Tag: Pixel 6 Pro

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Mobile Syrup

New Android 13 Beta 1 brings face unlock UI to the Pixel 6 Pro

Google’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro released without face unlock support, but the new Android 13 Beta 1 suggests that the Pro model might be getting face authentication in the near future.

While there haven’t been any recent comments by Google about the addition of face unlock for the Pixel 6 series, the new Android 13 beta seemingly shows a face unlock setting on the Pixel 6 Pro, according to Android Headlines. The feature isn’t usable at the moment, though its UI’s presence in the beta-running Pixel 6 Pro and its absence in the same beta-running Pixel 6 indicates that the feature might be heading to the pro device soon.

It’s worth noting that the Pixel 6 line doesn’t have dedicated face id hardware, though its in-house Tensor chip, which has accurate face detection, paired with the Pixel 6 Pro’s 11.1-megapixel selfie camera might be the route to go if Google wants to introduce face unlock to its flagship.

According to 9to5Google, The Pixel 6 Pro houses the Sony IMX663 sensor with dual-pixel autofocus (DPAF), which allows the device to create depth when shooting in Portrait Mode. Said depth is useful for capturing the details and contours of your face, which, when combined with the Tensor’s face detection prowess, could allow Google to introduce Face ID to the Pixel 6 Pro with just a simple software update.

The Pixel 6, on the other hand, doesn’t feature the Sony IMX663 sensor, and instead utilizes the Sony IMX355 sensor that doesn’t support dual-pixel autofocus (DPAF). This further confirms that if Face ID is to come to the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 6 is out of luck.

Via: Android Headlines, 9to5Google 

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro finally get March security update and Pixel Feature Drop

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google’s two latest flagships, have been the victim of late Android updates te past few months. The March Pixel patch and feature drop hit devices from the Pixel 3a to the Pixel 5a back on March 7th, but now the update is finally coming to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

Fido’s update schedule previously said that the update would hit the Pixel 6 series on March 21st, but the Rogers sub-brand seems to have removed the Pixel 6 from the list. Despite the removal, Pixel 6 users in Canada are reportedly receiving the update.

The March security patch comes paired with the most recent Pixel Feature Drop.

The Pixel Feature Drop includes the following features:

  • Live Caption during phone calls no longer requires you to talk. Instead, you can read what the other person says and type back a response. Google Assistant will read out your typed responses to the other person(s) on the call.
  • You can host YouTube watch parties all on your phone.
  • You can share apps with live sharing for Google Duo using only your phone.
  • English speakers using Messages can now convert typed words into colorful stickers.
  • The At A Glance widget will now tell you battery levels for Bluetooth-connected devices, reminders to turn off alarms the day before a holiday, and earthquake alerts.
  • There is also a new standalone battery widget that gives you battery information for your phone and connected devices.
  • Three new wallpapers are available in the Curated Culture collection, this time celebrating International Women’s Day.
  • Night Sight now works right within the Snapchat app.
  • Interpreter Mode within Live Translate can translate face-to-face conversations in Spanish, Italian, and French right on your phone. All translations stay on-device. Try it by saying, “Hey Google, be my [Spanish/French/Italian] interpreter.”
  • Your phone can now identify Spanish in videos and translate it automatically into English, French, Italian, German, and Japanese (but it’s still in beta).
  • The Recorder app can now transcribe Italian and Spanish.
  • Assistant Quick Phrases are available in Spanish, Italian, and French

Google says this is Android version 12.1 and is apparently a stable version of Android 12L. Android 12L mainly focuses on foldables and other large-screen devices but is currently only available on Pixel handsets.

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Mobile Syrup

March security update and Feature Drop might hit Pixel 6 series on March 21

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro’s March update was delayed until later March, but now it looks like it’s finally on the way.

According to Fido’s update schedule, the update will hit Google’s Pixel 6 series on March 21st. However, it’s worth mentioning that none of the other Canadian carriers cite the Pixel 6 in their update schedules.

The March security update also includes the ‘Pixel Feature Drop.’ 

Here are all the new features included in the latest drop:

  • Live Caption during phone calls no longer requires you to talk. Instead, you can read what the other person says and type back a response. Google Assistant will read out your typed responses to the other person(s) on the call.
  • You can host YouTube watch parties all on your phone.
  • You can share apps with live sharing for Google Duo using only your phone.
  • English speakers using Messages can now convert typed words into colorful stickers.
  • The At A Glance widget will now tell you battery levels for Bluetooth-connected devices, reminders to turn off alarms the day before a holiday, and earthquake alerts.
  • There is also a new standalone battery widget that gives you battery information for your phone and connected devices.
  • Three new wallpapers are available in the Curated Culture collection, this time celebrating International Women’s Day.
  • Night Sight now works right within the Snapchat app.
  • Interpreter Mode within Live Translate can translate face-to-face conversations in Spanish, Italian, and French right on your phone. All translations stay on-device. Try it by saying, “Hey Google, be my [Spanish/French/Italian] interpreter.”
  • Your phone can now identify Spanish in videos and translate it automatically into English, French, Italian, German, and Japanese (but it’s still in beta).
  • The Recorder app can now transcribe Italian and Spanish.
  • Assistant Quick Phrases are available in Spanish, Italian, and French

Alongside the Pixel Feature Drop, you can also expect the latest beta for Android 12L, which focuses on foldables and other large-screen devices.

Carrier update schedules aren’t always correct, but it’s possible likely see the update on that day. However, nothing is confirmed until Google releases its own blog post about the update.

Source: Fido Via: Droid-Life

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro renderings reveal Pixel 6 series-like design

Google’s Pixel 7 is still several months away from release, but that hasn’t stopped early leaks from appearing about the device.

As always, approach this latest leak with an air of skepticism given it doesn’t stem from a reliable source. That said, it’s backed by OnLeaks, a relatively reliable source of leaks MobileSyrup often cites.

ChooseBestTech in collaboration with @XLeaks7 has created CAD-based renderings of the Pixel 7 based on leaked information. The dimensions of the device — 155.6 x 73.1 x 8.7 mm (11.5 with camera bump) — indicate that the smartphone is slightly thinner than the Pixel 6.

The Pixel 7’s back camera module also blends into its side chassis, making it look more fluid and like one unit. The leak suggests that the camera module will likely feature the same colour as the frame. Additionally, the back camera array reportedly features two lenses and a flashlight, similar to the Pixel 6.

The mmWave 5G antenna will reportedly be placed on the top of the device, similar to Apple’s iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.

Otherwise, the phone will sport a punch-hole camera, an in-screen fingerprint scanner, speaker grills, a USB-C port and a SIM tray.

OnLeaks, in collaboration with @Smartprix, also created a 360-degree video of the device alongside 5K renderings of the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, will look just about the same, except for its 6.7-inch or 6.8-inch curved display.

On the rear, the smartphone reportedly sports three cameras. It also reportedly measures in at 163×76.6×8.7mm.

Source: OnLeaks, ChooseBestTech

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Mobile Syrup

Google releases new surprise update for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Google released a surprise update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro today, just days after the devices received their last security update.

According to Android Police, the developer dropped the new builds with “slightly different version numbers” compared to the last release.

The version uploaded earlier this month is listed as ‘SQ1D.220205.003.’ This latest update is listed as SQ1D.220205.004 for both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, as reported by 9to5Google.

Android Police speculates the update could be a bug fix, given an onslaught of complaints on Wi-Fi performance days before the February update went live.

Source: Android Police, 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google Photos update causes crash when using Pixel 6 Magic Eraser tool

Headline Pixel 6/6 Pro feature ‘Magic Eraser’ is the cause behind crashes following a recent update to the Google Photos app.

A new bug reported by Android Police and spotted by users on Reddit and Twitter causes the Google Photos app to crash when launching the Magic Eraser tool. Specifically, the bug appears to impact Google Photos ‘version 5.76.0.425427310’ on Pixel 6 devices.

I tried recreating the bug on my Pixel 6, which is running Photos version 5.75.0.424739917, but opening Magic Eraser didn’t cause a crash. At the time of writing, the 5.76 version update wasn’t available to my device.

Android Police notes that the typical quick fixes aren’t working. For example, rebooting the phone, clearing the app’s cache, and restoring the Photos app to factory settings all don’t fix the problem. As it stands, it seems like once you’ve updated the Photo app, you’re stuck with the problem. If you’re still on an older version of Google Photos, you may want to hold off on any updates until there’s a fix.

This isn’t the first time Google has had problems with the Pixel 6 and Magic Eraser. Back in November, a Google Photo update removed Magic Eraser from Pixel 6 devices, but the search giant quickly fixed the error. Hopefully, there’s a similar quick fix with this problem.

Frustratingly for some, this is yet another bug in a rapidly-growing list of problems with Google’s latest flagship devices. Despite the numerous problems some have experienced with the phones, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro also apparently helped set a quarterly sales record for Google.

Source: Twitter, Reddit Via: Android Police

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Fido update schedule indicates Pixel 6 security update will arrive on February 7th

Google’s Pixel December Security Update dropped on December 13th and was swiftly removed due to an issue related to dropped calls and disconnections.

The update — along with the January update — was then redistributed on January 14th and seems to have caused no issues. While the January update rolled out for the Pixel 3a to Pixel 5a devices on time, due to the December update lagging behind, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users had to wait a little longer.

Well, the backlog has now been cleared and according to 9to5Google, Google’s latest flagships can now expect to receive the February update on the same day as other Pixel devices.

The information was also revealed in Fido’s community page where a community manager shared an “OS Upgrade Schedule” that shows that the Pixel 6/6 Pro will receive the February update on Monday, February 7th on the same day as the rest of the Pixel lineup.

Since Fido is a Canadian carrier, it’s likely that the update will arrive on February 7th across all carriers. That said, the date might be different for the rest of the world.

Image credit: Fido

Source: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez is Google’s latest Pixel 6 series ambassador

Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez has been named the latest ambassador for Google’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. 

Fernandez was the top-ranked Canadian in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and received international recognition after appearing in the 2021 U.S. Open.

The Montreal native is part of a national English and French-speaking ad campaign, which she revealed on Instagram today. 

Fernandez, who’s trilingual, will be utilizing the Pixel 6’s Live Translate feature as she’s a WTA pro who travels often. In addition to the ad, Leylah will also share her experience with the Pixel 6 on her social media accounts.

“After her incredible year on the women’s tennis circuit, and how she won the hearts of the Canadians with her grit and grace, it was an easy decision to partner Leylah as a spokesperson for the Pixel 6,” said Laura Pearce, head of marketing, at Google Canada in a press release.

“The Pixel provides all the helpfulness of Google for consumers to see, experience and do more — and that’s exactly what we expect Leylah to do as she takes the tennis world by storm.”

Source: Google Blog 

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Mobile Syrup

What was your favourite smartphone that launched in Canada last year?

Last year, a variety of smartphones were released in Canada, including several flagships, mid-rangers, budget devices and even foldables.

For this week’s MobileSyrup ‘Community Question,’ we want to know what your favourite smartphone from last year is?

I’d say my favourite smartphone from last year was the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It’s worth noting that I didn’t purchase the device myself and instead reviewed a unit Samsung sent to me, so to be fair, I didn’t have to spend $1,999.99 to get my hands on one. However, if I were looking for a new smartphone this year, I can definitively say that I’d purchase the Z Fold 3.

This year’s Z Fold 3 is well-built and waterproof this time around. I also like that it features two 120Hz refresh rate displays and on the main screen, it sports a cool under-display camera. Playing games like League of Legends: Wild Rift or reading on a larger screen, has also been great.

The Z Fold 3 has some downsides though, including making my skin tone brighter in pictures, the fact that it’s costly, and a little bulky. However, I’d argue that it’s worth its expensive price tag even with these shortcomings. That said, I’m also a big fan of the Pixel 6 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

With all of this in mind, what’s your favourite smartphone from 2021? Let us know in the comments below.

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro owners reporting random screen cracks

Google’s 2021 Pixel 6 flagships are great smartphones in several ways, but like most Pixel devices, they also come with their own set of flaws. This latest report relates to several owners stating that they’re finding that the front glass of their devices is cracking.

Many Pixel owners have taken to Reddit and Google’s support forum to report that their Pixel 6 Pro’s screen is randomly cracking. It’s worth noting that most of the reports are related to the Pro, though there are some examples of the Pixel 6’s display shattering. Several forum posts indicate cases and screen protectors don’t prevent the problem.

According to Android Police, this type of issue usually results from a manufacturing problem that causes pressure to build up in the display glass, eventually causing it to crack. Significant temperature changes can also result in glass breaking.

Some reports indicate that Google is currently investigating the issue, though the tech giant has released no official statement.

For what it’s worth, my Pixel 6 Pro’s display hasn’t cracked — at least not yet.

Image credit: Google Support Forum (A OR C)

Source: Reddit, Google Support Forum Via: Android Police