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.
Android
Android might soon alert you when your time zone changes

Traveling with an Android phone can be confusing when it comes to keeping track of time, especially on long trips. Your device automatically adjusts to different time zones, which is handy but can sometimes leave you unsure about the actual time. Imagine being on an airplane, where the time might switch several times due to the flight’s Wi-Fi, making it difficult to know how long you’ve been in the air.
To solve this, Google seems to be working on a new feature for Android. According to Android Authority, who took a peek at the Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new setting in the works. This setting would allow you to get a notification every time your device changes its time zone automatically.
You’ll find this new option under the “Settings” menu, specifically in “System” and then “Date & time.” By turning this on, you’d get a little alert on your phone saying, “Hey, you’ve just entered a new time zone!” This would help you keep better track of time without any surprises.
There isn’t a confirmed release date yet for this feature, but it looks like it might make its way into Android 16. This update could make traveling a bit less confusing when it comes to managing your schedule across different parts of the world.
Android
Android 16 might alert you when your time zone shifts

One of the key roles of your smartphone is to keep track of time, and they do this job pretty well. By using information from your phone’s network, Wi-Fi, or GPS, your device can automatically adjust its time when you move to a different time zone. However, sometimes you might want to know right away when this happens, which is why Google is working on a new alert feature for Android 16.
While exploring the first beta version of Android 16, I stumbled upon some lines of code for a new “time zone change” option in the settings under System > Date & time. This feature is designed to notify you when your phone’s time zone gets updated automatically.
I managed to activate this setting in the beta. Here’s what it looks like:
I couldn’t show you the actual notification since I haven’t traveled out of my current time zone, but I know what it will look like. The notification will simply state that “your time zone changed” followed by details of your new time zone.
This is a simple yet useful addition because knowing when and how your time zone has changed can help you schedule meetings or make plans. It also saves you from having to check the settings manually when you need to adjust the time for apps like Outlook.
Handling time zones is not easy, but thanks to Google Play System Updates, Android phones can quickly adapt to new time zone data from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). With the various ways Android devices locate themselves, they are among the best for keeping the right time.
Though I found this feature in the Android 16 Beta 1, it’s not certain if it will make it into the final version. Features can appear in early builds but not in the official release. Given that Android 16 is expected to roll out in the second quarter of this year, we’ll know soon if this time zone notification feature will be part of it.
Android
New Feature: See through Live Captions on Android

Since the introduction of Expressive Captions last December, Android’s Live Caption feature now includes an option to adjust the background transparency on Pixel devices.
Before this update, captions appeared on a solid light or dark gray background, which could sometimes block parts of the screen. Now, with the new transparency setting, you can see what’s happening behind the captions. This makes the captions less intrusive and more user-friendly, allowing you to keep them on all the time if you wish. Some users even prefer having no background at all, just the text floating over the video.
How to Use Background Transparency
To turn on this feature, simply tap on the Live Caption panel to bring up the options menu. Look for the three dots on the right side, tap on them, and go to “Customization.” There, you’ll see the “Background transparency” switch alongside other settings like “Translate captions” and “Live Caption.”
This update was noticed today with the release of version V.16 of Android System Intelligence for Pixel devices. Check the Google Play Store to see if an update is available for your device. However, this feature isn’t available yet for Android 14 on non-Google devices.
This follows the earlier update in December that brought Expressive Captions to life, adding more emotion through uppercase letters for emphasis, sounds like sighs or gasps, and background noises like applause. This is currently available for US English on Android 14 and newer versions.
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