All articles tagged with #pixel
Google is rolling out a beta update for its Phone app that restores the Contacts icon to the bottom navigation bar, reversing a controversial 2025 redesign that moved the feature to a sidebar menu. This change aims to improve accessibility for Pixel users who found the previous layout inconvenient.
A software defect in the Google Photos app is preventing many Pixel users from sharing edited images. The issue causes the app interface to freeze after editing actions like cropping or rotating, rendering buttons unresponsive. While Google support has suggested troubleshooting steps, users report these fixes have failed, prompting calls for an official software update.
Google unveiled a refreshed Pixel update: Pixel 6+ users gain expanded home-screen widgets and badges to quickly contact VIPs, with new urgent/unread indicators; Scam Detection is expanded across chat apps (and US Gboard) to flag fraudulent messages. The Wear OS 7 rollout for Pixel Watch 5 adds offline Gemini, improved GPS routing, and broader one-handed gestures. Pixel 6+ users can also customize with Harry Potter Audiobook Packs, plus two free Audible months in eligible countries.
An FCC listing confirms Google's unnamed Pixel smartwatch will run Wear OS and include on-device GPS (GNSS), with a metal frame and Pixel branding signaling a Pixel-focused release, though Google has issued no official comment yet.
Google adds Status Bar settings to Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4, exposing basic controls over notification levels (All, Priority only, None) and a few icon toggles (Mute, Vibrate, Battery Percentage) on Pixel phones; a modest, initial step toward deeper status bar customization.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 adds an easier, direct way to use Pixel's Voice Broadcast feature by introducing a Quick Settings tile and removing the prior Developer Settings hurdle. The private audio network runs over Bluetooth LE Audio and can be password-protected or broadcast publicly; Google is still finalizing broader Pixel support ahead of a September drop.
Google rolls out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 to Pixel devices (Pixel 6a to Pixel 10a) starting Aug 28, 2026, with Pixel 11 series and Pixel 6/6 Pro not yet supported. The beta is available via the Android Beta Program or OTA images and fixes 16+ issues, including gesture/navigation glitches, overheating, screen mirroring problems, and a new security restriction on programmatic call forwarding.
Google ended the elevated trade-in values and launch promos for the Pixel 11 series, with yesterday being the final day to lock in those higher offers. Values today are lower across the lineup, though still reasonable; for example the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is now valued at $850 (down from $1,000 yesterday), Pixel 10 Pro XL at $650, Pixel 9 Pro Fold at $550, and common models like Pixel 10 ($450) and Pixel Fold ($420) sit in the mid-range. The article notes that the Pixel 11 Pro models bring camera and performance upgrades and longer software support, which may make upgrading worth it for owners of older Pixels (such as the Pixel 8 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro), while Pixel 10 Pro users may still have reasons to upgrade depending on needs. It also links reviews for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro/XL to help readers decide between models.
Google is rolling out Motion Assist, an anti-nausea feature that displays moving dots around the screen to reduce motion sickness, to Pixel phones running Android 17 via a staged Play Services rollout. The dots sync with vehicle motion, can be manually enabled or set to auto, and are customizable in shape, size, color, and opacity. So far it’s limited to Pixels and does not require a separate app update, with Google still clarifying broader availability.
Google is gradually rolling out the Motion Assist feature on Android 17 devices, starting with Pixel phones. The feature shows moving motion cues to help reduce motion sickness in a moving vehicle and can auto-activate or be controlled via a Quick Settings tile; rollout is phased and may vary by device.
GrapheneOS says its first Motorola devices will be high-end flagships arriving in 2027 and will cost more than Pixel phones; cheaper Motorola models will follow later as Qualcomm's lower-end chipsets currently lack the same level of security and long-term software support. GrapheneOS plans to host its own AOSP repositories and align updates with major Android releases, expanding beyond Pixel phones.
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro XL is pricey at $1,300 with only 12GB RAM, prompting Android Authority to propose five solid Android alternatives: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 200MP camera), Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) (premium foldable with 16GB RAM and a large inner display), Google Pixel 10a (affordable at $499 with strong software support and battery life), Nothing Phone 3 (distinctive design, 65W charging, solid cameras and updates), and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (powerful Pixel option with Tensor G5 and 16GB RAM at a lower price). The piece notes each option’s trade-offs while highlighting the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the top general alternative for most buyers.
A week with the Pixel 11 Pro shows Google's strong hardware and enduring Pixel perks, but most new features (HiLight, Camera Looks, Magic Capture, Proactive Assistance) feel half-baked or underused, leaving the reviewer impressed yet worried about Pixel's direction in the coming years.
Best Buy kicks off its 60th anniversary sale with 20+ Android-focused deals across phones, tablets, wearables, and more; no membership is required, but stock is limited and the sale ends Sunday. The writer will continue adding new Android deals throughout the week, highlighting picks like the Google Pixel 11 256GB with a $100 gift card, Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) and Razr Plus, Pixel 10a, Galaxy A37/A57, Lenovo/ASUS Chromebooks, Garmin wearables, and audio deals.
Google released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 9 for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 10 family (including the Pixel 10a), with Pixel 11 not yet listed; this will be the last major update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as they approach end of life in October 2026. The update, which ships alongside a September Pixel Feature Drop and carries security patch level 2026-07-05, fixes issues such as bottom gesture bar glitches, unexpected loud noises during media and notifications, boot loops, and other bugs. OTA images are available via the Android Beta Program for those who prefer flashing.