Google

Google’s latest update for Pixel 4a reduces battery life by over 40%

Published

3 months ago

February 5, 2025

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.

Android

Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

Published

2 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.

The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.

For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!

Google

Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

Published

2 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.

This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.

If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.

This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Google

Google updates Chrome, Search, and Play Store for better user experience

Published

11 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.

Chrome’s Improved Security

Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.

Redesigned Google Search Bar

The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.

Better Play Store Downloads

The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.

These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!