All articles tagged with #pixel phones
Google releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel phones, introducing usability tweaks like adjustable flashlight brightness, the ability to remove the 'At a Glance' widget, customizable navigation keys, enhanced privacy indicators, and support for over 160 new emojis, aiming to improve daily user experience ahead of Android 17's release.
Google has released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 for supported Pixel devices, offering new features and improvements. Eligible Pixel users can enroll in the beta program via Google's Android Beta website and download the update through their device settings. The update brings enhancements like new features and UI improvements, with availability for recent Pixel models.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces several new features for Pixel phones, including a flashlight brightness slider, customizable navigation button order, an expandable location indicator, automatic wireless ADB reconnect, and screen casting capabilities for external displays.
Google is rolling out an update for Pixel phones that introduces notification summaries for chat conversations, along with expanded scam detection across messaging and calls, and new AI photo remixing features, primarily for Pixel 6 and newer devices, enhancing user experience and security.
Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 for Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements, including resolving lock screen clock issues and improving widget functionality. The update is around 40-50MB and is available via OTA for Pixel 6 and newer devices, with detailed changelog highlighting various bug fixes from previous beta releases.
Google plans to allow 15 dedicated fans to test unreleased Pixel phones in development through a new 'Trusted Tester' program, requiring NDA agreements and protective cases, marking a rare move to involve fans in early hardware testing and possibly share early impressions.
Google has announced that Pixel phones running Android 16 with LE Audio support will now have access to Auracast, enabling multiple headphones to connect to a single device for shared audio, with support expanding to certain Sony headphones and future Pixel models, enhancing Bluetooth audio sharing capabilities.
Pixel phones from the Pixel 8 onwards now support streaming audio to multiple headphones simultaneously via expanded Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, allowing shared listening experiences. Google is also updating Pixel Buds Pro 2 with Adaptive Audio features like active noise cancellation and Loud Noise Protection, enhancing user awareness and safety.
Some Pixel users have experienced a notification sound bug in Android 16 where sounds don’t play if a notification is already present, but Google has acknowledged the issue and announced a fix in the upcoming Android 16 QPR release, likely in QPR1 or QPR2.
A new Google Wallet overlay is rolling out for Pixel phones, triggered by the double-tap power button gesture, providing quick access to payment cards with a blurred background and NFC animation, enhancing convenience for users. The feature is available on Android 16 with Google Wallet version 25.31, currently seen on some Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices.
Google is developing AI-powered features for Pixel phones that will allow users to create custom icon themes and improve home screen customization, addressing current limitations with inconsistent app icon support and offering options like AI-generated icons and user-created styles.
Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3, introducing a new magnify keyboard feature for accessibility, with the stable release scheduled for September 3, 2025. The update is currently available as a GSI build, with rollout to Pixel phones pending.
Google has added an AI Mode shortcut to the search bar on Pixel phones but now allows users to turn it off through settings if they prefer not to use it, providing more customization options for Pixel users.
The Google Store in the US is now prominently promoting 'Fi Wireless' alongside Pixel phones, highlighting features like reliable 5G coverage, security, and encrypted calls, with various plans and eSIM options available.
Some Google Pixel users are experiencing lock screen problems such as tap-to-wake failure and screen not turning on after updating to Android 16. Workarounds like restarting the device help temporarily, but Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix, with no release date announced yet.