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Google's Pixel 11 series switched to a new MediaTek modem, replacing Samsung's Exynos chip used in prior models. While early testing shows overall connectivity improvements, a number of owners have reported mobile data and Wi-Fi problems, and Android Authority has compiled troubleshooting steps such as toggling Airplane mode and reseating the SIM card.
A tech guide walks through built-in screen recording tools available on Android and iOS phones, starting with Google Pixel devices. On Pixel, users access the Screen recorder widget from Quick Settings by swiping down with two fingers, then adjust options such as showing touches, adding a selfie camera overlay, and capturing app or microphone audio before starting the recording, which saves to Google Photos. The guide also covers similar steps for Samsung Galaxy phones and iPhones.
Users continue reporting that alarms on Google Pixel phones fail to sound, with the Clock app displaying a message that the alarm 'didn't fire for an unknown reason.' The problem has been documented since at least 2021, and though Google previously said it addressed the issue, new reports keep surfacing, including one case where an overheated device blocked the alarm and another where alarms fired silently despite the phone not being on silent mode.
Leaked images and OnePlus's own Weibo posts reveal the upcoming OnePlus 16 will closely resemble the OnePlus 15, with a new glowing orange LED light array on its back panel. Aside from an expected Snapdragon chip upgrade and tweaked cameras, the phone appears to offer few other significant changes ahead of its release in the coming weeks.
Google is piloting a Gemini feature on Pixel 11 devices that can call businesses to place orders, book appointments, make reservations, or check stock availability. The assistant identifies itself as AI, provides a live text transcript, navigates automated phone menus, waits on hold, and lets the user take over the call at any time.
Google has pushed out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers, arriving sooner than the usual two-week cadence and carrying build number CP41.260831.007. Unlike Beta 5, this build does not support the Pixel 11 series, only extending to Pixel 10 devices, alongside a set of bug fixes Google outlined for the release.
Pixel owners are reporting on Reddit that absolute volume control, which keeps phone and Bluetooth headphone volume levels synced, has stopped working reliably since installing the Android 17 QPR1 update. A Pixel 10 user described the feature failing entirely after the September update, while others say it works intermittently and can sometimes be restored by disconnecting and reconnecting their audio device.
Google has activated Health Guardian on the Pixel Watch 3, Watch 4, and the new Watch 5, adding blood pressure trend detection, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality analysis. These join the Breathing Emergency detection feature already available on the Watch 4 and 5 in limited European markets. The features are free for Pixel Watch owners, while Fitbit Ace users must pay to access them.
Google is deploying its Health Guardian features—blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends and sleep breathing quality metrics—to the Google Health app this week, with initial trend reports available starting in early October. The rollout covers Pixel Watch 3, 4 and 5 owners for free, while Fitbit Air owners with a Google Health Premium subscription will get insulin resistance and blood pressure trends later this year.
Google has introduced Call for Me, a Gemini-powered addition to the Phone by Google app that can place and conduct entire phone calls on a user's behalf, including navigating automated menus and hold times. Users can watch a live transcript of the call and jump in to take over at any moment. The feature is currently in early preview for paid Gemini subscribers in the US who are enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta on Pixel 11 devices.
Google has started a preliminary rollout of Call For Me, a Gemini-powered feature that lets the Pixel 11 place and conduct entire phone calls on a user's behalf for tasks like checking store inventory, rescheduling appointments, or booking a restaurant table. The AI navigates phone menus and holds, while users see a live transcript and can take over the call at any time. The feature is currently limited to paid Gemini subscribers with a Pixel 11 who are enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta in the US.
Google introduced Call for Me, an experimental beta feature limited to Pixel 11 phones in the US and English language, letting Gemini place phone calls to businesses on a user's behalf. Users need a Gemini subscription and enrollment in the Phone by Google app's public beta; Gemini can navigate automated menus, wait on hold, and hand control back to the user via a live transcript. Google says the AI won't call emergency services but can dial specific numbers users provide.