The Google Pixel 4a is known for giving users a great Android experience in a smaller, easy-to-handle phone. Many people loved their Pixel 4a, but they’re now upset because of a recent surprise update.

What Was Supposed to Be Good News

Google rolled out the Pixel 4a in 2020, so it doesn’t get the new promise of long-lasting OS and security updates. So, when Google suddenly decided to update the Pixel 4a, users were initially excited. Google named this update the “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program,” suggesting it would make the phone’s battery last longer. But, they also mentioned it might reduce battery life between charges. Many users thought this wouldn’t be a problem, but a discussion on Reddit proved otherwise.

One user shared, “I thought Google was doing us a favor by updating this old phone. Boy, was I wrong! Now, my phone barely works. I was going to buy the new model, but not anymore. They should be sued for this.”

Calls for Legal Action

The Reddit thread is full of angry Pixel 4a owners, some even suggesting legal action against Google. One comment read, “They made it sound so good, but now my battery only lasts an hour!” Another person wrote, “I updated on Saturday and my phone went from full to 2% in just 5 hours with very little use. What a mess!”

The main issue is that Google didn’t explain why this update was necessary or what problem it should fix. If there was a serious hardware issue, Google should have been more open about it. Without clear information, reverting to the old update doesn’t seem like a safe bet either.

A Silver Lining

However, there’s some relief for those affected. Google has started a program where users can get their battery replaced for free. Alternatively, users can opt for a $50 payment or a $100 credit towards buying another Pixel device from the Google Store. This might help soothe some of the frustration, but many are still left feeling disappointed by the unexpected turn of events.

Google Photos has recently introduced a new feature called Quick Edit, which lets you fix up your pictures before you share them. But now, it looks like Google is thinking about giving users the choice to turn this feature off.

Here’s how Quick Edit works: when you click the share button on a photo, a special editing page pops up. This page gives you a couple of tools to quickly tweak or improve your photo before you send it off. It’s great for those who like to make last-minute changes, but it adds an extra step that not everyone might want.

For those who find this extra step a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re not into editing photos every time you share them, Google seems to be preparing a way to skip it altogether. In the newest version of Google Photos (version 7.14.0.718134140), there’s a new button on the Quick Edit page. It’s shaped like a pill and is located in the top-right corner, making it easy for you to turn off Quick Edit if you don’t need it.

Also, Google might change how the cropping tool works within Quick Edit. Right now, there’s a crop button that takes you to another part of Google Photos to do the cropping. But soon, this could change, and you might be able to crop directly from the Quick Edit screen without going anywhere else.

These updates aren’t available yet in the current version of Google Photos, but they could be coming soon. We’ll keep this article updated as soon as these changes start showing up for everyone.

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Android 16 Beta 1 has a cool new feature hidden inside. If you use the three-button navigation, you’re in for a treat. Now, when you hold down the back button, you get a sneak peek of what’s coming next. This preview shows up in the Wallpapers & Style app too.

Here’s how it works: if you press and hold the back button, the app you’re in will shrink just a bit, letting you see a glimpse of the screen behind it. For the Wallpapers & Style app, you can swipe from the right side of your screen and hold; you’ll see a smooth animation before it switches back to the last screen you were on.

A New Chance for Three-Button Navigation

Google has been pushing for swipe gestures since Android 10, but they haven’t forgotten about those who like the old-school three-button setup. Although they introduced predictive back navigation in Android 13, it was only for a select few devices and apps. Now, with Android 16 Beta 1, Google seems to be giving this feature some love, aiming to make it a regular part of the Android navigation experience. This update could make life easier for those who prefer buttons, offering them more control and a nicer look. Your feedback will help shape how this feature evolves as it’s still being tested.

What Else is New in Android 16 Beta 1?

Android 16 is set to come out in the second quarter of this year. Here’s what else you can expect from Beta 1:

• Better App Adjustments: Apps will no longer be able to lock their screen orientation or size on bigger screens, making them more adaptable for devices like tablets.
• Live Updates: Get real-time notifications for things like your Uber ride or food delivery.
• APV Video Support: Improved handling of high-quality video formats for professionals.
• App Resizing: Apps can now be resized to fit larger screens more effectively.

Google aims to enhance the Android experience with these updates. While we haven’t seen anything groundbreaking yet, these small improvements like the predictive back gesture add up to make Android 16 more user-friendly.