GoKawiil
Tech News
Multiple Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro/Pro XL owners say Google Maps freezes, flickers, or shows pixelated graphical artifacts when used with Android Auto, over both wired and wireless connections. The issue persists despite clearing app data, reinstalling apps, switching cables, or changing resolution settings, and doesn't affect all users or vehicles.
A leak from Android Headlines details a new Google wearable called the Fitbit Edge, shown in black, green, and orange color options. The device reportedly features a small oval display, side buttons, a Fitbit Air-style sensor array, and a pinch-based strap-swap mechanism.
Google has introduced a feature called Motion Assist that aims to reduce motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. The feature requires Android 17 or higher and an updated version of Google Play Services, and is available on devices like the Pixel 11 and Samsung phones running One UI 9. Users can enable it by searching 'Motion Assist' in their phone's settings.
Android Authority's Stephen Radochia tested Google's new AI-generated battery summary feature on a Pixel 11 Pro XL for a week. The tool, found under Settings > Battery and charging > Battery usage, uses Gemini to translate battery drain data into plain-language explanations instead of raw percentages, flagging apps like TikTok and X as major power consumers.
Google has launched Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, the first preview of its next quarterly platform release, for Pixel phones ranging from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 series. Most devices receive build DP11.260918.006, while Pixel 11 models get DP11.260918.005, with Google noting the release focuses on bug fixes.
GrapheneOS says Android 17 QPR1, released for Pixels on September 15, contains a regression in the Pixel kernel driver tree that causes stuttering, lag and freezes under memory pressure, severe enough to trigger process kills. GrapheneOS inherited the bug through its firmware/driver updates but says it has shipped a fix in today's release, linking the kernel commit on GitLab.
Users on Reddit and other forums have reported intermittent or complete failures of tap-to-pay on Pixel phones since mid last month, affecting devices from the Pixel 9 series onward, including the Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 Pro. ZDNET says Google has not yet acknowledged the bug or issued an official fix, though restarting the phone appears to resolve the problem for some users.
A CNET reviewer tested the $1,299 Google Pixel 11 Pro XL against the $1,400 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra during a weekend trip to Cape May, New Jersey, shooting unedited photos across varied lighting and moving subjects. The comparison found the Pixel's 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor renders more neutral, realistic colors, while Samsung's 50-megapixel sensor produces more saturated, vibrant tones.
Android Authority's Stephen Radochia initially criticized Google's higher Pixel 11 series pricing and the base model's reduced RAM, but after a month using the Pixel 11 Pro XL he reports the phone's display, cameras, battery life, and Gemini Intelligence features justify the cost. A reader poll cited in his piece showed 59% of respondents still plan to stick with their older Pixel rather than upgrade.
Android Authority ran a reader poll pitting the Motorola Signature 27 against the Google Pixel 11 Pro, drawing over 1,700 votes. The Motorola device won decisively, taking 73.9% of the vote compared to 26.1% for the Pixel, with the publication's own writer citing the phone's faster Snapdragon chip, distinctive design, and quicker charging as draws.
Google has relaunched its Pixel Referral Program for the US Google Store, giving buyers a 10% discount when they check out with a referral code. Referrers earn $50 in store credit per successful referral, capped at $500 for 10 referrals, with codes valid until November 4. Participation as a referrer requires an invitation from Google and prior opt-in to Pixel marketing emails.
Pixel 11 Pro users running the Android 17 beta are reportedly seeing VoLTE and 5G connectivity activate in markets Google previously didn't support, according to a user report and firmware analysis. The change follows last month's announced partnership between Google and the GSMA to use the Network Settings Exchange (NSX), a shared database of carrier settings, to broadly enable VoLTE starting with the Pixel 11 line. Firmware checks reportedly confirm VoLTE enablement for carriers including China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, and Hong Kong's CSL.