was in landscape mode.
    • Fixed an issue where the device sometimes failed to unlock if always-on display mode was enabled and the user tried to use their fingerprint to unlock the device.
    • Fixed an issue where the height of the Quick Settings dialog that lists Bluetooth devices sometimes expanded unexpectedly.
    • Fixed an issue where the default search engine for the device would sometimes be set to the wrong provider after restoring device data from a cloud backup.
    • Fixed an issue where the display area of Quick Settings didn't update correctly after changing the system display size in accessibility settings.
    • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused degraded audio quality when making calls or recording using the microphone.
    • Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented a user from changing device keyboard settings.
    • Fixed an issue that caused some translations to be missing for various languages.
    • Fixed an issue where work profile icons were not shown for work apps when the work profile was paused.
    • Fixed an issue that caused some shaders to render incorrectly.
    • Fixed an issue where icons sometimes scaled incorrectly when entering picture-in-picture mode while the device was rotated.
    • Fixed various issues for foldable devices, including launcher being empty, app divider not responding to touch controls, and screen flickering when unfolding the device.
    • Fixed issues for tablet devices, such as gray screen flashes and smaller touch targets for taskbar icons and navigation buttons.
    • Addressed system stability, performance, connectivity, camera, and accessibility issues.

    How to Update

    If you are enrolled in the Beta program, the update will be automatically delivered over the air to your Pixel device within the next few days. Alternatively, you can manually check for the update by going to Settings > System > System updates.

    Considerations

    It is important to note that this is still a beta program, so there may be some bugs present. If stability is your top priority, it is recommended to wait for the official release of Android 14.

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  • Users are once again being plagued by the persistent Pixel storage bug, attributed to the January update

    Users are once again being plagued by the persistent Pixel storage bug, attributed to the January update

    Pixel Users Facing Storage Bug with Multiple Profiles

    Pixel users who utilize multiple profiles on their phones are encountering a recurring storage bug. This issue first appeared in October 2023 and has resurfaced, potentially due to the latest Google Play system update in January 2024.

    Bug Affecting Majority of Pixel Phones

    The storage bug seems to be affecting a wide range of Pixel phones, including the Pixel 5, 6, 7, 8, and even the Pixel Fold. Users are experiencing the same troubles as before, such as the camera app crashing, an empty Files app, missing screenshots, and a sudden lack of storage space despite having sufficient capacity.

    Frustrations Mounting on Reddit Forum

    On the Pixel community forum on Reddit, numerous users have expressed their frustrations. One user mentioned that the phone struggles to remember the location of its own data. Another user stated that they are unable to download anything new or save screenshots, rendering their phone “completely unusable.” Clearly, users are upset and are eagerly awaiting a fix from Google.

    Google Acknowledges the Issue

    Thankfully, Google has acknowledged the problem and is currently investigating it, according to a report by 9to5Google. While no specific date has been provided for the release of a fix, it is worth noting that when this problem initially arose in October, Google released a patch the following month in November. Based on this previous response, it is reasonable to expect that Google may roll out a fix within the next few days.

    Recommendations for Users

    If you have not yet updated your Pixel with the January 2024 Google Play update, it may be wise to hold off for now. If you have already updated and are experiencing the storage issue, you can try disabling the multiple profiles on your phone to see if it resolves the problem.

    To check the Google Play System update version on your Pixel phone, follow these steps:

    1. Go to Security and Privacy.
    2. Select System & Updates.
    3. Choose Google Play System Update.

    Stay tuned for further updates from Google regarding the resolution of this storage bug affecting Pixel users.

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  • January 2024 Update Released for Pixel Phones and Pixel Tablet

    January 2024 Update Released for Pixel Phones and Pixel Tablet

    January 2024 Pixel Update: Bug Fixes and Improvements

    The January 2024 update for Pixel Phones is now available, bringing the latest security patch and bug fixes. This update aims to address the issues that arose after last month's December feature Drop. The Google Pixel Watch is also receiving the same update.

    Supported Devices

    The January 2024 Pixel update is rolling out to the following devices:

    • Pixel 5a
    • Pixel 6/6 Pro/6a
    • Pixel 7/& Pro/7a
    • Pixel Tablet
    • Pixel Fold
    • Pixel 8/8 Pro

    Both unlocked and Verizon-locked smartphones worldwide, as well as in the US, are eligible for the update.

    Changelog

    The official changelog for the January 2024 update includes the following:

    Camera

    • Fix for users facing Camera crashes in certain conditions

    User Interface

    • Fix for users facing flashing black screen when playing video in certain conditions
    • Fix for users unable to exit Setup Wizard in certain conditions
    • Fix for Wallpaper on home screen showing black in certain conditions

    These fixes and improvements are specific to Pixel Phones and Tablets. Additionally, it is hoped that the update resolves the overheating issue experienced by Pixel 6 Pro during phone calls.

    Camera Improvements and Security Fixes

    The January 2024 Pixel update not only brings camera improvements but also addresses significant issues with the user interface. Moreover, it includes fixes for 10 vulnerabilities rated as high severity for the system. Furthermore, security issues related to Qualcomm, MediaTek, and other chipsets have also been addressed.

    Firmware Details

    Here are the firmware details for the January 2024 Pixel update:

    Global

    • Pixel 5a (5G): UQ1A.240105.002
    • Pixel 6: UQ1A.240105.002
    • Pixel 6 Pro: UQ1A.240105.002
    • Pixel 6a: UQ1A.240105.002
    • Pixel 7: UQ1A.240105.004
    • Pixel 7 Pro: UQ1A.240105.004
    • Pixel 7a: UQ1A.240105.004
    • Pixel Tablet: UQ1A.240105.002
    • Pixel Fold: UQ1A.240105.004
    • Pixel 8: UQ1A.240105.004
    • Pixel 8 Pro: UQ1A.240105.004

    Verizon

    • Pixel 7: UQ1A.240105.004.A1
    • Pixel 7 Pro: UQ1A.240105.004.A1
    • Pixel 7a: UQ1A.240105.004.A1
    • Pixel Fold: UQ1A.240105.004.A1
    • Pixel 8: UQ1A.240105.004.A1
    • Pixel 8 Pro: UQ1A.240105.004.A1

    How to Update

    The OTA update for the January 2024 Pixel update has already been released and will gradually reach all eligible smartphones over the next few hours to days. Users can manually check for the update by going to Settings > System > System update. Alternatively, users also have the option to manually flash the OTA update by downloading the respective .zip file.

    Looking ahead, the next Quarterly Patch Release (QPR) is scheduled for March 2024, following the December Big Update.

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