Google’s July Pixel update is here, and not everyone is going to be happy – Tech Advisor
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Google has rolled out the July Pixel update (note: not the July Pixel Drop with its added features), and not every Pixel smartphone user is going to be happy.
The new update adds new firmware to every Pixel phone from the Google Pixel 6a onwards, as well as up-to-date security patches.
But the most noteworthy addition here relates to that aforementioned legacy phone.
As we reported last week, Google has experienced some issues with its classic Pixel 6a handset.
Some users have reported battery overheating issues in a repeat of the problem afflicting some Pixel 4a phones. Google promised a “mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating”, and that forms part of this July Pixel update.
Unfortunately, part of this fix is the addition of so-called “battery-management features”. This is a benign way of saying that affected models will have their battery capacities reduced.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Only a small selection of Pixel 6a devices using particular components will be affected, and even then only those devices that have been put through 400 charging cycles – though you have to assume that all existing Pixel 6a phones would have passed that mark by now.
Google has set up a range support options for affected Pixel 6a users, which may include a free repair, a cash payment, or a Google Store hardware discount credit, depending on your location and warranty status.
Foundry
For users of more recent Pixel phones (Pixel 7 and later), this latest software update fixes a number of bugs.
One of those is the Android 16 bug that saw the back button becoming unresponsive.
It’s also issuing a fix that will “improve smoother visual experiences in apps like Android Auto”, as well as improving Wi-Fi connectivity stability.
While Android 16 launched early on 10 June, we found it to be a little glitchy and missing a number of core features. The most notable of those is Google’s much ballyhooed new Material 3 Expressive design language, which is nowhere to be seen (unless you’re signed up to the beta programme).
We’re hoping to see a feature-complete version of Android 16 arriving with the Google Pixel 10 family on 20 August.
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.
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