Shock Android update spells bad news for Google | Tech News

If you may have a Google Pixel telephone, you may be used to there being a few hiccups and bugs in terms of efficiency and software program. Although the smartphone line is famed for its wonderful cameras and crowd pleasing design, they’ve a historical past of blips that may come back to chunk loyal prospects at occasions.

In January, Google stated it will push out a software program update to all Pixel 4a telephones that was designed to deliberately cut back battery life and charging efficiency. This was to make sure the telephone continued to carry out safely, however resulted in a lot worse battery life, to the purpose the tech giant provided Pixel 4a house owners compensation or a free battery alternative.

The newest telephone to come back a cropper is the Pixel 6a, launched in 2022. Android Authority noticed clues within the code for Android 16, the most recent model, that Google has found a battery overheating problem and can push an update quickly that may restrict battery life and charging pace.

A Google spokesperson gave this assertion to the publication:

“A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating. The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We’ll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.”

No different fashions look like affected.

Google says a “subset” of Pixel 6a telephones are affected, so when you have a 6a, you may be fortunate and dodge this hobbling update. But in case your telephone is suspected to have points, Android 16 may noticeably lower your telephone’s battery efficiency. If you’ve had the telephone for some time and the battery is already exhibiting its age, this might show slightly irritating.

There have been stories of Pixel 6a telephones catching fire, which is probably going why Google is addressing this problem. Phone fires are normally associated to battery issues.

If you need to verify your 6a at this time, head to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and verify if issues are described as ‘Normal’. If you see any variety of warning, take word and make contact with Google assist.

The Pixel 6a is at the moment promised 5 years of software program assist from Google, so is because of get new Android variations and security updates till 2027. This battery drawback may spell the tip for many 6a telephone although, and it stays to be seen if Google is keen to compensate prospects who could possibly be pressured to get a new telephone earlier than they want.