Pixel phones Archives

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

A Google Photos bug is preventing users from sharing, editing, and deleting pictures

Pixel phone users are experiencing issues with the Google Photos editor, where functionalities such as sharing, deleting, and editing become unresponsive after photo edits, particularly after cropping or rotating images. This problem affects multiple Pixel models, including the Pixel 8, 9, 10, and 11 series. Users have reported that these options work correctly if no edits are made. Google is reportedly working on enhancing the editing capabilities in the Photos app, but addressing the current bug is a priority.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets

Android 17 QPR1 began its stable rollout in the United States on September 15, 2026, coinciding with Google’s September Pixel Drop. This update introduces the Pause Point feature, which temporarily halts access to a selected app for 10 seconds, allowing users to reconsider their choice. The update is compatible with Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 10a generations, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold models. The rollout is staged, leading to varying delivery times for users. Pause Point imposes a 10-second delay when accessing a configured app, offering options like breathing exercises and alternative app suggestions. Disabling Pause Point requires a phone restart. Scam protection features vary by region, with Gboard scam warnings initially exclusive to the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer devices, while notification-based Scam Detection has expanded to nine additional regions, excluding Spain. Android 17 QPR1 also includes a refresh of the Pixel interface, adding a new Keyboard tile to Quick Settings and improving visual aesthetics with enhanced translucent and blurred backgrounds. Screen recording defaults to capturing a single app, and the VIPs widget has been upgraded for easier calling and messaging. Google and Audible have collaborated to provide Harry Potter-themed packs for Pixel users, featuring customized wallpapers and icons, along with a two-month Audible trial, though eligibility conditions are unspecified.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Motorola just gave privacy fans a big reason to consider the Signature 27

Motorola's Signature 27 will be one of the first phones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. GrapheneOS has confirmed initial support for the Signature 27, expanding beyond Google Pixel phones. GrapheneOS is based on AOSP and focuses on privacy, with optional Google Play services running sandboxed. The Signature 27 features a revamped camera layout and includes premium enhancements such as Audio by B&O. Motorola has not disclosed the release date or pricing for the Signature 27.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

GrapheneOS just confirmed its first supported non-Pixel phone

GrapheneOS has announced that the Motorola Signature 27 will be its first supported device from Motorola. This decision was confirmed on social media, with GrapheneOS stating it would be the initial supported phone. The Signature 27 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip and promises seven years of operating system and security updates. Key features include hardware memory tagging and enhanced secure-element integration. GrapheneOS aims to provide alternatives to Google’s Pixel phones while focusing on privacy and security. The announcement follows challenges GrapheneOS faced with Google regarding the Pixel 11 and access to certain Android APIs. Additionally, GrapheneOS is revamping its software ecosystem, including updates to its Messaging app and new privacy features.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Hello, Googlebook: The complete FAQ on Google’s Android-ChromeOS combo

The Googlebook features the Magic Pointer for easy navigation, seamless integration with Android devices for file management, and the Rambler natural-language voice-to-text system for accurate dictation. It includes the Create My Widget system for personalized widgets, a Quick Insert menu for quick access to functions, and a glowbar design element. These innovations aim to enhance user experience and productivity.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

How to block and unblock a number on your Android phone

To block a number on a Samsung Android phone, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap More, choose Block contact, and confirm. Alternatively, in the Phone app, copy the number, tap More, select Settings, tap Block numbers, add the number, and tap the plus sign. To block a number from the Recents section, navigate to the number, tap Details, More Options, and Block number. For Pixel phones or stock Android, open the Phone app, tap More, select Call history, choose the call, and tap Block/report spam. To unblock a number on a Samsung device, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap More options, and select Unblock contact. In the Phone app, tap More, select Settings, tap Block numbers, and tap the (-) next to the number. For Google Pixel and stock Android, open the Phone app, tap More, select Settings, tap Blocked numbers, and tap Clear (x) next to the number. Calls made during the blocking period will not appear in call logs.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Latest Pixel Feature Drop Expands Access to Scam-Text Detection

Google has released a feature update for Pixel phones that enhances existing functionalities and introduces new elements. The update expands scam-text detection capabilities to chat applications using Gboard, compatible with devices as old as the Pixel 6, and is available in multiple countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Japan, and Singapore. It also improves VIP notifications by allowing users to add home-screen widgets for designated contacts and includes a new navigation menu for easier contact switching, available for Pixel 6 and newer models. Additionally, a Harry Potter-themed pack with wallpapers, icons, and audio effects is offered, along with a two-month free subscription to Audible. For Pixel Watch users, the update introduces a one-handed pinch gesture for easier access to notifications and improved functionality for the raise-to-talk gesture on newer models.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

How to make sure your Android phone is secure

Android devices have various features to enhance security and privacy. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 75% of Americans have faced online scams, which have become more sophisticated, including vishing scams using AI-generated deepfakes. Android offers tools to mitigate these risks, such as AI-driven scam detection and theft protection. To safeguard devices, users should keep their software updated by checking Settings > About Phone for the current version and navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates for updates. App updates can be managed through the Google Play Store under Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Securing Google accounts with two-factor authentication is recommended, which can be set up via the Google Account management page. Automatic backups can be enabled in Settings > Google > Backup. The Find Hub app helps track lost devices and can be configured in Settings > Location and Settings > Security. Android includes scam detection tools that alert users to potential scams in calls and texts, which can be activated in the Phone app settings. Privacy settings can be managed by adjusting app permissions in Settings > Apps and using the Permission manager in Security & Privacy. Users can opt out of data sharing with advertisers by navigating to Settings > Google > Ads. Google Play Protect scans for harmful apps and should remain enabled for safety. Theft protection features, such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, can be activated in Settings > Google > Personal & device safety.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

This feature keeps distracting spam calls away while using Android Auto

Google's Call Screen feature allows users to manage unknown calls by delegating the initial interaction to Call Assist, which identifies the caller and provides context. This feature is now integrated with Android Auto, although the screening process itself remains a function of the phone. Call Screen operates in two modes: manual, where users can choose to screen calls, and automatic, which silently screens certain unknown calls and hangs up on spam. Call Screen works directly on the device without needing Wi-Fi or mobile data, and call audio and transcripts are not stored in the user's Google Account. To set up Call Screen, users must do so through the Phone by Google app. Compatibility with Android Auto and Call Screen varies by phone model and geographical location, with automatic screening primarily available on Pixel phones in the U.S. Manual screening is accessible in several countries, and some selected Android devices may also support it. Not all call screening features are the same across different brands, and practical limitations exist for automatic Call Screen, such as functionality issues when connected via Bluetooth or while roaming.