Tag: Google Pixel

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Google Pixel 6a now available for pre-order in Canada

Calling all Pixel enthusiasts, the Pixel 6a is now available for pre-order.

The device features a 60Hz refresh rate, has a 6.1-inch display, and houses the same Tensor chip available in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6a retails for $599 in Canada and is available in three colours ‘Sage,’ ‘Chalk’ and ‘Charcoal.’ Shoppers pre-ordering on Google’s website will get the Pixel Buds A-Series for free.

You can learn more about the Pixel 6a here.

Carrier availability

Several Canadian carriers have listed pre-order details for the Pixel 6a.

Vancouver-based telecom giant Telus is also allowing its customers to pre-order the device. Customers can pay $0 upfront without interest and pay off the device over 24 payments using the company’s payment plan.

Telus is also offering customers free Pixel Buds A-Series. However, customers will have to sign-up for a two-year term at a minimum.

Telus flanker brand Koodo also has the Pixel 6a available for pre-order with the free Buds A-Series.

Shaw’s Freedom Mobile has the Pixel 6a available for pre-order as well, although the website doesn’t mention free Buds A-Series.

At the time of writing, Bell, Rogers, and their flanker brands didn’t have the device available for pre-order on their respective websites.

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Mobile Syrup

Android 13 Beta 4 will be the last major release for Pixel before launch

Google will drop its Android 13 Beta 4 as the final beta release for the Pixel devices before the actual OS launch later this year.

According to a Developer Android announcement, Beta 4 will be the last update before the official release date of Android 13 “coming in the weeks ahead” (likely in August).  The beta is still available for final testing to work out any issues before release day.

According to 9to5Mac, developers can also download the Android Beta Feedback app available for Pixel phones to log problems that may arise.

The app is available on the app drawer and can also be accessed through Quick Settings, which files bugs into the Google issue tracker.

Android 13 Beta 4 system images are available for the following Pixel phones:

  • Pixel 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6
  • Pixel 5a
  • Pixel 5
  • Pixel 4a(5G)
  • Pixel 4a
  • Pixel 4 XL
  • Pixel 4

However, Google has been keeping up fairly well with patching issues, updating a few minor details on Beta 3

Beta 4 is currently available on the Android Beta Program website with the new July security patch.

Sources: Developer Android, 9to5Google

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Google reveals the purpose of Pixel’s ‘Settings Services’ app

Google recently added a ‘Setting Services’ app to Pixel smartphones, but until now, it’s been unclear what the app’s purpose is.

Google says the Settings app uses ‘Setting Services’ as a “core system software.” This enables users to setup, connect and customize settings on Pixel devices and change app settings.

The app also receives permissions from the system to display information like network connection and connected devices, and sets rules for when not to activate ‘do not disturb’ mode or send notifications.

These are the functions of the permissions within the app according to Google’s Pixel help article:

Mobile Network Connection

Setting Services is able to check if your phone is connected to a mobile network.

Connected Devices

This permission lets widgets display status info for your phone and its Bluetooth connected-devices.

  • Notifications

  • Settings Services displays status notifications and updates. Different notifications have their own settings preferences.

  • Location

  • Rules can help automate location-dependent changes that you regularly make in Settings, such as switching your phone to silent when you get to work. Rules require all-the-time location access to work correctly. Location data stays on your phone and is not sent to Google. You can change location permissions and Rules settings.

If privacy is a concern, note that “Setting Services may collect any phone and other IDs, app interactions, crash logs, and diagnostics,” says Google.

To control whether the feature is enabled, open the Settings app > tap Privacy > Usage & Diagnostics > then simply turn on or off Usage & Diagnostics

Sources: Google Via: 9to5Google

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Google is reportedly working on an unknown high-end Pixel smartphone

Google might be working on the heavily rumoured Pixel ‘Ultra’ high-end smartphone.

9to5Google has spotted bits of coding pertaining to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, but in addition to those, the publication also found codenames for the Pixel 7a and, possibly, the Pixel foldable. Lastly, there seems to be another fifth Pixel device of which 9to5 is unsure.

This unknown fifth device would sport a display that’s capable of a 120Hz refresh rate and features a 1440 x 3120-pixel resolution. The device’s screen also measures 71x155mm, which seems to be shorter and thinner than the Pixel 6 Pro, but this does not include the bezel, so it’s hard to be sure. Finally, it sports Google’s Tensor chipset.

It’s unclear what exactly is this device, but it features similar specs to the 6 Pro and 7 Pro flagship Google handsets. With that in mind, the handset is obviously flagship-level, and the only other way it can fit in Google’s lineup is if it’s a smartphone that’s even better than the company’s current lineup.

However, an ‘Ultra pixel’ smartphone has been rumoured for half a decade at this point, so I wouldn’t put much weight behind any leaks that would suggest the possibility of this handset.

Source: 9to5Google

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Google releases Android 13 Beta 2.1 update to fix some issues

Google is oddly rolling out a mid-cycle update to Android 13 with Beta 2.1 today.

This update is to address four issues that end-users and developers have reported on. Below are the fixes:

  • Fixed an issue where typing in the search bar resulted in a blank list of suggestions.
  • Fixed an issue where devices would crash and restart when turning on hotspot.
  • Fixed an issue where a continuous call dialing sound could be heard in the background during a phone call.
  • Fixed an issue where devices would crash and restart after disconnecting from Android Auto

Despite the update, 9to5Google says that the update hasn’t fixed the Pixel Launcher search bar issue.

This is an over-the-air update for the Beta 2 update, which means any Pixel device from 4 and newer.

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Google files trademark for ‘Pixel Watch,’ seemingly confirming the device’s name ahead of launch

Google has filed a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for ‘Pixel Watch.’ This trademark seemingly confirms Google’s long-awaited smartwatch ahead of its expected reveal.

Google remains quiet on any prospects of its Pixel-branded smartwatch. However, reports indicate the company is leading up to an official reveal. Many references to a first-party Wear OS smartwatch are currently available. Though, any confirmation from Google is still in the air. Until now it appears.

The Google trademark of the Pixel Watch covers smartwatches, straps, and accessories.

“PIXEL WATCH™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of smartwatches; cases adapted for holding smartwatches; wearable computers in the nature of smartwatches; smartwatch straps; smartwatch bands.”

Outside of the trademark name, the filing doesn’t cover any new information. The most we can glean from this aside from the name is that Google is readying itself for an official announcement of the device.

Additionally, references to the Google Pixel Watch’s codename appeared. The device appears as “Pixel Rohan,” according to leaker Evan Blass. There is even a reference to the device running Wear OS 3.1 within the leak. “Won’t be long now,” Blass wrote in a tweet.

Finally, many speculate that the Pixel Watch is going to be revealed during the company’s I/O conference. Google is hosting its annual I/O developer conference from May 11th to May 12th. Prior reports indicate that Google may reveal the Pixel Watch at the event alongside the Pixel 6a.

The Google Pixel Watch name seems all but inevitable. From a marketing perspective, Google is wise to keep its branding to the Pixel name as it’ll likely function as a core pillar in the Pixel ecosystem. It is only a matter of time before the I/O conference is held and we know for certain if a release is imminent.

Image credit: @jon_prosser

Source: 9to5Google

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OG Google Pixel gets new lease on life with Android 11 via LineageOS

If you’re still clinging desperately to the original (and in many ways, best) Google Pixel, you may be able to give it a new lease on life.

That is, if you’re willing to dabble with custom Android ROMs.

Google stopped officially supporting the original Pixel and Pixel XL back in 2019 after rolling out the Android 10 update. However, the team behind LineageOS — a free, open-source, Android-based mobile operating system — has brought Android 11 to the OG Pixel with LineageOS version 18.1.

Spotted by XDA Developers (via Android Police), official LineageOS builds are now available for the Pixel and Pixel XL, bringing both phones into the long list of devices supported by LineageOS. Those who want to extend the longevity of their Pixel or Pixel XL can use Lineage to get on a more up-to-date version of Android with new security fixes.

Of course, with custom Android ROMs, nothing is ever that simple. To install LineageOS, you’ll need to unlock your devices’ bootloader, install a custom recovery, and load the custom ROM file. Plus, LineageOS doesn’t ship with Google apps like the Play Store, so you’ll need to install a ‘GApps’ package if you want Google services.

I haven’t done anything like that for years, so I feel a bit out of my element writing about it. That said, there are plenty of guides and how-tos available online (XDA links to a couple if you want to try). As always, make sure you back up your data first so you don’t lose anything, and be aware there are risks with installing custom software like this.

Ultimately, it’s neat to see the OG Pixel live on with custom software. While not a perfect phone, I really appreciated the look and feel of it back when I used one as my daily driver. Plus, I still think the slight wedge shape that allowed the Pixel to not have a camera bump was a great design choice (one I would love to see return to Google’s Pixel line, although I doubt it ever will).

For those who don’t use an OG Pixel, LineageOS does support a wide range of devices from manufacturers including OnePlus, Razer, Sony, Asus, Xiaomi, Lenovo, and more. It remains a solid choice for people with older phones no longer receiving official support.

The LineageOS team is working on version 19 based on Android 12, although Android Police notes it won’t arrive anytime soon.

You can learn more about LineageOS here.

Source: XDA Developers Via: Android Police

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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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Pixel mail-in repair service in the U.S. reportedly compromised accounts, photos

It looks like Pixel’s mail-in service might be a bit sketchy in the U.S.

The Verge‘s Jane McGonigal says her internet accounts were compromised after she mailed in her Pixel 5a to Google for service. McGonigal says the intruders accessed her Google services, Dropbox and another email account, while activity logs indicated that they accessed photos in an attempt to “find nudes.”

“The photos they opened were of me in bathing suits, sports bras, form-fitting dresses, and of stitches after surgery,” McGonigal writes. “They deleted Google security notifications in my backup email accounts.”

McGonigal sent her broken phone to a Pixel repair centre in Texas in June, and Google later told her that it never received the phone. Following that, she was charged for a replacement device. However, McGonigal said that FedEx tracking details indicated that the phone had arrived at the facility. Afterwards, the “missing” phone was used for two-factor authentication checks to access her accounts.

McGonigal says this has happened to others as well. McGonigal offers the full story on her Twitter page. 

In a statement to The Verge, a Google spokesperson said, “we are investigating this claim.” At this moment, it’s unclear who exactly has the phone or whether it was intercepted during transit or in the repair facility.

In the U.S., Google offers mail-in repair services in and out of warranty. If you don’t want to mail in your device, you can head to a uBreakiFix instead. Canada works a little differently; Google Support pages state that mail-in services here are handled exclusively by uBreakiFix.

Either way, whether you’re mailing it in or bringing your device to a repair service yourself, you always have to be careful of something like this happening.

Source: Jane McGonigal (@avantgame), The Verge

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Canada’s own Simu Liu is now an official Google Pixel 6 ambassador

Canadian actor Simu Liu is now the spokesperson for the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

The Mississauga, Ontario-raised Liu will be featured in a series of digital ads and social media spots that emphasize both the phones’ features and his personality.

Liu, of course, made waves earlier this year for his leading role in September’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Marvel’s first Asian-led film. He’s also known for his role in CBC’s acclaimed Kim’s Convenience sitcom, which ran for five seasons and ended in April.

Liu will shoot the Pixel 6 ads later this month, with Google stating that they’ll air sometime this holiday season. The Pixel 6 series was released in Canada in late October. One of the Pixel 6 family’s key features is the inclusion of Google’s first System on a Chip (SoC), Tensor, which offers Real Tone technology to better capture skin colour, Live Translate for improved speech recognition and more.

Given that Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is also a noted Pixel fan, perhaps a crossover between the two is in order.

In any case, Liu is the latest famous Canadian actor (and Marvel movie star) to dive into the business of smartphones. Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) owns his own U.S.-based carrier, Mint Mobile, which he’s been trying to bring to Canada for many months now.

Source: Google