Google makes three important announcements, here they are

Google made three major announcements for its Pixel phones on Monday. In this overview you will find all the details about, among other things, new functions and the new security update.

1. Google June Security Update

First of all, the search giant released the June security update, which addresses several vulnerabilities in Android, ranging from the high to critical category. In the accompanying Security Bulletin from June you can see the technical details of it. In the custom Security Bulletin for Pixel phones you will find the vulnerabilities that have been fixed in the software of the Pixel phones

• What are security updates and will my phone get them?

Owners of a Pixel 4 or later can count on fixes for the Gboard app not appearing in certain apps, missing notifications for incoming calls, the camera app not displaying or launching correctly under certain circumstances, and various bugs in the interface .

Do you have a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? Then this security update should improve battery life, especially when the phone is idle. The update also fixes an issue that caused the Google app to crash, and includes improvements to customizable brightness, stability, and connectivity.

Install security update

It is important to install security updates. It is now available for Google phones, but other smartphone manufacturers are also releasing this update for their phones. Yes, your phone will continue to work without security updates, but as with any phone that is no longer supported, there is a security risk.

Got one of the Pixel 4 or newer? Then you get the update via an over-the-air update (OTA). You can also install the update manually and you can read exactly how to do that here. You can find the Factory Images here and the OTA files you can here find. If you don’t have a Pixel phone, you have to wait until the manufacturer of your phone has rolled out the update.

2. Pixel Feature Drop

In addition to the security update, the Pixel phones also get new functions via the eleventh Pixel Feature Drop. With the Pixel Feature Drops, Google wants to ensure that Pixel phones are provided with new features and improvements on a regular basis. That is the case again this time.

1. At a Glance

The ‘Quick overview’ widget, better known as ‘At a glance’, shows more useful information. Three new features are added:

1. Nest doorbell video feed: You no longer have to unlock your phone to see who is at the door. You can now see when someone presses the button on your Nest Doorbell right from your lock screen. According to Google, this feature requires a compatible Nest doorbell and the Google Home or Nest app.
2. Flashlight-on-reminder: If you’ve ever been awkwardly told that your flashlight is on, good news! You will now see a reminder and shortcut to turn off your flashlight if you accidentally leave it on.
3. Air Quality Alerts: Google will issue warnings to people in the United States, Australia and India about local air quality. They will then see these notifications on the lock screen.

2. pocket operator for Pixel

Google, in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, is releasing an app called pocket operator for Pixel. With this app you can turn everyday sounds into music. The app is available on the Play Store and comes along with the June Feature Drop, but curiously, it only works for the Pixel 5 and 6 series.

3. More New Features

In the United States, Canada and Australia, people can now more easily bring up their vaccine card onto their Pixel. In addition, new wallpapers have been made available especially for Pride Monthe. Finally, this new sound booster feature that filters out distracting background noise is now available for more Pixel phones.

3.Android 12 QPR3

Finally, the Android 12 QPR beta program closes with one last update† It Android 12 QPR beta program was launched in March as a way to release quarterly beta versions exclusively for Pixel phones. These updates usually come with the latest feature drops and patches. The latest update is now available for the Pixel 4 and newer and also includes the Pixel Feature Drops.

Google also notes that “devices enrolled in the Android 12 beta will not automatically receive Android 13 beta versions.” So you need to opt out of the Android 12 beta first. After that, you can sign up for the Android 13 beta.