Google releases final Pixel 3 security update

Moving on to other Android update news. If you want up-to-date security fixes for your smartphone, it might be time to let go of your Pixel 3. The company has confirmed it is delivering the last security update for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, which is in line with a previous announcement that the first quarter of 2022 will mark the last time the device will get an update. It's unclear what the patch fixes, but the build ID supposedly matches an October patch released on newer Pixel models. So, this release is more of a catch-up update than the latest patch.

If you own a Pixel 3a or newer, those just received a February 2022 update that takes on some pesky problems, including reboots after camera use, Bluetooth audio disconnection and quality issues, carrier-specific connection troubles, and more.

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Google releases statement regarding RAM management issues of some Pixel 3 phones

One of the problems plaguing the new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL is related to the phones’ ability to manage its RAM. Reports claim that background apps are being released from the RAM prematurely. One case points out how music players playing in the background unexpectedly stop while taking a couple of photos with the camera. Google has responded to these issues and told 9to5Google that it’ll address the problem “in the coming weeks.” However, it won’t be coming with the November security patch. It’ll most likely arrive with the December one.

Non-Google approved wireless chargers will cap Pixel 3 wireless charging at 5W

If you were expecting that your existing wireless charger can charge your Pixel 3 or Pixel 3XL quickly, we have bad news for you. Google just confirmed to The Verge that at the moment only the Pixel Stand can pull fast 10W wireless charging on the new Pixels. Google says they are working with its partners from its Made for Google program to develop fast wireless 10W chargers that are “certified for use with Pixel 3.” They cited Belkin specifically, who will be coming out with a Google-approved Qi charger that can charge the phones at full speed. Other wireless chargers will be stuck at charging at the industry standard Qi 5W.

Pixel 3 XL supports 1440p 60fps HDR playback

Check out our review of the Google Pixel 3 XL

With the Pixel 2 XL, Google had to limit HDR playback to 1080p 60fps because of performance issues. It seems the new flagship doesn’t have the same issue as the Pixel 3 XL supports 1440p 60fps HDR playback. Spotted by a Reddit user, this news comes on the heels of Google bringing 1440p60 HDR support for Samsung flagships like Note 9 and Galaxy S9 and S9+. This doesn’t seem to work retroactively with the Pixel 2 XL at the moment, but who’s to say if Google decides to change that in the future? Google Pixel supports HDR playback on YouTube so this change might be welcome for those who want to get a higher resolution experience on their new phones. Don’t expect this to come to the Pixel 3, though, as that model only supports 1080p playback.

Source: Android Authority