Pixel
Google Pixel 8a UK prices leak alongside 7-year Android update support

Google Pixel 8a prices for the UK revealed by trusted tipster ahead of launch. Roland Quandt claims the prices of Google Pixel 8a in the UK could start from 499 GBP (Great British Pound). Another report claims the device will bring 7-year Android update support.
According to the info, Google Pixel 8a will cost 499 GBP for 128GB and 559 GBP for 256GB in the UK. It translates to roughly $625 and $700, respectively, for the US market. However, the real market pricing wouldn’t be much higher due to regional tax variation.
UK prices:
Pixel 8a 128GB = 499 GBP
Pixel 8a 256GB = 559 GBP— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) May 5, 2024
AndroidHeadlines report says the the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro-like 7-year OS support will be available in the Pixel 8a too. As the pricing isn’t increasing, longer software support will be a huge boost to this year’s affordable Pixel “a” smartphone.
Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 offer four OS and five years of software support. The latter isn’t launching in the United States, whereas, Google’s significant upgrades to Pixel 8a will surely give an edge over rivals internationally.
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Google’s latest update for Pixel 4a reduces battery life by over 40%

Last month, Google pushed out an unexpected update for the Pixel 4a that was meant to fix some battery issues. However, it turns out this update has actually reduced the usable battery life by over 40%, along with removing some features.
Back in early January, Google promised that the update would make the battery performance more stable. They warned, though, that the battery might not last as long between charges. To make up for the inconvenience, Google is offering free battery replacements, store credits, or even a $50 cash payment to those affected.
Since the update rolled out, many Pixel 4a users have noticed their phones don’t last as long as before. Some who used to get a full day’s use now find their phones dying within 8 hours or less. The community over at the r/Pixel4a subreddit has shared numerous stories about their experiences post-update.
Google hasn’t explained why they made these changes, but they’ve also pulled all the older software versions of the Pixel 4a from their servers. A developer named Hector Martin from Asahi Linux found that the update reduced the battery’s maximum charge voltage from 4.45V to 3.95V. According to Android Authority, this small drop in voltage leads to a significant 44% reduction in usable charge because the battery’s voltage range starts at 3.3V.
The update also got rid of a few features. One was Adaptive Charging, which helped extend battery life by slowing down the charging process. They’ve also removed the estimated charging time and the ability to display battery percentage in the status bar for new users, although those who had it enabled before the update didn’t lose it. Some users have reported seeing lower battery percentages after the update, which might explain some of the changes.
Additionally, users might notice slower charging and changes in how the battery level is displayed on their phones. This update was labeled as an “Emergency Maintenance Release” by Google, which meant it didn’t go through the usual rigorous checks before being released. The reasons for this urgency haven’t been disclosed.
If you’re a Pixel 4a owner affected by this update, you can contact Google to check if you’re eligible for a free battery replacement. With the Pixel 4a no longer receiving regular software updates since 2023, this might be a good time to think about upgrading your device.
Stutter problem in Pixel phones fixed by developer; Google was to blame

Pixel phones are known for their smooth operation, but sometimes, they can stutter when you’re moving through apps, which can be frustrating, especially with their high cost. A developer has now pinpointed the cause of this stutter and has let Google know about it.
This isn’t a new issue; it’s been discussed in Google’s official Issue Tracker since April 2024. Despite this, every new Android update for Pixel phones has had this problem, with no fix from Google, which is surprising given their resources.
The developer, Sultan Alsawaf, who makes special software for some Pixel models, has figured out what’s causing the stutter. He says Google’s way of managing how much work the phone can handle at once is flawed. Think of it like a busy road where too many cars are allowed at once, causing traffic jams.
Google used the wrong type of “lock” (btsdev->lock), which doesn’t control the flow well. It lets too many tasks go through at the same time, messing up how the phone calculates the need for processing power, leading to sudden slowdowns.
Alsawaf solved this by using a better “lock” (mutex_lock) that controls how many tasks can go through, preventing the system from getting overwhelmed. This ensures the phone can better guess how much power each task needs, reducing stutters.
He’s shared his solution with Google and has already put it into his special software for the Pixel 8 series. But, using this software can be tricky and risky for those not tech-savvy. Hopefully, Google will soon apply these fixes to all Pixel phones to get rid of the stutter for good.
Android
February Android Update for Pixel: Fixes for bluetooth and Android Auto

The February security update for Android 15 is now available for several Pixel models including the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. This patch addresses a variety of security concerns, ensuring your device remains safe and secure.
This update tackles 24 security issues identified on February 1, 2025, and 23 more on February 5, 2025. These range from high to critical severity, with one particular vulnerability, CVE-2024-53104, potentially being exploited in a limited, targeted manner, according to Google.
Security Patch Versions:
- Global: – All Pixel models from 6 to 9 series: AP4A.250205.002
- T-Mobile: – Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold: AP4A.250205.002.C1
- Telstra: – Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold: AP4A.250205.002.B2
- EMEA:- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a: AP4A.250205.002.A
Key Fixes in the Update:
- Audio:- A fix has been implemented for problems with audio output in Android Auto under specific conditions for all listed Pixel devices.
- Bluetooth:- There’s also a fix for an issue that sometimes stopped certain Bluetooth devices or accessories from connecting, particularly for the Pixel 9 series.
This update ensures that your Pixel device not only stays secure but also functions smoothly with your car’s audio system and Bluetooth gadgets. Make sure to update your device to keep enjoying these improvements and protections.
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