Tag: Google Pixel 6

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Mobile Syrup

Apple provides solution to AirPods Pro 2 issue with Google Pixel

Apple is finally providing a solution to those facing issues connecting the new AirPods Pro 2 to a Google Pixel device. While it’s likely the use of AirPods on a Pixel isn’t all too common, some users who prefer to do so began facing problems last month.

Google Pixel owners who attempted to pair the new AirPods Pro 2 from Apple ran into connection issues. MobileSyrup’s own Dean Daley recounts this very issue. When connected to a Pixel device, the AirPods Pro 2 had audio dropout issues. Strangely, the earbuds retained their connection throughout the issue.

Users note the issue stems from the A2DP hardware. A temporary fix involved disabling the Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload on a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 within the Developer Settings. However, this results in lower audio quality. Now, Apple is stepping in with a fix of its own.

Apple recently launched its 5B58 firmware. Via the update, AirPods Pro 2 no longer runs into the issue when connecting to Pixel devices. The simple, yet effective solution popped up on Reddit. Thankfully, Apple’s firmware solution requires no extra effort aside from allowing the device to update. In order to do so, the AirPods Pro 2 must be near an Apple device ie: iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

To make sure a pair of AirPod Pro 2 earbuds are running the latest firmware, users must connect them to an iOS device. From there, users must navigate to the ‘Settings’ app. Next, click ‘General’ and ‘About.’ Following that, find the ‘AirPods’ option and ensure “5B58” is next to the ‘Firmware Version.’

Source: Reddit via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 6 might get a new Quick Phrase to silence incoming calls

You might soon be able to silence your Google Pixel 6 through a new Quick Phrase.

According to 9to5Google, Google app 13.34, currently available in beta, reveals code that shows Google might add “silence” as a Quick Phrase. The feature will likely let users silence the ring of an incoming call.

As a recap, Google launched Quick Phrases through the Pixel 6. The feature allows users to skip the “Hey Google” hot word to “stop” or “snooze” alarms and timers or “answer” and “decline” calls.

However, as 9to5Google points out, the update isn’t confirmed as Google could decide not to implement the feature. Still, it’s an exciting (possible) development for Pixel 6 users.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google releases Android 12 QPR3 Beta 3 for Pixel handsets

Google has released Android 12 QPR3 Beta for Pixel smartphones. This update is available for Google Pixel 4 and newer devices, and includes the May 2022 security patch that was recently rolled out.

This update comes with several new updates.

  • Fixed an issue on Pixel 6 Pro devices where a white line sometimes flashed on the screen after waking up a device that was not configured to always display time and other info on the lock screen.
  • Fixed various issues to improve call quality and connectivity.
  • Fixed a keystore issue that caused the NHS COVID-19 app to crash when launching

The beta also comes with two bugs; therefore, if you enroll in this beta, you will have to deal with the following issues:

  • In some cases, on Pixel 6 and 6 Pro devices, the system crashes when the user tries to take a picture using the camera.
  • In some cases, the Google Camera app icon in a device’s personal profile erroneously displays a work profile indicator.

It’s worth noting that once you download this update, you will not be able to install the Android 13 Beta 1 and will have to wait for Android 13 Beta 2.

For those who don’t know, the Android 12 QPR3 is Google’s Quarterly Platform Release beta, which allows users to try out Pixel features ahead of time. You can head to the official Android Beta website if you want to download the update.

Source: XDA Developers 

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Mobile Syrup

Google CEO teases new hardware at I/O 2022

During Alphabet’s earnings calls, Sundar Pichai, the company’s CEO, said that the Pixel 6 is the ‘fastest-selling Pixel ever’ and that there will be hardware and Android announcements I/O 2022.

Pixel 6 is a huge step forward for the Pixel portfolio. And it’s been great to see the response from Pixel users. It’s the fastest selling Pixel ever. And we are building broad consumer awareness of the brand and making good progress. I’m excited about the products we have coming and look forward to sharing more at Google I/O.

Further, the company plans to show off new Android features and services at I/O. Considering Google released Android 13 Beta 1 today without very many exciting features for users, it makes sense that the company plans to show off more at its I/O event on Ma

We’re expecting to see the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Watch at the May 11th Google I/O event.

Later this year, the YouTube app for television will improve smartphone control navigation and interactive features that will let people comment and share the videos they are watching on the TV screen.

Earnings-wise, Alphabet’s Q1 revenue is up 23 percent from 55.3 billion in Q1 2021, with an operating income of 20.09 billion and a net income of 16.44 billion for this quarter, down from 17.93 year-over-year (yoy). Further, in Q1 2022, YouTube ad revenue was 6.87 billion vs $6 billion yoy. Google’s other revenues, including its devices, Play Store and YouTube non-advertising revenue, reported $6.82 billion compared to $6.49 billion yoy.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Rogers launches commercial 5G standalone network

Toronto, Canada-September 29, 2020: Close up of Rogers sign on their headquarters building in Toronto. Rogers Communications Inc. is a Canadian communications and media company.

Toronto-based telecom giant Rogers has launched the first commercially available 5G standalone network in Canada.

Customers with compatible devices, such as the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 6 Pro, can connect to the network. The new network allows for more advanced wireless capabilities, such as ultra-low latency, network slicing and mobile edge computing.

Ericsson serves as the network partner.

The launch comes after completing its standalone core network rollout and its 5G standalone device certification.

“This milestone underscores our ongoing leadership in 5G and will bring immediate benefits to customers by increasing coverage, scalability and availability, and improving network response times, enabling a world of new use cases and applications,” Jorge Fernandes, chief technology officer at Rogers, said.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Rogers

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Mobile Syrup

Google will let you opt-out of beta program without wiping your Pixel

Google is changing its Android Beta Program to allow you to opt out of the program before an update is rolled out. This issue comes from the Android 12 QPR3, where beta users initially in the Android 12 beta were forced into the Android 12 QPR3 without offering them a chance to head to the stable release.

Out of nowhere, Google released a new Quarterly Platform Release beta, which allowed users to try out upcoming Pixel feature drops ahead of time. Unfortunately, if you were part of the Android 12L beta, you’d be forced into the Android 12 QPR3 without ever getting the chance to try the Android 12L stable build.

Going to the stable version requires a complete wipe of your device, and the only way around is if you had a version of QPR1. Google told 9to5Google that from now on, it would give beta devices a way to opt-out without a data wipe for a limited time before they apply the next update.

Google’s next beta program update and feature drop aren’t until June, so you’ll have to wait until then before you can opt out from QPR3.

The Android Beta Program allows Pixel users to access an unreleased version of upcoming OS releases. They can try out new features and report bugs so they don’t make it to the public version. When the official OS is released, Google pushes out an update that unregisters the user from the program that forces them into the stable version of the OS.

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Android 13 lets users stream your Pixel’s phone screen and apps

Last week Google released the Android 13 Developer Preview 1, and with it came a variety of features for developers to play with. One of which seems to let users stream apps to Chromebooks, Windows and Mac computers.

In Android 13 Developer Preview 1, developers have uncovered two new “Cross Device” service apps that make it possible to stream from a Pixel smartphone to Chromebooks and Windows 11 devices.

According to 9to5Google, the feature seems to work better on Windows and Mac than on Chrome OS’. With the web app, users can stream the app their currently using as a virtual second screen for their phone. Then the app then works with the user’s keyboard and mouse.

Alongside showing what’s on the phone’s display, the web app also sports a sidebar on the right that dispalys the notifications. Beside the sidebar are buttons for sending feedback, exiting opened apps, navigating back, and rotating the virtual display. Additionally, 9to5 indicates that you’ll be able to change the screen size, allowing users to emulate a tablet’s display depending on whether the app you’re using features a different layout for smartphones and tablets.

There’s also a shortcut in the bottom left corner that opens up a basic app launcher, which can open any app on the user’s phone.

 

There’s an integrated app on Chrome OS that replaces the web app you’d find on Windows or Mac. The integrated app is located in the Phone Hub in the bottom right corner and shows the most recently used apps.

Weirdly enough, there’s no access to an app launcher like in the Web or Mac version, and there’s also no way to change the device’s orientation.

It’s likely we’ll learn more about this feature when Android 13 officially launches or during Google’s I/O May developer conference.

Image Credit: 9to5Google

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Official mention of Pixel 6a came from… a Google colouring book

Google has officially mentioned the unannounced Pixel 6a in, of all places, one of its colouring books.

As spotted by DroidLife, the colouring book was shared in the Pixel Superfans group, which receives Pixel-related insider access, freebies and more.

In the group, one Superfan shared that they got a Nest Audio and colouring book featuring various Google product illustrations. What’s interesting, however, is that Page 16 of the book mentions “the Pixel 6a” among the products listed on the pages. When you go through the actual book, though, the Pixel 6a isn’t actually anywhere to be seen.

Ultimately, while it doesn’t actually reveal anything about a phone that was already all but confirmed to be coming, it’s nonetheless an amusing gaffe on Google’s part. As it stands, the Pixel 6a is expected to be a more affordable entry in the Pixel 6 family that sports the company’s proprietary Tensor chip and an inferior camera to its counterparts. It’s also tipped to release in May.

Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google’s latest Pixel 6 ad starring Simu Liu goes live today

Mississauga, Ontario’s very own Simu Liu, is starring in Google’s latest Pixel 6 ad, which starts airing today on select English broadcast channels like TSN, Sportsnet, HGTV and the W Network, among others.

What’s unique about the ad is that it’s in Liu’s native tongue, Mandarin.

While the ad may not be decipherable if you just listen to it, accompanying subtitles should make understanding it easier. Google’s main objective with the ad is to show that Canada is quickly evolving into a multi-lingual country where languages shouldn’t be a barrier. “Language is one of the most universal experiences we share— but, sometimes it becomes a frustrating barrier. With the help of technology, people should be able to overcome language barriers and connect with the world around them in new and meaningful ways,” reads Google’s blog post about the new ad.

One of the main talking points about the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is its ‘Live Translation,’ and the ad specifically focuses on the ‘Interpreter Mode’, which can provide “simple translation of in-person conversations directly on the device.” Learn more about the Pixel 6’s Live Translation capabilities here.

The new Mandarin ad campaign starring Simu goes live today, January 24th. The ad will appear alongside Google’s recently-announced French-language campaign featuring Canadian Tennis Star Leylah Fernandez.

Image credit: Google Canada

Source: Google

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Mobile Syrup

Pixel 6 series will finally get December/January update on January 17, according to Canadian carriers

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will finally get Google’s December/January Android security patch next week if Canadian carriers are correct.

According to Fido’s and Telus’ OS update schedules, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will receive the anticipated security update on January 17th.

Google initially rolled out the update back on December 13th. The December update was delayed more than a week, but it came with 80 fixes and other improvements. However, it also included a nasty bug that cause the phone to drop calls. Because of this issue, Google paused the rollout of the update.

When the beginning of January rolled around, many hoped the January and December update would hit their Pixel 6 devices, but that wasn’t the case. Only Pixel devices ranging from the Pixel 3a to Pixel 5a received the patch.

But hopefully, next week’s update solves these problems.

The update’s standout features include improved fingerprint sensor stability and performance, fixes for screen flickering and full 23W wireless charging from the Pixel Stand 2.

Further, there are also several specific camera updates:

  • General image quality improvements in camera preview/capture
  • General improvements for camera stability and performance
  • General improvements for auto-focus response in certain capture modes
  • General improvements for colour consistency in viewfinder preview
  • Fix for issue causing blank viewfinder preview in certain conditions

You can check out the complete list of fixes from the December update, here.

The January security patch provides a fix for an Android issue that can prevent emergency calls. The update also fixes Wi-Fi call dropping issues, incorrect data usage accounting, a memory leak in the system UI and more.

You can find all the fixes for the January update, here.

Hopefully, the above carrier release timeline is accurate because otherwise, there will be a lot of upset Canadian Pixel 6 owners.

Source: Fido, Telus