Pixel 8a Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Google’s Phone app may finally get a much-requested feature

Google is working on integrating a native Call Recording feature within its Phone app for Pixel devices. A user on the PixelUsersIndia subreddit shared a screenshot showing a new "Call Recording" setting on their Pixel 9a, which includes options to toggle recording on and off, manage recordings, and enable automatic recording for calls with non-contacts. This feature is confirmed to be compatible with Pixel 6 models and newer, running Android 9 or higher. However, it has not yet been widely rolled out, as users with Pixel 8a and Pixel 10 devices have not seen the feature. The legality of call recording varies by state, affecting its implementation. Recent reports suggest that Google may replace the audio disclaimer for recording with a subtle chime for discretion.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Pixel users can customize their app icons with the latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta release

Google has released the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, which includes the September 5, 2025 security patch. Eligible devices for this update are Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel Tablet. The update introduces Themed icon shapes with five options: Circle, Square, Four-sided "cookie," Seven-sided "cookie," and Arch. The Display & touch settings have been redesigned, and Health Connect now automatically tracks steps. The update has achieved Platform Stability, allowing developers to test apps without unexpected changes. It has the build number BP41.250822.010. Starting September 2026, verified developer registration will be required for app installations on certified Android devices in select regions.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Find forgotten Wi-Fi passwords, SSIDs in Windows and Android

Windows laptops can retrieve the Wi-Fi password for the current network by searching for "View Network Connections," right-clicking the active connection, selecting Status, and then clicking on Wireless Properties to view the password under the Security tab. For older networks, users can open a command prompt and type "netsh wlan show profile" to see saved Wi-Fi profiles, then use "netsh wlan show profile [NETWORK NAME] key=clear" to reveal the password in plain text. On Android devices, users can view stored Wi-Fi SSIDs and passwords by accessing the quick settings menu, tapping the current network name for the password, or navigating to Saved networks for other networks. Verification may be required to share the password, which can be displayed alongside a QR code for easy sharing.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

New Android TapTrap attack fools users with invisible UI trick

A new tapjacking technique called TapTrap can exploit user interface animations on Android devices, bypassing the permission system and potentially allowing access to sensitive data or harmful actions. TapTrap operates with zero-permission applications, layering a transparent activity over a malicious one. This vulnerability exists in both Android 15 and 16. Developed by researchers from TU Wien and the University of Bayreuth, TapTrap manipulates activity transitions using custom low-opacity animations, making risky prompts nearly invisible to users. An analysis of nearly 100,000 apps revealed that 76% are vulnerable to TapTrap due to specific conditions related to activity launching and animation handling. The attack has been confirmed on Android 16, including tests on a Google Pixel 8a. GrapheneOS has acknowledged its vulnerability to TapTrap and plans to include a fix in its next release. Google is aware of the issue and intends to address it in a future update.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Researchers Warn: This Android Animation Glitch Lets Apps Spy, Snap, and Steal… Undetected

A technique for Android devices called TapTrap allows malicious applications to intercept user taps without requiring special permissions. It uses transparent screen transitions to mislead users into triggering hidden actions. Devices running Android versions 15 and 16 are particularly vulnerable. TapTrap operates by overlaying a nearly transparent screen on top of another application, making it appear as if users are interacting with one app while their taps are registered by the hidden screen. A study of around 100,000 Android applications revealed that approximately 76 percent contained screens vulnerable to TapTrap. The researchers successfully executed the attack on a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16. Google has acknowledged the issue and plans to include a fix in a future software update, but no specific timeline has been provided. Users can enhance their security by disabling animations in their system settings.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Pixel Phones Get a Taste of Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 Beta

Google I/O 2025 has concluded, and the Android 16 QPR1 Beta has been launched, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update is the first Quarterly Platform Release following the stable Android 16 Beta program and is primarily aimed at developers and testers. It enhances user experience with a fresh visual design, which will also extend to Wear OS 6. Key features of the update include a redesigned user interface with increased space for widgets and apps, new system icons in the status bar, a colorful quick settings panel, expanded customization options, and enhanced controls for home and lock screens. The beta is available for various Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series, as well as Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

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

March 21, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: LIMBO, Fury of Dracula, Liege Dragon, more

The Google Play Store is offering various deals on Android games and apps, coinciding with the Samsung March Madness sale featuring discounts on flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Book 5 Pro. Notable offers include a 3-in-1 OnePlus Pouch charger and the ASUS Expertbook CX54 Chromebook Plus at a low price. The Google Pixel 8a is available at an all-time low price. Highlighted apps include LIMBO, Fury of Dracula, and Liege Dragon.

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

November 7, 2024

Android 15’s first monthly software update is finally rolling out now

Google has begun distributing the first monthly software update for Android 15, which includes various fixes and enhancements along with the latest security patch. The rollout is phased, starting for devices running Android 15, and users will receive a notification when the update is available. Key fixes in this update include: - Bluetooth: Fix for range issues on the Pixel 9 series. - Camera: Resolution of camera tilt issues when zooming on the Pixel 9 series. - Display and Graphics: Correction of flashing white dots on the Pixel 9 series and screen brightness flickering on the Pixel 8a. - Sensors: Fix for occasional failure of Adaptive brightness on the Pixel 9 series. - Touch: Resolution of keyboard dismiss button issues on the Pixel 9 series. - User Interface: General performance and stability improvements for multiple Pixel models (Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 series). The software version is AP3A.241105.007 for Pixel models from Pixel 6 to Pixel 8a and AP3A.241105.008 for the Pixel 9 series.