Pixel 6 series Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Google drops ‘Android Canary Release Channel’ for devs eyeing rigorous API testing

Google has introduced the Android Canary Release Channel, a new testing environment for developers to access early test builds and upcoming features of Android. This channel is available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, and offers tools for developing features in Wear OS 6. Developers can flash the latest Canary build or use the Android Emulator via Android Studio, with future updates expected to roll out monthly. Opting out of the channel requires a complete data wipe of the device. The Android Canary channel will have a more measured update schedule compared to Chrome Canary, which receives daily updates.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Pixel July 2025 Update Brings Android 16 Fixes: Pixel 6a Gets Battery Controls, Pixel 9 Series Sees Wi-Fi and App Improvements

Google has begun rolling out the July 2025 update for Android 16, specifically for Pixel devices, with the build number BP2A.250705.008. This over-the-air (OTA) update focuses on bug fixes and performance enhancements, particularly for network connectivity and app rendering. The Pixel 6a is now part of the Google Battery Performance Programme, which aims to improve battery longevity and safety by introducing background controls that limit charging speed and capacity after around 400 charge cycles. Users may qualify for free repairs, partial refunds, or trade-in bonuses for battery-related issues. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series receive performance enhancements, especially in app visuals and Wi-Fi stability. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series see general stability improvements, while the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold experience app optimization for display orientation. Notably, the update does not include the July Android security patch or a list of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The update is available for the Google Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6, 6a, Fold, and Tablet.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 starts rolling out with Material 3 Expressive

Google has begun the rollout of Android 16's first Beta, known as Android 16 QPR1 (BP31.250502.008), for enrolled users of the Pixel 6 series and newer devices, including Pixel tablets. This update features the new Material 3 Expressive UI, which enhances user experience with a focus on color, shape, size, motion, and containment. Notable features include Gemini's live notifications, improved screen recording, and a redesigned Settings app with color-coded icons. The update also includes bug fixes, performance optimizations, and August 2025 security patches. Users who have previously enrolled in the Android 16 Beta will receive this update automatically.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone will soon warn you about that sketchy app sneakily changing icons

Google Play Protect is set to enhance its security features to better defend against malicious applications. The upcoming update will include the ability to detect changes in app icons, alerting users when an app alters its icon, a tactic used by malicious developers. Additionally, Google Play Protect will improve its on-device malware detection capabilities by implementing new rules to identify specific text or binary patterns associated with known malware families. These enhancements aim to provide users with timely alerts before installing potentially harmful applications, significantly reducing the risk of malware. The new icon detection feature will roll out in the coming months, initially available on the Pixel 6 series and select devices from other manufacturers. The on-device rules will be updated regularly to address emerging threats, and the enhanced malware scanning capability will be accessible to all Android users with Google Play Services.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Google’s Android 16 Beta 3.2 brings essential fixes to battery, display, and more

Android 16 Beta 3.2 addresses haptic feedback calibration, excessive battery drain, and screen flickering issues on select Pixel devices. The update is available to beta testers using Pixel 6 and newer models, with Over the Air (OTA) updates expected within 24 hours of release. The version number for this update is BP22.250221.015. It resolves a miscalibration issue affecting haptic feedback, excessive battery drain during idle times, and screen flickering for Pixel 6 Pro users. The update also improves system stability and usability.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out a quick March security patch to join its big Pixel update

In March 2025, Google began rolling out a security update for eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet. The update versions are BP1A.250305.019 for Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Fold, and BP1A.250305.020 for Pixel 9 series and Tablet. The update addresses various issues, enhancing display stability and performance, and includes fixes for camera and WebView stability. An audio issue with Bluetooth call volume is resolved, except for the Pixel 6 series. The changelog includes fixes for launcher theme misalignment, transparent home screen icons, app-switching issues with third-party launchers, and themed icon display problems. The update also introduces nine high-severity framework fixes and 21 system fixes for security, including two notable vulnerabilities. The rollout started on March 4, following a Pixel feature drop that added functionalities like Loss of Pulse detection and scam detection alerts.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Android is getting call scam detection, real-time app threat alerts

Google is enhancing the safety and security of its Android platform, particularly with the introduction of new features aimed at combating scam calls and malicious applications. These features will first be available on Pixel smartphones before being extended to other Android devices. Key enhancements include: 1. Real-Time Threat Detection: Google Play Protect now offers live threat detection, providing real-time alerts for potentially harmful applications by analyzing their behavior. This feature will initially focus on apps displaying stalking behavior and will expand to cover various harmful applications in the future. 2. Scam Call Detection: A new on-device feature uses artificial intelligence to identify suspicious phone calls, such as those requesting money or code transfers. This feature is currently being tested in the U.S. and requires users to opt-in, as it is off by default. 3. Messages App Scam Detection: Google has also improved scam detection for its Messages app, targeting fraudulent schemes and package delivery scams. The AI for call scam detection is powered by the Gemini Nano model and will initially operate on Pixel 9 series devices, with plans to extend support to the Pixel 6 series and subsequent models.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15: All the new features, eligible devices, and release date

Android 15 has officially been released on October 15, 2023, starting its rollout to eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer models. The update will be available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Major manufacturers like Honor, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, iQOO, Nothing, Realme, Lenovo, Sharp, and Tecno are preparing to adopt Android 15 for their devices. Key features of Android 15 include: - Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI and the phone's accelerometer to secure devices during theft attempts. - Private Space, allowing users to lock sensitive applications with additional authentication. - Notification cooldown, which reduces notification volume from the same app when received in quick succession. - A system-wide toggle for keyboard vibration and a slider for haptic feedback intensity. - Haptic feedback for the brightness slider. - Partial screen recording for capturing specific applications. - Enhanced Bluetooth tile functionality for easier device management. - Support for edge-to-edge displays in applications. - Improved continuity and multitasking for foldable devices. - Introduction of the Android Dynamic Performance Framework for better optimization. - High-quality webcam mode for video calls. - An always-active taskbar for Pixel Fold and Android tablet users. - Capability to share audio across multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The stable version of Android 15 is rolling out to Pixel devices, with other manufacturers expected to follow suit.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 is now rolling out to Pixels. Here’s what’s new | Digital Trends

Android 15 has been publicly released and is being rolled out to compatible devices, starting with Google's Pixel series smartphones. Key features include the introduction of Private Space, which allows users to secure sensitive applications with a password or biometric authentication, making them invisible in multitasking views and settings. The update also includes a Theft Detection Lock that uses AI to identify theft scenarios and automatically locks the screen. Additionally, it simplifies the process of remotely locking misplaced devices using a registered phone number. The user interface has been optimized for foldable and large-screen devices, allowing users to pin or remove the taskbar. Android 15 also improves low-light camera performance in third-party apps and introduces satellite-driven messaging support. The rollout is available for Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 6 series and newer models, as well as the Pixel Tablet, while other manufacturers' devices will receive the update later.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Android 15 is finally here for your Pixel device!

Google has rolled out the stable version of Android 15 for its Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series and newer, the Pixel 6a, the Pixel Fold, and the Pixel Tablet. Key features include Privacy Space for concealing sensitive apps, improved anti-theft protections, app pair functionality for foldable devices and tablets, enhanced camera controls for third-party apps, satellite messaging capabilities for carrier apps, and a simplified login process using passkeys. Installation guides and release plans are available for users.