Google Pixel

The final version of Android 12 rolled out in mid-October with the November security patch serving as the first bug-fixer. Some Pixel owners today are being prompted to install the Android 12 OTA again in an update that does not appear to change anything.

The first foldable Pixel phone is set to arrive in 2022, and it will not use the same high-end camera sensors found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

With the launch of the November security patch yesterday, Google did not release factory or OTA images for the Pixel 3. The 2018 flagships officially hit the guaranteed update period in October with Android 12, but Google told us today that one more update is coming.

The November security patch is rolling out now to all supported Pixel phones – the 3/XL is currently dropped – as the first update to Android 12. Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners received the November update last week, but Google is only today detailing what’s included.

The first update to Android 12 is rolling out today with the November security patch for the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6 has introduced a centralized settings page to manage your phone, app, and Google Account. This Security “Hub” is now appearing on older Pixel phones running Android 12. 

At the 2021 Android Dev Summit, Google announced Android 12L as a “feature drop” for foldables, tablets, and Chrome OS, but it will also be coming to phones, and Pixel devices – in the future – can sign-up for a Beta.

One of the best features of Google Pixel phones is Call Screen, an easy way to handle spam calls without actually picking up the phone. This week, the feature is officially expanding past the US, Canada, and Japan to seven new regions.

While the Pixel 6 series is getting all of the attention this week, Google just released a fun new Pixel 5a ad that lists over 100 reasons to get the company’s latest mid-range phone, and it’s pretty clear that former LG users are the target.

Android 12 started rolling out last week, and Google today explained and defended the new “Internet” tile in Quick Settings by citing user research studies. That said, it promises an upcoming usability tweak.

At the Pixel Launch Event, Google fully detailed the Pixel 6 Pro after weeks of pre-unveils and teases. All the expected flagship specifications were confirmed, while pricing and availability is now official.

Following high-resolution images today, promo ads for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have leaked this evening. These 30-second videos show off Magic Eraser, Live Translate, and other marquee software capabilities.

Google is rolling out an update to the “Sounds” app on Pixel phones that introduces a Material You redesign, as well as the new “Material Adventures” collection.

Car Crash Detection is a key part of the Pixel experience, and Google is now updating the Personal Safety app with the ability to automatically record video when you invoke an Emergency SOS. The UI has also been refreshed with Material You.

Google has operated a “community” of the Pixel’s “biggest fans” since at least 2019 — if not earlier. Earlier this week, Made by Google launched a new round of invites to join “Pixel Superfans.” 

Pixel phones on Android 12 are gaining the ability to enhance “Now Playing” song recognition with a one-tap cloud search feature.