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google-pixel

Android 16 QPR2: Google brings optimized app theming and more

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor December 3, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Google has released Android 16 QPR2, a mid-cycle update focused on delivering ⁤new platform APIs ⁤and bug fixes without requiring extensive app retesting. This marks‍ a shift in Android growth, enabled by ‍a smaller SDK introduced with QPR2 last year, allowing for ⁤more frequent innovation outside teh conventional annual release schedule.

Unlike the major⁤ Android 16 update in June, QPR2 is designed⁣ to be largely additive, minimizing ⁣disruption for developers. The update is currently rolling out to a wide range of google Pixel devices, including the⁣ Pixel 6, 6‌ Pro, ⁢6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9‌ Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and 9a, as well as the Pixel Tablet. A ‌detailed ‌list of⁣ bug fixes is available in a separate Google support overview.

December 3, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Google Pixel Update: Resolves Battery, Bluetooth & Display Issues

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor December 3, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Google Rolls Out December update to Fix Battery,Bluetooth,and Display Issues Across ‍Pixel Lineup

MOUNTAIN VIEW,CA – December 6,2023 – Google has begun deploying a‌ december software update for⁢ Pixel phones addressing a range of bugs impacting battery life,Bluetooth connectivity,display⁣ functionality,and⁤ overall system stability. The rollout ‍is phasing gradually to users over the coming‍ days.

The update tackles several frustrating issues reported by Pixel users, including a problem⁤ where the battery icon in the status bar⁣ could appear‌ blank or display a question⁤ mark. It also resolves an inaccuracy in the 80% battery charge limit setting. Bluetooth connectivity issues preventing connections with certain devices have also been⁣ addressed.

Display-related fixes include resolving ⁣flickering or black screen problems, screen freezes, unexpected brightness drops, and delayed responsiveness when unlocking from the always-on display. A specific‌ bug affecting the internal screen of Google‌ Pixel Fold devices when launching certain games‍ has also been corrected.

Further ⁤improvements extend to the software framework, telephony features, tactile response (fingerprint unlocking), and ⁢the software interface. Resolved interface bugs include keyboard⁢ flickering, white screens when launching Google Home commands, system‍ crashes with gesture navigation, missing message notification ⁤sounds, and ⁤issues ‌with swipe-up gestures. A memory shortage issue related to splash screens has also been fixed, alongside stability improvements for Picture-in-picture mode.

The⁣ December update is available for ⁣all eligible Google Pixel devices. Users are encouraged to check their device settings for the update in the coming days. Google hopes this update avoids issues experienced with⁢ the May ⁢update, which⁢ some ‍users reported caused‍ battery drain and overheating.

Source: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/389367100/google-pixel-update-december-2025-draft

December 3, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Title: Google Pixel 9A: Best Deal for a Durable & Reliable Phone

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 29, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Google Pixel 9A Drops to $349 in Black friday‌ Deal – A Top pick for Practical Smartphone Users

A standout deal this Black Friday sees the Google Pixel 9A plummet to $349, matching⁤ its lowest price to date. ⁢ The offer presents⁤ a compelling⁣ option for those seeking a reliable, long-lasting smartphone without the premium price tag of flagship models. This price matches the deal offered during October’s Prime⁢ Day event, giving ⁣shoppers a second ‍chance to snag the ‍popular mid-range device.

The Pixel ‍9A has quickly become known ⁣as a ⁤practical choice, offering a balance of performance and affordability. While it lacks the telephoto camera found⁣ in Google’s higher-end Pixel phones, it delivers a solid processor, dependable camera, and the promise of ⁤software updates for years⁢ to come – estimated to be around a decade.⁣ This⁢ makes it an especially attractive option for users who prioritize longevity and a clean software experience.

The phone’s streamlined Android operating system is a particular draw for those who‌ find‍ samsung’s software ‌overly complex. ‌At $349, the Pixel 9A also provides an appealing alternative to ⁢financing plans or carrier-locked devices, allowing buyers to own their phone ‍outright. As The Verge noted in its review, the 9A is “a midrange phone ‌done right,” offering exceptional value ‍for those who appreciate a no-frills, dependable smartphone ‌experience.

November 29, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Google Expands Quick Share for iPhone and Android

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 21, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Google⁣ has enabled direct‌ data ⁢exchange between‌ iPhone adn Android smartphones through an updated version⁢ of‍ its file-sharing feature,previously known as Nearby Share ‍and Swift Share. The functionality, now simply called⁢ “Quick Share,” allows users of both operating systems to seamlessly ‌transfer photos, videos, and other files without ‌relying on third-party apps or cloud ‍services.

This marks a notable step toward interoperability between the two⁢ dominant mobile platforms, addressing⁣ a long-standing user frustration. ‍While‌ Apple’s AirDrop has long facilitated easy ⁤file sharing within the Apple ecosystem,⁢ cross-platform transfers have typically required email, messaging apps, or ⁣cloud storage. Quick Share aims to provide a more direct and convenient alternative, perhaps streamlining collaboration and content sharing for the billions of iPhone⁤ and Android users worldwide. Google first began renaming the feature earlier this year, evolving from “Nearby Share”⁣ to “Quick Share from Google”⁤ and finaly to “Quick Share.”

The feature ‍utilizes Bluetooth to establish a connection and then employs ‌Wi-fi Direct for faster data transfer.According to ‍a report⁢ from Heise Online, it ⁢remains⁢ unclear whether ‍Quick Share will eventually extend compatibility to other Apple ⁢devices like MacBooks. The update is‌ currently ‍rolling out and is expected to⁢ be ‌widely ⁤available in the coming weeks.

November 21, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Google Pixel 10 AirDrop: Google Achieves Cross-Platform File Sharing with Apple

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 20, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Google Pixel Phones Can ⁤Now Share Files Directly⁤ with ⁣iPhones via AirDrop

MOUNTAIN ‌VIEW, CA – ⁣November 20, 2023 -‌ Google has‍ implemented a feature allowing its latest Pixel⁣ phones to ⁤directly share files with iPhones, iPads, adn macOS devices using Apple’s‍ AirDrop protocol. This ‍marks a significant step toward cross-platform compatibility, previously limited to Apple’s ecosystem.

Currently available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the ⁣functionality enables users to send photos, videos, and other content to Apple devices without relying on third-party⁤ apps or cloud services. According to⁣ Google’s support documentation, the⁤ process also works in reverse – apple devices⁣ can initiate transfers to Pixel phones when the‌ pixel is discoverable.

Google⁢ emphasizes the⁣ security of the implementation. A report from NetSPI details how the connection⁤ is direct, peer-to-peer, ‍and does⁢ not route data through servers, log content, or share ⁢additional data.

“This feature does⁢ not use a workaround; the connection⁢ is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning‌ your data is never routed through a⁣ server, shared content ‍is never logged, and no extra data is ‌shared,” the Google security blog post states.

When asked about apple’s involvement, Google spokesperson Moriconi confirmed‌ the feature was developed independently. “We accomplished this through ⁢our own implementation,” Moriconi ‌told The Verge. “Our implementation was thoroughly vetted by our own privacy and security teams, and we ‍also‌ engaged a third ⁢party‍ security firm to‌ pentest the solution.” Moriconi added, “…we always welcome collaboration opportunities to address interoperability issues between iOS and Android.”

The advancement⁤ comes as Apple⁣ has begun adopting ‍more open standards,such as RCS messaging for iPhones. ⁤This move by⁣ Google is seen as another step⁢ toward ⁣ reducing the barriers between Apple and Android ecosystems.

Currently,⁤ the feature is⁤ exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel‍ 8 Pro.⁢ Apple has not yet responded to a request for comment.

November 20, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Title: Google Messages: Employers Can Now Archive RCS Chats on Pixels

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 19, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Google‘s New Feature ⁣Allows Employers to Archive Pixel Users’ RCS Chats

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA – Google is rolling out⁣ a new android RCS Archival system for Pixel devices⁣ that will allow⁢ employers to archive and‍ retain RCS messages sent and received on work-managed phones, raising privacy considerations for employees.Previously, archiving RCS messages proved difficult⁣ due to the encryption inherent in the modern⁢ texting protocol, which prevented carrier interception.

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is Android’s evolution of SMS texting, offering features like read receipts, typing indicators, and end-to-end encryption. The new system bypasses carrier limitations by enabling approved archival⁢ apps to directly integrate with ⁣Google Messages on company-managed Pixel devices.

When enabled by a company, the archival app receives notifications whenever an RCS message is sent, received, edited,⁣ or⁤ deleted, allowing it to save a copy. While messages remain encrypted during transmission ⁣between ⁣devices, they are readable once‌ stored on the Pixel ⁣itself.

Google emphasizes ‌clarity, stating‌ that employees will receive a notification when RCS archival is active on their devices. This means users of employer-controlled Pixels may have their RCS conversations fully recorded,including work-related chats within Google Messages.

IT departments can activate the feature through ⁣a simple setting and select from‍ a growing list of compatible archival vendors. Currently,Celltrust,Smarsh,and 3rd Eye support the system,with additional ⁤vendors expected to integrate throughout 2026.

November 19, 2025 0 comments

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