Pixel 8 series Archives

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to use Bluetooth audio sharing on a Google Pixel phone

Android 16 will introduce Auracast, allowing Google Pixel users with compatible devices to connect multiple Bluetooth headphones to a single Pixel phone for audio sharing. This feature can be accessed on Google Pixel 8 series or newer devices, and it relies on Auracast technology. Users can enable audio sharing through Developer Options, which is also available on Android 15 devices. Compatible earbuds or headphones must support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, with examples including Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro. To initiate audio sharing, users must access the Audio sharing page in the Settings app and follow specific steps to create a broadcast. The public debut of this feature is confirmed for Pixel phones with the release of Android 16, but the exact timeline is uncertain.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google won’t bring Android 16’s Battery Health page to older Pixels

Android 16 will introduce a Battery Health page for Pixel phone users, displaying estimated battery capacity as a real-time percentage. This feature will be available only on the Pixel 8a and newer models, including the Pixel 9 series, while older models will not have access due to product limitations. The Battery Health page will be integrated into the Settings app and will provide detailed analytics on battery performance, including a status indicator and links to support articles. Newer Pixel devices can endure up to 1,000 charge cycles, while older models are rated for a maximum of 800 charge cycles. The feature is currently available in Beta 3 for the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 devices.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Qualcomm and Google just announced a major update to Android updates

Qualcomm has partnered with Google to provide up to eight years of software updates for devices with Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets. Devices like the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and Asus ROG Phone 9 will receive this extended support. Google's Pixel 8 series will offer seven years of updates with its Tensor chipsets. The implementation of these updates is determined by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung and OnePlus. Qualcomm aims to enhance user experiences and provide flexibility for OEMs, potentially allowing mid-range devices with 7-series chips to receive similar support as premium models. Older devices without the latest chipsets will not benefit from this initiative. Qualcomm will continue to work with OEMs to support legacy platforms.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google may be getting ready to bring a Pixel 9 exclusive app to the Pixel 8 series

Google is preparing to extend the Pixel Studio app, currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models. Investigations revealed a new APK stub for Pixel Studio associated with the Pixel 8 Pro, which is also pre-installed on the Pixel 8 following the Android 15 update. The APK stub acts as a placeholder, requiring activation from Google for users to download the app from the Play Store. Additionally, the removal of the com.google.android.feature.PIXEL2024EXPERIENCE feature flag from the Pixel Studio app suggests that Google is ready to make it available for older devices. There are no signs that the Pixel 7 series will receive the Pixel Studio app, as the APK stub has not been found on the Pixel 7.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Your wait for Android 15 may take a bit longer

Google has returned Android 15 to the development phase for further testing, delaying its expected release to October. The decision was made to enhance the software's stability before public availability. Although beta testing wrapped up in August, Google is focusing on refining the software. The source code for Android 15 may be shared with developers as early as September 3, but the stable version is still some time away. The October timeline aligns with last year's launch of Android 14, but the situation feels unusual due to the lack of a concrete release date. The Pixel 9 series is anticipated to debut alongside the stable version of Android 15.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 kicks off before we even have the stable version

Google has announced the availability of the QPR1 Beta 1 build for Android 15, inviting users with Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8 series devices, the Pixel Tablet, and the original Pixel Fold to participate. The beta build is approximately 490MB, but specific components included have not been detailed. This release follows the final beta build of Android 15 rolled out in August, with speculation of a full version launch in September. Users should be aware of potential stability, battery, or performance issues, and some applications may not function properly. The QPR1 Beta 1 is based on the stable version of Android 15, which has not yet been officially launched. Early reports suggest new features such as a long-press Quick Settings tile and a new loading indicator.

AppWizard

August 21, 2024

Pixel Recorder’s summaries are actually useful on the Google Pixel 9

The Pixel Recorder app, exclusive to Google Pixel devices, has improved its summarization feature with the introduction of the Google Pixel 9, which integrates the upgraded Gemini Nano AI model. This new model allows users to generate summaries of recordings longer than half an hour, a significant upgrade from the previous version used in the Pixel 8 series, which could only summarize recordings of about fifteen minutes. Initial tests demonstrated successful summarization of a 41-minute recording. However, the Pixel 9 still struggles with recordings over one hour, and some users may find the summarization feature insufficient for lengthy content. Future iterations of the Gemini Nano model are anticipated to enhance the app's capabilities further.

AppWizard

August 14, 2024

The final Android 15 beta rolls out as Google teases its first QPR test

Google has begun the rollout of the final patch for the Android 15 beta, specifically the Android 15 Beta 4.2 patch, for enrolled Pixel testers. This update addresses several issues affecting Pixel devices, including: - Resolution of a low frame rate issue linked to the camera. - Correction of a color saturation problem in the Pixel camera. - Fixing delays in device wake-up times. - Elimination of a gray transparent bar that appeared while using the camera. - Addressing a crash issue when changing zoom values in the camera. - Resolving UI flickering problems. - Fixing crashes within the YouTube app. The update is expected to be available for devices including the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, and Tablet. Enrolled users can check for the update in Settings > System > System Updates. Google will soon start testing for Android 15 QPR1, which will include the December feature drop for Android 15. Pixel owners in the original Android 15 beta testing do not need to exit the program to access QPR1 testing, but those wanting the stable version must opt out. The final Android 15 beta update is anticipated to lead to the launch of the finished product in September.

AppWizard

July 14, 2024

Google is bringing Ultra HDR capture support to more third-party apps

Google is updating the Jetpack CameraX library to support capturing Ultra HDR images.