If you're a Google Pixel owner you're going to want to install the latest Android 13 update, which is rolling out today.
According to Google, "All supported Pixel devices running Android 13 will receive these software updates starting today. The rollout will continue over the next week in phases depending on carrier and device. Pixel 6a devices will receive the update later this month."
The update will fix issues on the Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 5a 5G, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, and one of the issues is a biggie: the update will fix the battery drain that's plagued many handsets, which has been blamed on launcher activities happening in the background when they shouldn’t. And it'll solve another issue that's prevented some Pixel phones from charging properly.
More Pixels, more problems
The charging bug first emerged back in August, with some Pixel users reporting that the wireless charging on their phones had suddenly stopped working. Some users did find ways around it, for example by hard rebooting the device and pairing the phone to the Pixel Stand again, but nobody found a solution that worked reliably and permanently. So the Android update is particularly good news for those users as it appears to have found a proper fix.
The other issues in the patch are comparatively minor. There's a fingerprint recognition bug, now squashed, that enabled some users to unlock the phone with an unregistered fingerprint. And the update also makes some minor tweaks to the user interfaces and fixes an occasional Bluetooth issue that prevented some accessories from connecting to Pixel phones.
All of these issues are Pixel-specific, but the September Android update also includes a further 51 fixes that apply to Android phones generally. Those users should get the update before the end of this month.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Writer, musician and broadcaster Carrie Marshall has been covering technology since 1998 and is particularly interested in how tech can help us live our best lives. Her CV is a who’s who of magazines, newspapers, websites and radio programmes ranging from T3, Techradar and MacFormat to the BBC, Sunday Post and People’s Friend. Carrie has written more than a dozen books, ghost-wrote two more and co-wrote seven more books and a Radio 2 documentary series; her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards. When she’s not scribbling, Carrie is the singer in Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind (unquietmindmusic).
-
Dune 3 release date revealed by IMAX
The hit sci-fi franchise starring Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet will be back for a third movie
By Sam Cross Published
-
New Google Nest Learning Thermostat leaks – will it finally have touch controls?
The fourth generation of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat has been leaked
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL appears online for first time – shaping up to be a beast
The forthcoming new-form Pixel Pro has been spotted on Geekbench
By Chris Hall Published
-
Older Google Pixel phones just got a great free photo upgrade
Google is bringing more tools to more phones
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I tried Google's Pixel 8a for a week – here's why it's now my fave affordable phone
Aloe, aloe! A week living with the Google Pixel 8a shows promise
By Mike Lowe Published
-
The next Google Pixel Fold might not be what you expect
Google will reportedly switch branding
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
The future of Google Pixel cameras: from AI to resolution and beyond
Google's Pixel camera product manager talks Pixel phones past, present and hints at the future
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Google to adopt important iPhone feature on its Pixel phones
Satellite messaging planned for new and old Google Pixel phones
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Google Pixel 8a could be coming sooner than you think, and feature a battery upgrade
When it comes to batteries, bigger equals better
By Andy Sansom Published
-
Google Pixel could get free upgrade to make it better to use in bad weather
Pixel phones are already smart but this change would make them smarter
By Chris Hall Published