#Pixel #FeatureDrop
December 2021 Pixel Feature Drop: An early Christmas gift by Google for your Pixel
Google Blog
Pixel 6 Pro ultra-wideband (UWB) is finally enabled for Nearby Share feature, and soon you can "quickly and securely send files, videos, map locations and more to other ultra-wideband devices nearby." As mentioned earlier, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro can be a digital car key, currently support unlocking selected BMW cars.
A few months ago, Google said they partnered up with Snapchat, bringing "Quick Tap to Snap" feature onto Pixel devices, and it is arriving with the December update. Pixel 4a 5G and later devices got this feature.
Now Playing has been improved on Pixel 4 and later devices. You can search for songs that are not under the Now Playing database, simply tap on the search button and Google will do the job for you, this is the cloud search feature that is being reported earlier. Besides that, you can also favourite tracks that you like in your Now Playing history.
Car Crash Detection is available in three more countries: Taiwan, Italy, and France. Google Recorder can instantly transcribe in three more languages: Japanese, French, and German.
You can also control more bass levels for Pixel Buds A-Series. You can adjust the bass from -1 to +4, available to use on all Android 6.0+ devices with the Pixel Bud apps installed.
Just a few days ago, Google has released new Curated Culture Wallpapers which celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The wallpapers are made with collaboration of Dana Kearley. You can download it over here alternatively.
Lastly on Android 12 with a Pixel 3 devices or newer, you can press and hold power button to launch Google Assistant, which is something similar to this.
December 2021 Pixel Feature Drop: An early Christmas gift by Google for your Pixel
Google Blog
Pixel 6 Pro ultra-wideband (UWB) is finally enabled for Nearby Share feature, and soon you can "quickly and securely send files, videos, map locations and more to other ultra-wideband devices nearby." As mentioned earlier, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro can be a digital car key, currently support unlocking selected BMW cars.
A few months ago, Google said they partnered up with Snapchat, bringing "Quick Tap to Snap" feature onto Pixel devices, and it is arriving with the December update. Pixel 4a 5G and later devices got this feature.
Now Playing has been improved on Pixel 4 and later devices. You can search for songs that are not under the Now Playing database, simply tap on the search button and Google will do the job for you, this is the cloud search feature that is being reported earlier. Besides that, you can also favourite tracks that you like in your Now Playing history.
Car Crash Detection is available in three more countries: Taiwan, Italy, and France. Google Recorder can instantly transcribe in three more languages: Japanese, French, and German.
You can also control more bass levels for Pixel Buds A-Series. You can adjust the bass from -1 to +4, available to use on all Android 6.0+ devices with the Pixel Bud apps installed.
Just a few days ago, Google has released new Curated Culture Wallpapers which celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The wallpapers are made with collaboration of Dana Kearley. You can download it over here alternatively.
Lastly on Android 12 with a Pixel 3 devices or newer, you can press and hold power button to launch Google Assistant, which is something similar to this.
Google
Snap faster, hear better and do more with your Pixel
The latest updates for Pixel phones are rolling out over the next few weeks.
#Pixel #FeatureDrop #Highlights
December 2021 Feature Drop & Security Update Highlights
Pixel Feature Drop
• UWB in Nearby Share
• Digital Car Key
• Quick Tap To Snap
• Now Playing Search & Favourites
• Car Crash Detection (FR, IT, TW)
• Recorder (DE, FR, JP)
• Pixel Buds A-Series Bass Slider
• Curated Culture Wallpapers
• Press and hold power button to launch Assistant
Fixes & improvements (all Pixel)
• Fix for occasional white screen flash after display goes to sleep.
• Fix for issue causing system crash during media playback in certain conditions.
• Kernel update to 4.9.279 for Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL.
• Kernel update to 4.14.243 for Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL & Pixel 4a.
• Kernel update to 4.19.202 for Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 & Pixel 5a (5G).
• Add Material You dynamic theming support for the device boot animation.
• Improvements for Internet tile in Quick Settings.
• Improvements for Quick Settings layout in certain device orientations.
Source:
Google Blog | Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
December 2021 Feature Drop & Security Update Highlights
Pixel Feature Drop
• UWB in Nearby Share
• Digital Car Key
• Quick Tap To Snap
• Now Playing Search & Favourites
• Car Crash Detection (FR, IT, TW)
• Recorder (DE, FR, JP)
• Pixel Buds A-Series Bass Slider
• Curated Culture Wallpapers
• Press and hold power button to launch Assistant
Fixes & improvements (all Pixel)
• Fix for occasional white screen flash after display goes to sleep.
• Fix for issue causing system crash during media playback in certain conditions.
• Kernel update to 4.9.279 for Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL.
• Kernel update to 4.14.243 for Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL & Pixel 4a.
• Kernel update to 4.19.202 for Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 & Pixel 5a (5G).
• Add Material You dynamic theming support for the device boot animation.
• Improvements for Internet tile in Quick Settings.
• Improvements for Quick Settings layout in certain device orientations.
Source:
Google Blog | Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
#Updates #Pixel
December 2021 Security Patch is rolling out!
Pixel Feature Drop & ton of fixes
UPDATE: Pixel 6 December Update has released!
Last 2021 security update is arriving for Google Pixel devices with the addition of Pixel Feature Drop too. Pixel 3a and later devices are receiving it, except Pixel 6 is receiving it at a later date (received, check link above). You can install it via System update or use sideloading method.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Pixel 3a: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 3a XL: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4 XL: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a 5G: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5a: Factory Images | OTA
*Build ID (all devices): SQ1A.211205.008
Source:
Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
December 2021 Security Patch is rolling out!
Pixel Feature Drop & ton of fixes
UPDATE: Pixel 6 December Update has released!
Last 2021 security update is arriving for Google Pixel devices with the addition of Pixel Feature Drop too. Pixel 3a and later devices are receiving it, except Pixel 6 is receiving it at a later date (received, check link above). You can install it via System update or use sideloading method.
Download for Google Pixel devices:
Pixel 3a: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 3a XL: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4 XL: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 4a 5G: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5: Factory Images | OTA
Pixel 5a: Factory Images | OTA
*Build ID (all devices): SQ1A.211205.008
Source:
Pixel Phone Support Forum
Follow @PixelHubUpdates
Telegram
Google Pixel Hub | Updates™ 🇺🇦
#Pixel #FeatureDrop #Highlights
December 2021 Feature Drop & Security Update Highlights
Pixel Feature Drop
• UWB in Nearby Share
• Digital Car Key
• Quick Tap To Snap
• Now Playing Search & Favourites
• Car Crash Detection (FR, IT, TW)
• Recorder (DE, FR…
December 2021 Feature Drop & Security Update Highlights
Pixel Feature Drop
• UWB in Nearby Share
• Digital Car Key
• Quick Tap To Snap
• Now Playing Search & Favourites
• Car Crash Detection (FR, IT, TW)
• Recorder (DE, FR…
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#Pixel
Google Pixel is first gaining exclusive Conversation Mode in Sound Amplifier app, rolling out for other devices soon
Google Blog
This isn't really part of Pixel Feature Drop but Google announced it as an addition in their blog post. Google is currently testing out an early stage accessibility feature on the Sound Amplifier app, Conversation mode.
Google described it uses on-device machine learning to reduce noise and distractions, assisting both side to hear each other better. Everything is done without an Internet connection, and your data won't be shared out with Google.
So far, there is no results of how it work just yet. Anyway, the first phase of beta now currently support all Pixel including old unsupported one like Pixel 1 and 2. Other Android devices will be supported soon. You can sign up for the beta program over here.
Google Pixel is first gaining exclusive Conversation Mode in Sound Amplifier app, rolling out for other devices soon
Google Blog
This isn't really part of Pixel Feature Drop but Google announced it as an addition in their blog post. Google is currently testing out an early stage accessibility feature on the Sound Amplifier app, Conversation mode.
Google described it uses on-device machine learning to reduce noise and distractions, assisting both side to hear each other better. Everything is done without an Internet connection, and your data won't be shared out with Google.
So far, there is no results of how it work just yet. Anyway, the first phase of beta now currently support all Pixel including old unsupported one like Pixel 1 and 2. Other Android devices will be supported soon. You can sign up for the beta program over here.
#Workspace #Gmail #Chat #Meet
Google Chat in Gmail is starting to roll out 1:1 Meet link-free calls
Google Workspace Updates
Soon you will be able to make audio or video call via Google Chat in Gmail. If you are familiar with it, that announced back in September.
In a 1:1 chat, you will see there phone & video icon on the top right corner, tapping on it immediately dial to the other person instead of inserting Meet link. Active call will be marked with blue banner on the top, just like when you are in a Meet call. You will also see "a Meet icon in the chat roaster," missed call will marked it as a red icon.
As mentioned earlier, you will need the Gmail app in order to use this feature. Joining a call from the standalone Google Chat app will still redirect you to the Gmail app. Google said they are working on to bring it to the standalone app at a later date.
All accounts including personal one are gaining the new feature. It is starting to roll out today and may take a few weeks to roll out for everyone.
Google Chat in Gmail is starting to roll out 1:1 Meet link-free calls
Google Workspace Updates
Soon you will be able to make audio or video call via Google Chat in Gmail. If you are familiar with it, that announced back in September.
In a 1:1 chat, you will see there phone & video icon on the top right corner, tapping on it immediately dial to the other person instead of inserting Meet link. Active call will be marked with blue banner on the top, just like when you are in a Meet call. You will also see "a Meet icon in the chat roaster," missed call will marked it as a red icon.
As mentioned earlier, you will need the Gmail app in order to use this feature. Joining a call from the standalone Google Chat app will still redirect you to the Gmail app. Google said they are working on to bring it to the standalone app at a later date.
All accounts including personal one are gaining the new feature. It is starting to roll out today and may take a few weeks to roll out for everyone.
#Pixel #Pixel6a
Here's your first look of the dummy Pixel 6a model
Android Police
Just a few weeks ago, someone out there has already started to leak how the Pixel 6a will look like, and it is likely to run Google Tensor and also using Pixel's classic camera module that has been used since Pixel 2. Today's leak featured an aluminum dummy Pixel 6a model, giving an idea how big the phone and design will be in real life.
Coming from an unusual source, @xleaks7 (David Kowalski) collaborates with Fathom Bracelets to release the leak, definitely weird but anyway. As we can see from the dummy model (video link), there won't be any appearance of 3.5mm headphone jack on the phone. Pixel 5a could be the last Pixel to ever featured it.
On the front of the phone, we can see there a centered punch-hole cutout for the front camera. On the back there is housing for two rear cameras and one flash module. Overall the design is very similar to the Pixel 6.
Here's your first look of the dummy Pixel 6a model
Android Police
Just a few weeks ago, someone out there has already started to leak how the Pixel 6a will look like, and it is likely to run Google Tensor and also using Pixel's classic camera module that has been used since Pixel 2. Today's leak featured an aluminum dummy Pixel 6a model, giving an idea how big the phone and design will be in real life.
Coming from an unusual source, @xleaks7 (David Kowalski) collaborates with Fathom Bracelets to release the leak, definitely weird but anyway. As we can see from the dummy model (video link), there won't be any appearance of 3.5mm headphone jack on the phone. Pixel 5a could be the last Pixel to ever featured it.
On the front of the phone, we can see there a centered punch-hole cutout for the front camera. On the back there is housing for two rear cameras and one flash module. Overall the design is very similar to the Pixel 6.
#Pixel
Boot animation on your Pixel is getting much more interesting with Material You
Android Police
Your Pixel's boot animation can now follow your device wallpaper color with the December 2021 update.
First, it will show the Google logo with the original color, when transiting into the "G" logo, the color will follow the color section that you choose earlier in the system.
Available for Pixel 3a and later, it a nice addition to see that the boot animation will no longer be boring for awhile, as it can change color according to the color section that you select. Video taken from here.
Boot animation on your Pixel is getting much more interesting with Material You
Android Police
Your Pixel's boot animation can now follow your device wallpaper color with the December 2021 update.
First, it will show the Google logo with the original color, when transiting into the "G" logo, the color will follow the color section that you choose earlier in the system.
Available for Pixel 3a and later, it a nice addition to see that the boot animation will no longer be boring for awhile, as it can change color according to the color section that you select. Video taken from here.
#Pixel #PixelBudsA
Pixel Buds A-Series new firmware update brings Bass slider, 'Loudness compensation' and improved device switching
XDA Developers
This December, Google sends out monthly update with Feature Drop to Pixel owner. Besides gaining new Bass slider with the Pixel Buds A-Series, the new firmware update brings “Loudness compensation” and improved device switching for the earbud too.
In the Pixel Buds companion app, there a new bass slider which let you adjust from -1 to +4. Available for any devices running Android 6.0 and later. "Loudness compensation” toggle will improve bass and treble at lower volume levels. Device switching capability has also been improved, letting users to “search and connect to the second to last connected device when undocked from the charging case, if the last connected host device is unavailable.”
Last but not least, the update also come with general bug fixes & minor improvements. The latest firmware update version 3.223.0 is rolling out and reaching everyone in the coming days. There is no mention of update for the 2nd-gen Pixel Buds.
Pixel Buds A-Series new firmware update brings Bass slider, 'Loudness compensation' and improved device switching
XDA Developers
This December, Google sends out monthly update with Feature Drop to Pixel owner. Besides gaining new Bass slider with the Pixel Buds A-Series, the new firmware update brings “Loudness compensation” and improved device switching for the earbud too.
In the Pixel Buds companion app, there a new bass slider which let you adjust from -1 to +4. Available for any devices running Android 6.0 and later. "Loudness compensation” toggle will improve bass and treble at lower volume levels. Device switching capability has also been improved, letting users to “search and connect to the second to last connected device when undocked from the charging case, if the last connected host device is unavailable.”
Last but not least, the update also come with general bug fixes & minor improvements. The latest firmware update version 3.223.0 is rolling out and reaching everyone in the coming days. There is no mention of update for the 2nd-gen Pixel Buds.
XDA Developers
Latest Pixel Buds A-Series update brings a few new features
Google is rolling out a new firmware update for the affordable Pixel Buds A-Series, bringing a couple of new features to the earbuds.
#News #GoogleTV
Google TV gets 300 free channels, courtesy of Pluto TV
Android Authority
Soon you can watch more than 300 free live TV channels with Google TV. thanks to Pluto TV.
You can check out all those channels in the "Live" tab of the Google TV home screen. The Pluto TV integration will be available on all Google TV devices in the coming weeks, as Google noted in their blog post.
Google TV gets 300 free channels, courtesy of Pluto TV
Android Authority
Soon you can watch more than 300 free live TV channels with Google TV. thanks to Pluto TV.
You can check out all those channels in the "Live" tab of the Google TV home screen. The Pluto TV integration will be available on all Google TV devices in the coming weeks, as Google noted in their blog post.
Android Authority
Google partners with Pluto TV to bring 300 free channels to Google TV
Google has teamed up with Pluto TV to bring over 300 online channels to the Google TV platform. Here's what you should know.
#YouTube
YouTube video chapters is making its way to TVs and consoles
Android Police
YouTube is about to get much more easier to use on your smart TVs and gaming consoles. Both of these platforms are gaining video chapters feature and it is rolling out starting today.
Video chapters can show viewers what specific part of the video is talking about. When someone is searching for videos on Google or YouTube, they can see chapters of the video if available. YouTube has also add automatic chapters so that creators don't need to add chapters themselves to the video, but the feature won't work for all videos. You can learn more how it works in this support page.
Talking about video chapters, @TeamYouTube on Twitter said they are rolling out to newer devices on both TV and console platforms. There is no complete list whether which devices are gaining the feature, but I had say as long as your devices can run the latest YouTube app, then the feature will be available for you.
YouTube video chapters is making its way to TVs and consoles
Android Police
YouTube is about to get much more easier to use on your smart TVs and gaming consoles. Both of these platforms are gaining video chapters feature and it is rolling out starting today.
Video chapters can show viewers what specific part of the video is talking about. When someone is searching for videos on Google or YouTube, they can see chapters of the video if available. YouTube has also add automatic chapters so that creators don't need to add chapters themselves to the video, but the feature won't work for all videos. You can learn more how it works in this support page.
Talking about video chapters, @TeamYouTube on Twitter said they are rolling out to newer devices on both TV and console platforms. There is no complete list whether which devices are gaining the feature, but I had say as long as your devices can run the latest YouTube app, then the feature will be available for you.
Android Police
YouTube is making its handy video chapters available on more devices
Smart TVs and game consoles are getting one of the app's best recent features
#AndroidTV
Android TV will soon start receiving security bulletins update from Google
9To5Google
Google seems to be planning releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices.
A Google representative told 9To5Google that they will "soon" start releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices. There no other information on how frequently will the update be issued. Android TV and Google TV devices will be receiving the security bulletin update.
There is two security patches of moderate severity which is fixed in December patch. The bulletin was first spotted on the Pixel's December bulletin page but later taken down as it is an error.
Android TV will soon start receiving security bulletins update from Google
9To5Google
Google seems to be planning releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices.
A Google representative told 9To5Google that they will "soon" start releasing security bulletins for Android TV devices. There no other information on how frequently will the update be issued. Android TV and Google TV devices will be receiving the security bulletin update.
There is two security patches of moderate severity which is fixed in December patch. The bulletin was first spotted on the Pixel's December bulletin page but later taken down as it is an error.
9to5Google
Google will soon start releasing security bulletins for Android TV OS
Soon, Google will start posting security bulletins for its Android TV OS, giving us a better look at what's happening on the platform.
#Pixel #PixelBudsA
Manual update feature is rolling out for Pixel Buds A-Series
Android Police
Besides receiving new features, now you can manually update the firmware of the Pixel Buds A-Series, no more waiting.
According to Google's support page, to update the earbud firmware without waiting, just put the two earbuds into the case. Next open the Pixel Buds companion app or settings, scroll down till you find Firmware update option. Lastly, tap on Update available and follow on-screen instructions, you will be able to successfully update your Pixel Buds in 15 minutes time.
Android Police shared a screenshot which shows the "Firmware update available" option on the very top of the menu. Tapping on it will also bring you to a new page and you will be asked to follow the on-screen instructions.
The feature is rolling out via server side, as reported by Android Police. The manual update also seems to be a Pixel Buds A-Series exclusive, said Google in their support page.
Manual update feature is rolling out for Pixel Buds A-Series
Android Police
Besides receiving new features, now you can manually update the firmware of the Pixel Buds A-Series, no more waiting.
According to Google's support page, to update the earbud firmware without waiting, just put the two earbuds into the case. Next open the Pixel Buds companion app or settings, scroll down till you find Firmware update option. Lastly, tap on Update available and follow on-screen instructions, you will be able to successfully update your Pixel Buds in 15 minutes time.
Android Police shared a screenshot which shows the "Firmware update available" option on the very top of the menu. Tapping on it will also bring you to a new page and you will be asked to follow the on-screen instructions.
The feature is rolling out via server side, as reported by Android Police. The manual update also seems to be a Pixel Buds A-Series exclusive, said Google in their support page.
#WearOS #Pay
Wear OS Google Pay support expand availability to three more countries
Android Central
Google just announced that Google Pay on Wear OS is expanding to more countries.
Now you can pay anything with just your wrist in these three countries: Israel, Kazakhstan, and the Netherlands. This bring the total supported countries to a total of 40. You can check for the full list of supported countries over here.
Wear OS Google Pay support expand availability to three more countries
Android Central
Google just announced that Google Pay on Wear OS is expanding to more countries.
Now you can pay anything with just your wrist in these three countries: Israel, Kazakhstan, and the Netherlands. This bring the total supported countries to a total of 40. You can check for the full list of supported countries over here.
Android Central
Wear OS brings Google Pay support to even more countries for contactless payments
Google Pay support is expanding to three additional countries to allow contactless payments from Wear OS smartwatches.