Android
Pixel 9 and Android 15 Updates: New features, security fixes, and device enhancements explained
The October 2024 update for Android 15 brings important improvements to a wide range of Google Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 to the latest Pixel 9 series. Along with the monthly security patch, this update includes the October 2024 Pixel Drop, packed with new features and enhancements. Here’s a breakdown of everything included in this release and what it means for your Pixel experience.
Security and Performance Enhancements
The Android 15 October security patch addresses 28 vulnerabilities across various Pixel models. Google has resolved nine critical issues, primarily focused on system security, with the patch dated October 1, 2024. A second patch, dated October 5, 2024, addresses 19 additional vulnerabilities. These fixes tackle everything from security flaws to stability issues, ensuring your device remains secure and optimized.
Alongside the security patches, several performance improvements and bug fixes are included across key areas such as battery life, charging, biometrics, Bluetooth connectivity, and system performance. Specific Pixel models receive targeted fixes, ranging from camera stability to user interface (UI) improvements.
Pixel Devices Covered by the Update
This update is available for the following Pixel models:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
Carrier-specific builds for Google Fi devices in the US are also being rolled out, along with global versions for all supported models.
Key Fixes Across Various Pixel Models
- Battery & Charging: Improvements in charging performance and battery life for several devices, including the Pixel 7 and newer models.
- Biometrics: A fix for face unlock stability for Pixel 9 and 9 Pro models.
- Bluetooth: Issues with Bluetooth connections on certain accessories have been resolved for Pixel 9 series devices.
- Camera: The Pixel 9 series receives enhancements in camera stability, making it more reliable under different conditions.
- Display & Graphics: Various stability improvements have been made for devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, addressing display issues.
- User Interface: Multiple UI-related bugs, such as incorrect Android icons and issues with transitions and animations, have been addressed across several devices.
New Pixel 9 Features
The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL receive exclusive features, notably the ability to detect underwater scenes automatically. This new capability enhances both photos and videos, ensuring more vibrant and accurate colors while using waterproof cases for activities like swimming or snorkeling.
Additionally, a Gemini Extension is now available for screenshots, letting users find saved information quickly using voice commands. For example, you can now say, “Hey Google, use Screenshots to find the sneakers I saved.”
Features Rolling Out to All Pixel Devices
Several new features introduced with the Pixel 9 are also coming to older models. These include:
- Astrophotography Enhancements: A dedicated slider in Night Sight mode allows for easier access to astrophotography. Once activated, users have five seconds to set their device down and capture the night sky.
- Theft Protection Suite: This security feature is now available across Pixel devices running Android 15.
- Widget Discovery: Users can now find and organize widgets more easily with the updated widget picker.
- Adaptive Vibration: This feature reduces noise by adjusting vibration intensity based on sound levels in your environment. It applies to ringtones, notifications, and alerts for the Pixel 7 and newer models.
Additionally, Night Sight is now available in Instagram for Pixel 6 and newer models (except the A-series), enhancing low-light photography on the platform.
Updates to Pixel Weather and Thermometer Features
The Pixel Weather app is expanding globally, bringing real-time pollen tracking to regions like France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The Pixel 8 Pro and other devices will also gain the new Pixel Thermometer UI, allowing users to measure object temperatures through the camera and store recent measurements for up to seven days.
Audio Magic Eraser and Next-Gen Call Screen
The Audio Magic Eraser feature, which debuted on the Pixel 9, lets users control specific sounds in videos, including different voices and background noises. This capability will soon be available on the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a.
Google is also expanding its Next Gen Call Screen feature to Japan and the UK for Pixel 6 and newer models. Like in the US, this tool offers a more natural-sounding voice with real-time transcriptions and improved automated replies, making it easier to handle calls without speaking directly.
Pixel Tablet and Watch Updates
For Pixel Tablet users, the October 2024 Pixel Drop brings several enhancements, including synchronized notification dismissals across devices and a refreshed screen saver with interactive elements like photo sharing, favoriting, and archiving.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch gains a new Individual Contact Tile, providing shortcuts for quick calls and messages. Wear OS users can also now send emoji reactions as replies in Gmail. The Loss of Pulse Detection feature is rolling out to more European countries, joining regions such as Austria, France, and the UK.
Device Connectivity Service Updates
Google has updated the Device Connectivity Service for Pixel devices through the Play Store. While there’s no user-facing interface for this background service, it plays a crucial role in enabling cross-device features, such as Clear Calling and other functionalities related to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).
This service has been available on Pixel devices since the Pixel 6, and the latest update includes version 1.0.671214930, with older versions still active on Android 14 and 15 QPR1 Beta 2.
Conclusion
The October 2024 Android 15 security patch and Pixel Drop bring significant updates to both the Pixel 9 series and older devices. Whether it’s enhanced security, new features like underwater photography, or improvements in system stability, this update ensures a more refined experience across the Pixel lineup. With Google continuing to roll out advanced capabilities through its Pixel ecosystem, users can expect a richer, more connected experience with their devices.
Google has started rolling out Android Auto version 14.3 more widely after a limited release earlier this month. This update doesn’t bring new features, but it focuses on making things work better by fixing bugs and improving performance.
Android Auto 14.3 began showing up for more users through the Google Play Store, especially those using the beta version. If you’re already part of the beta program, you should see the update soon. For others, the rollout is happening gradually, so it might take a few days to appear.
While Google hasn’t provided detailed patch notes for this version, early users say that the update improves the overall experience by making the system more stable. Users haven’t noticed major visual changes, but smoother performance is always welcome, especially during driving.
As usual, Android Auto updates mostly happen in the background. If you want to check which version you have, open Android Auto settings on your phone. You can also join the beta program or install the APK manually if the update hasn’t reached your device yet.
In short, Android Auto 14.3 is all about improving stability and fixing problems that users might have faced in previous versions. It’s part of Google’s regular efforts to make the in-car experience better and safer for everyone.
Android 16 could include an update to make notifications simpler to process. Google is working on a feature called “notification cooldown with action buttons,” which addresses repeated alerts and provides helpful buttons whenever needed.
If you keep getting lots of notifications from the same app, Android usually does not alert you right away. Android 14 and 15 are currently testing the feature known as notification cooldown.
Now with Android 16, Google could go one step more by allowing app developers to add smart actions to each notification. They are helpful because they can respond to your recent usage of the apps or programs.
In some cases, if you get notified while using music, the message will also have an option to immediately handle your music settings. Similarly, a “reply” button may appear quickly or you could get other options useful for whatever is going on in your phone. It allows you to perform tasks you see in the notification without going into the app.
There is no official release yet, yet the code included in Android 16 hints that it is under development. If this solution is used, it may make receiving notifications more useful and less troublesome.
Generally, Android 16 attempts to make receiving notifications easier and more useful with its “magic” actions.
Google is rolling out a new look for the emoji section in Gboard, giving it a cleaner and simpler design. This updated layout is starting to show up for users on the latest Gboard beta version (13.9), and it might soon come to the stable version too.
In the new design, the emoji panel now floats above the keyboard instead of being attached to it. The search bar, category tabs, and the emoji grid all appear inside a neat floating window with rounded corners. This gives the whole emoji section a modern and less cluttered appearance.
The categories at the top are still there, but they now sit in a card-style bar that blends nicely with the rest of the UI. The search bar has also been updated with a clearer background, making it easier to use. Even though the layout looks different, the actual emoji and features like stickers and GIFs are still available and work the same way.
Some users have also noticed that this new style matches the look of other Google apps that follow the updated Material You design. It’s part of Google’s effort to make its apps feel more consistent and user-friendly across Android.
Right now, the redesign seems to be rolling out in stages, so not everyone will see it immediately. If you’re using Gboard beta, you might already have it, or it could show up soon.
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