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How to install OTA updates and keep root on your Google Pixel phone
Looking for a way to keep root access after OTA updates on your Google Pixel phone? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Part of the beauty of owning a Google Pixel phone comes through the proper availability of firmware images that can be used to return the device to a factory state. Even if you unlock the bootloader, root the phone, or tinker a bit too much, you can always restore the stock configuration. Having said that, some users might find it difficult to keep root access and associated mods intact while retaining the ability to take monthly security updates. Although many hardcore Android fans will know exactly what to do, not everyone is as adept at getting their phone updated without losing root.
How to download Android 12 and 12L for Google Pixel and other Android devices
Google has just released the stable build of Android 12L for eligible Pixel devices. You can find the download links in this post.
The wait is finally over — Android 12L is here as Google has officially kicked off the update rollout via stable channel. If you’re the lucky owner of a Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 3a, or the Pixel 3a XL, then you can have the opportunity to try out the latest iteration of Android right now. During the beta phase, Generic System Images (GSI) are also available, which means the early builds can be booted on non-Google Project Treble compatible devices as well.
The Google Pixel 7 series is right around the corner, and the company's devices have taken several turns over the years. We wanted to take a trip down memory lane and explore each of the Pixel smartphones that have launched over the years and talk about some of their standout features when they launched.
How to downgrade your Google Pixel device from beta or developer preview to stable Android version
Tried Android 13 beta, but weren't a big fan? Here's how to downgrade from Android 13 back to stable Android 12 on your Google Pixel device.
Smartphone companies that are on top of their software update game are far and few between. Luckily, Google Pixel users not only get major updates before everyone, they can also test out the upcoming version of Android through a public beta program. It has been some time since Google released Android 13 through the beta channel for eligible Pixel devices and while the update has received generally favorable reviews, we can't forget the fact that it is still just a beta quality software, not a daily driver like Android 12.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL get VoLTE roaming support with fresh update
Google is rolling out an update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which enables VoLTE roaming on the 2018 flagships. Read on to learn more.
Earlier this month, Google announced that it would enable VoLTE roaming support on Pixel devices with the June 2022 update. At the time, the company released a list of eligible models, and it included all Pixel phones going back to the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. While the list did not include the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google has now rolled out a similar update for the 2018 flagships.
Google has probably ended official updates for the 2018 Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are likely done receiving official updates after this month's February 2022 security patch
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were released in October 2018, and remained Google's flagship phones until the Pixel 4 series arrived to replace them around a year later. Even though October 2018 might seem like ages ago, it was only a little over three years ago, and now the Pixel 3 series has (probably) received its final update.
How to install Android 12 and 12L on Google Pixel and other Android devices
Google has just released Android 12L beta for the Pixel lineup. Here is how you can install Android 12 (or 12L) on your smartphone!
It’s that time of year again! Android 12, i.e. the next major release of Android is now available via stable channel. Google has also started rolling out Android 12L as a feature drop that brings several optimizations and improvements for large screen devices. For lucky owners of the Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, or Pixel 6 Pro, you’ll be among the first users to see what new OS update has to offer.
Google Pixel 3 series gets a surprise update that fixes the emergency calling bug
Google is rolling out a special bug-fix update for the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL that addresses the emergency calling bug. Read on!
Google consistently publishes a new Android Security Bulletin on the first Monday of every month, and they've done so for nearly every month in the last few years. Right on schedule, the January 2022 Android Security Update Bulletin went live yesterday and the company started rolling out new updates to supported Pixel devices (sans the Pixel 6 family). The new patchset also provides a permanent fix for an Android issue that can prevent emergency calling. While the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL didn't receive the new security patches, Google has decided to backport the emergency calling bug fix and roll out a special update for the phone duo.
How to enable the Google Pixel 6's Game Dashboard on older Pixel smartphones
Here's how you can enable the Game Dashboard feature from the Google Pixel 6 series on older Pixel smartphones running Android 12.
With every new Google Pixel smartphone release, we see some new and interesting features exclusive to the new device. Eventually, some of these features make their way to older smartphones via official updates or aftermarket mods. Likewise, with the Pixel 6 series, Google introduced a dedicated Game Dashboard tool in conjunction with Android 12's gaming mode APIs that provides quick access to a handful of useful tools, as well as widgets for streaming to YouTube Live, showing achievements from Google Play Games, and changing the performance profile. According to Google, the Game Dashboard will be available on “select devices†running Android 12 in due course, but none of the old generation Pixel phones has received the feature as of yet.
Download: Google releases new Curated Culture Pixel wallpapers for National Native American Heritage Month
Google has released a couple of new Curated Culture Pixel wallpapers for National Native American Heritage Month. Download from the link in the post.
Google regularly releases new wallpapers for its Pixel lineup, giving users plenty of options to personalize their device. We recently shared all the new wallpapers that Google introduced with the Pixel 6 series. Now, the company has shared a few more wallpapers for National Native American Heritage Month.
The Google Pixel 3 series is now officially considered end-of-life
The Google Pixel 3 series is now officially considered end-of-life, which means that it no longer receives regular software updates.
After three years of software updates, the Google Pixel 3 series has now officially reached the end of the road when it comes to software updates. Last month's October security bulletin marked the final security patch that it would receive, right after receiving its last major update to Android 12, too. Notably, this series was not included in this month's security bulletin, either.
Google says its Tensor chip is 80% faster than the Pixel 5's CPU
Google is finally sharing details about its Tensor chip today, which is being used first in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Google has been talking about its new 'Tensor' System-on-a-Chip for a while now, but we've been in the dark regarding specific details. Today is the launch day for the Pixel 6, the first device powered by Google Tensor, and Google has finally revealed technical details about the chip.
Android 12 is now available in stable for Google Pixel phones
After 5 beta releases, Android 12 is ready for the prime time. The stable release of Android 12 is available now for Google Pixel devices.
Can you feel it? It's in the air! Of course we're referring to the impending arrival of Android 12 on Google Pixel devices. After a couple of yearning weeks since Google's launch announcement, the rollout is finally starting now with a full jump to stable Android 12 for the eligible Pixel smartphones that are currently on Android 11, and a small incremental update for users who participated in the beta testing phase. Of course the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro are the first devices to be graced by the newest iteration of Android, as Google's flagship duo ship with factory-installed Android 12.
Best Pixel 3 cases in 2023
While the Google Pixel 3 is three years old, it's still an excellent Android smartphone. Protect it with one of these great Pixel 3 cases.
Google offers several newer models in its lineup of Pixel smartphones, but the 2018 Pixel 3 remains a great Android handset for many people across the world. It includes a number of excellent features, including a 5.5 inch full-HD+ display, Snapdragon 845 processor, a 12.2 megapixel camera, 2,915mAh battery, wireless charging, and a stunning design. If you’re still using the Google Pixel 3 or are thinking about buying one at a discounted price, you should definitely keep the phone in a case to protect it against scratches, bumps, drops, and other types of damage. Luckily, you’ll find lots of amazing cases for the Pixel 3 on the market. However, while it’s great to see so much choice available, this can make choosing the right option much harder. So to help you pick one, we’ve rounded up the best Pixel 3 cases.
October 2021 security update rolls out for Pixel phones, but it doesn't bring Android 12
The Android Security Bulletin for October 2021 has gone live, detailing all the new patched vulnerabilities, ahead of the Android 12 launch.
Today is the day that Google is releasing Android 12 to the public. No, not the update to Pixel phones — instead they're only releasing the source code today. Since today is also the first Monday of the month, though, it's still the day that Google is publishing the Android Security Bulletin. Right on time, Google has published the October 2021 Android Security Bulletin, detailing all the vulnerabilities they and their partners have identified and made patches for. In addition, the company has started rolling out an update to Pixel phones containing these patches, but that update doesn't bring with it a bump to the underlying OS.
September 2021 Android security update rolls out for Pixel phones
Google has published the Android Security Bulletin for the month of September 2021 and a new update is rolling out for supported Pixel phones.
Google traditionally publishes a new Android Security Bulletin on the first Monday of each new month, but given that yesterday was Labor Day in the U.S., the company delayed its announcement until today. The Android Security Bulletin for September 2021 has been made public, and a new security update is rolling out for Pixel phones.
Some Pixel 3 devices are stuck on EDL mode, and nobody knows why
There are growing reports from Pixel 3 owners that their devices have bricked and are stuck in EDL mode, though nobody knows why.
The Pixel 3 series launched in October of 2018, so it's not that old, certainly not old enough for people to have to worry about random hardware failures. And yet there is a growing number of reports from Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL owners whose devices are stuck in Emergency Download (EDL) mode. EDL mode is a low-level recovery mode that ships on mobile devices with Qualcomm chipsets, and it's used for reflashing software when the device otherwise fails to boot. For a phone to suddenly enter EDL mode suggests there's something seriously wrong with the device that prevents it from booting normally, and that seems to be happening here.
August 2021 Android security update rolls out to supported Pixel phones
Google has published the August 2021 Android Security Bulletin, and a new Android security update is rolling out for supported Pixel phones.
Google consistently publishes a new Android Security Bulletin on the first Monday of every month, and they've done so for nearly every month in the last few years. Thus, it's no surprise that today, Google published the Android Security Bulletin for August 2021, though the company did have one big surprise for us that's separate from its monthly Android security update.
Pixel phones can automatically stop charging at 80% to improve battery longevity
The Pixel 3 and all newer Pixel phones have a nifty trick up their sleeve to prolong the battery life. Read on to learn more!
When it comes to tips for improving your phone’s battery life, you’ll find that there are so many conflicting opinions. Some reports say it’s okay to keep your phone plugged in all night, while others say it might speed up the battery aging. However, one thing that most battery experts agree upon is that charging your battery to its full capacity less frequently can prolong the battery lifespan. This is why, many laptop OEMs offer a built-in battery charge limiting software, allowing users to stop the charging once the battery reaches a certain level. On the smartphone side, Sony offers a similar feature on its Xperia smartphones under the Battery Care tool. Interestingly, a few Google Pixel phones also have this functionality, but most users aren't aware of its existence.
July 2021 Android security update is now rolling out to Pixel phones
Google has published the Android Security Bulletin for July 2021, and they've also started rolling out the security update to Pixel phones.
The monthly Android Security Bulletin is typically posted on the first Monday of each month, but the first Monday of July 2021 — ie. July 5th — was the day that many American workers observed the country's Independence Day holiday. (If you're wondering why then, it's because when a U.S. federal holiday falls on a weekend, most M-F workplaces observe the holiday on the closest weekday instead). Thus, Google moved the release of the July 2021 ASB to today, and now the latest security update is rolling out to Pixel phones.