Google's mandatory Pixel 4a update linked to overheating hazard
Published on: 2025-06-20 07:04:00
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The big picture: Google unexpectedly released a firmware update for the Pixel 4a smartphone earlier this year. Many users reported that the update made their devices unreliable or even unusable, leading them to question whether it was truly necessary. Now, an Australian organization has revealed the real reason behind the update.
Google launched a so-called "battery performance program" in January, stating that some Pixel 4a phones required new battery management features to prevent performance degradation. The company warned users that the update could reduce battery capacity on certain devices and offered limited compensation options to affected customers.
After the update was rolled out, many Pixel 4a owners discovered the full impact of Google's warning. Some phones became virtually unusable, suffering from drastically reduced battery life. The new firmware left many Pixel customers
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