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Google’s Tensor chips set for major efficiency boosts in Pixel 10 and 11, with 7-year Android update push for Snapdragon 8 Elite

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Google’s next-generation Tensor chips, expected to power the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11, are gearing up for significant efficiency upgrades. According to recent reports, these improvements focus heavily on optimizing battery life and reducing heat generation—key pain points for previous Pixel models. The shift in Google’s chip strategy also aligns with a broader push for extended Android software updates, setting the stage for a more reliable and long-lasting Android ecosystem.

Big Efficiency Gains with Tensor G5 in Pixel 10

Google’s Tensor chip series, first introduced with the Pixel 6, has consistently improved over time, especially in terms of performance and energy efficiency. Yet, issues like battery life and heat dissipation remained prevalent in the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and even the Pixel 8. While the Tensor G3 and G4 chips have shown some improvement, Google is still working to catch up to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, which have long set the benchmark for power efficiency in Android devices.

Looking ahead, Google’s upcoming Tensor G5 chip, codenamed “Laguna,” is expected to focus primarily on enhancing efficiency rather than introducing massive performance boosts. Reports suggest that Google will move production away from Samsung’s foundry to TSMC, a decision that aligns with the use of TSMC’s 3nm N3E process, the same advanced technology behind Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro chips. This change alone promises a significant leap in energy efficiency, as TSMC’s processes have been proven to be more power-efficient than Samsung’s.

Tensor G6 for Pixel 11: Further Efficiency Gains with TSMC’s N3P Node

Following the improvements in the Tensor G5, Google is already planning for its Tensor G6 chip, which is expected to power the Pixel 11 series in 2026. This chip, internally codenamed “Malibu,” will reportedly use TSMC’s N3P node, a more refined version of the 3nm process. This upgrade could bring even more efficiency improvements to the Pixel 11, potentially making it one of the most power-conscious flagship smartphones on the market.

While performance details for Tensor G5 and G6 remain under wraps, Google appears focused on refining power consumption and heat management as key priorities.

Google’s 7-Year Update Plan for Android Phones

Beyond hardware improvements, Google is also leading the charge in extending Android software support. The company made waves by promising 7 years of Android updates for the Pixel 8 series, a major leap from the standard 3-4 years most manufacturers offer. Now, Google is aiming to push other Android manufacturers to follow suit.

Reports from Android Authority reveal that Google has introduced the “Longevity GRF” program. This initiative is designed to make it easier for manufacturers to provide long-term software support. A major hurdle for extended Android updates has been the limited support for chipsets from manufacturers like Qualcomm, which typically only offer software updates for their chips for a few years.

Google’s GRF (Google Requirements Freeze) program, implemented a few years ago, started to address this by allowing some Android updates to roll out without requiring new vendor software. However, this only extended support by three years, after which updates became more complex.

Longevity GRF: Paving the Way for 7-Year Android Updates

The new “Longevity GRF” program takes things a step further. It allows Android manufacturers to support up to 7 years of OS updates without needing to overhaul vendor software for every update. This simplifies the process of extending software updates on Android devices.

However, manufacturers will still need to update the Linux kernel, the core software that interacts with the device’s hardware, at least every three years. This is crucial for security purposes, as relying on older Linux kernels can make it difficult to implement security patches.

While the new program ensures that Android phones can receive longer software support, it may come with some trade-offs. Specifically, devices may not get access to certain new features introduced in future Android versions if those features require vendor software updates. For example, Android 12’s 2G toggle or Android 13’s flashlight brightness API needed updated vendor software to function, even if the main Android update had been installed.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite: The First Chip to Support Longer Android Updates

One of the first chips to support the Longevity GRF program is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is expected to feature in a range of high-end Android devices in the coming years. Though there hasn’t been an official announcement from Google or Qualcomm, the move signals a new era for Android, where long-term software support becomes the norm, even on non-Google devices.

As the landscape of Android evolves, Google’s push for longer update lifecycles—coupled with its focus on efficiency in its Tensor chips—could greatly improve user experience, ensuring that Android phones remain powerful, efficient, and secure for years after their release.

In conclusion, Google’s upcoming Tensor G5 and G6 chips for Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 are poised to bring major efficiency improvements, thanks to the switch to TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. At the same time, Google’s “Longevity GRF” program could reshape the Android ecosystem by pushing for longer software support across a wider range of devices, starting with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. With these efforts, Google is setting the stage for more reliable, energy-efficient, and longer-lasting Android smartphones in the future.

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Android 15 November Update: Key fixes and security enhancements for Pixel devices

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Introduction: The November security update for Android 15 is now rolling out to Google Pixel devices, addressing multiple performance, security, and functionality issues. This update covers the Pixel 6 series up to the latest Pixel 9 series, with tailored fixes to enhance user experience and ensure device security. Released mid-week, the patch fixes 44 security vulnerabilities across the Android system, with improvements particularly focused on Bluetooth, display, camera functionality, and user interface transitions.

What’s Included in the November Security Patch:

  1. Security Enhancements:
    • Vulnerability Fixes: Android 15 November patch addresses 21 security vulnerabilities dated 2024-11-01 and 23 dated 2024-11-05, classified as high to critical. Some high-risk vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-43047 (Kernel) and CVE-2024-43093 (Elevation of privilege) had the potential for limited exploitation, making these fixes vital for device protection.
    • Device-Specific Fixes: Google has also listed three additional security improvements specifically for its Pixel line, aiming to enhance device stability and security.
  2. Firmware and OTA Availability:
    • The patch can be downloaded as factory images or OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, with sizes varying depending on the device. For instance, the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s update is around 57.35 MB.

Device-Specific Improvements:

  • Global Updates Across Models (AP3A.241105.007 and AP3A.241105.008): Devices covered include Pixel models from 6 up to 9, with distinctions for certain issues on the newer Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Key Fixes by Device Functionality:

  1. Bluetooth Connectivity:
    • Improved Bluetooth range stability, particularly on Pixel 9 models under various conditions, ensuring more reliable connectivity.
  2. Camera Stability:
    • Fixes camera tilt when switching between different zoom levels on the Pixel 9 series, enhancing camera stability and reducing unintentional shifts.
  3. Display and Brightness:
    • Resolved a flickering issue affecting screen brightness on the Pixel 8a and flashing white dots observed on the Pixel 9 series under certain conditions.
    • Adaptive brightness issues, which occasionally prevented automatic adjustments, are now resolved for the Pixel 9 series.
  4. Touch Sensitivity:
    • The patch improves responsiveness for touch interactions on the Pixel 9 models, addressing difficulties in dismissing the keyboard in some cases.
  5. User Interface (UI) Enhancements:
    • This patch provides smoother transitions and animations across various Pixel devices, enhancing the fluidity and performance of the user interface.

How to Get the Update:

  • To install the November update, users can check their device’s system settings under System > System Update. It is recommended to back up any essential data and ensure that the device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before beginning the update process.

Conclusion: The November Android 15 update not only reinforces device security with critical patches but also delivers tailored fixes for Bluetooth, display, camera, and other functional areas, particularly benefiting the latest Pixel 9 series. This rollout continues Google’s commitment to improving user experience and safeguarding devices against vulnerabilities, ensuring Pixel devices remain secure and optimized for day-to-day use.

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Google’s shift to Android TV 16 and the new Quick Share setup on Android 15: What You Need to Know

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Google is making significant changes to Android TV and its file-sharing feature, Quick Share, bringing new improvements and requirements that could impact users across the Android ecosystem. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters.

Why Android TV Might Skip Android 15 and Go Directly to 16

Unlike smartphones and tablets, Android TV is primarily a media consumption platform. Google has traditionally updated Android TV to stay aligned with Android’s core development cycle, but TV manufacturers struggle to keep up. Unlike handheld devices, people tend to replace TVs every 5-10 years, based on hardware features, rather than frequent software updates. This less frequent update cycle has led Google to a bi-yearly release schedule for Android TV updates, with the next major version potentially skipping Android 15 to focus on Android 16.

During a recent Android TV partner conference, Google reportedly announced this new release strategy. This isn’t entirely new territory for Google, as they skipped Android TV 13 and jumped straight to Android TV 14. The current version, Android TV 14, is based on the Android 14 codebase. Now, with a likely two-year gap, Android TV’s next big update might launch as Android TV 16 in 2026, aligning with the release of Android 16 for smartphones and tablets.

This shift could streamline development and give TV manufacturers more time to implement updates, although some may wonder if Google might surprise users by going directly to Android TV 17 in 2026. Google has also been testing system-level APIs for Android TV 16, suggesting a focus on Android 16 as the foundation for future Android TV developments.

Features to Expect in Android TV 16 (Or 17)

Currently, it’s unclear what new features might appear in Android TV 16. Most Android TV apps are not part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), making it challenging to track changes through source code. Google usually unveils new features through developer previews, so any upcoming innovations will likely be shared closer to the release date.

Google’s New Approach with Quick Share in Android 15

In addition to Android TV updates, Google is refining its Quick Share feature for Android devices, aiming to make it more accessible and widely used. Quick Share, originally known as Nearby Share, is Google’s built-in file-sharing solution, designed to be a fast, seamless way to transfer files between Android devices, Chromebooks, and even some Windows PCs.

Since its release in 2020, Quick Share has been available on most Android devices running Android 6.0 or higher with Google Play Services. However, many users are still unaware of its existence. To increase visibility, Google is making Quick Share part of the Android 15 setup process. When setting up a new Android 15 device, users will see a Quick Share configuration page within the setup wizard, making it easier to enable and customize.

Google has mandated that all Android devices launching with Android 15 or later must include this setup screen for Quick Share. Users will be prompted to set their device’s visibility and sharing preferences right from the start, helping them understand Quick Share’s capabilities immediately. This visibility setting allows users to control who can send files to them, enhancing privacy and user control.

OEM Requirements and Custom Solutions

Google’s mandate includes an exception for manufacturers that have their own custom Quick Share implementations using Google’s Nearby SDK. For instance, Samsung has its own version of Quick Share integrated with Google’s Nearby SDK, so Galaxy devices are not required to use Google’s setup page. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if Samsung adds a similar setup page to improve the user experience and encourage more people to use the feature.

Why These Changes Matter

The shift to Android TV 16 reflects Google’s strategy to keep Android TV updated without overwhelming manufacturers. This biyearly schedule could result in more stable, feature-rich Android TV versions with greater adoption among TV makers.

Meanwhile, Quick Share’s integration into the setup process aims to boost adoption of Google’s file-sharing feature, making it as recognizable on Android devices as Apple’s AirDrop is on iOS. By making Quick Share more accessible, Google is addressing a key usability issue, potentially improving the overall Android experience for millions of users.

Conclusion

Google’s evolving strategy for Android TV and the Quick Share feature shows the company’s focus on long-term improvement and user accessibility. Android TV’s two-year release cycle could bring more innovation to the living room while allowing TV manufacturers to better keep up with updates. At the same time, Quick Share’s integration into Android’s setup wizard ensures that more users know about and can benefit from Android’s convenient file-sharing tool. As these changes roll out, they’ll likely enhance the functionality and usability of both Android TVs and mobile devices in the coming years.

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November 2024 Pixel Update: Key fixes for Pixel 9 series revealed

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Pixel 9 Pro

Google’s latest software update for Pixel devices hasn’t rolled out yet, but Verizon has shared a preview of what’s expected in the November 2024 release, with a significant focus on improving the Pixel 9 series. The update was initially scheduled for November 5, 2024, but Google has not yet made an official announcement. This delay follows last month’s release of Android 15.

Key Updates for Pixel 9 Series

This November update (version AP3A.241105.008) offers a set of targeted improvements and bug fixes, particularly for the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold models:

  1. Security Enhancements: The latest Android security patches are included to ensure device protection.
  2. Bluetooth Connectivity: Fixes an issue affecting Bluetooth range under specific conditions, improving connectivity stability.
  3. Camera Improvements: Addresses a problem with the camera tilting when zooming, helping users capture stable images across zoom ranges.
  4. Sensor Adjustment: Fixes an issue where Adaptive Brightness sometimes failed to activate in certain environments, enhancing visual comfort.
  5. Touch Sensitivity: Resolves a problem with the keyboard dismiss button, improving response and usability.
  6. User Interface Stability: Enhances the smoothness of UI transitions and animations, providing a more seamless user experience.
  7. Display & Graphics: Resolves a display issue where white dots could flash unexpectedly, ensuring a cleaner visual experience.

Minor Updates for Pixel 6, 7, and 8 Series

For Pixel 6, 7, and 8 users, the update is smaller (version AP3A.241105.007), primarily including:

  • Security Patches: The latest Android security patches.
  • Performance and Stability: General improvements for smoother UI transitions and animations.

With these updates, Google aims to enhance device performance, security, and user experience.

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