Google Rolls Out First Patch for Pixel Smartphones Running Android 13

Last month, Android 13 arrived for Pixel devices and the annual update was way earlier than it was expected, considering Android 12’s release in October 2021 and Android 11’s release in September 2020.  Also Google confirmed that Android 13 is available on the Android Open Source Project.

Google is now rolling out patches to fix some Pixel bugs after the phones received the latest Android 13 update last month. The September 2022 monthly update is being delivered throughout the week to most devices, addressing issues like unexpected battery drain and disabled wireless charging.

The patch won’t arrive on Google’s newest phone, the Pixel 6A, until later this month. The Pixel 6A has one fix specifically included in the list, addressing its fingerprint scanner’s recognition “in certain conditions.” As noted by Consumer Reports, some owners of the new phone have found it will unlock using a finger they hadn’t registered or for the fingerprint of an entirely different person.

For the increased battery drain, Google’s blaming a launcher background activity issue and says it has fixed that in this update. And if your wireless charging wouldn’t always activate, this update is supposed to restore that functionality to the Pixel 4, 4 XL, 5, 6, and 6 Pro.

Google’s turbulent start with the Android 13 launch is unfortunately not a first. The first major Android 12 update last December was supposed to address a number of launch issues and add new features on its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, but Google had to pause its rollout after finding that some phones would disconnect or drop calls. It was one of the rockiest starts for a wide release of Android yet, and hopefully, history doesn’t repeat itself with the Pixel 7 launch right around the corner.

Our September software update begins rolling out today to all supported Pixel devices running #Android13 and will continue over the next week. The updates include improvements to:
🔋Battery & charging
🎧Bluetooth connectivity
📱User interface

Learn more: https://t.co/AKJjt0ScUj

— Made By Google (@madebygoogle) September 6, 2022

Other issues that are being addressed include problems connecting some Bluetooth devices or accessories and correcting lock screen notifications that would only partially display. The version number for the latest update is TP1A.220905.004, and you can see the full changelog listed below.

Battery & Charging

• Fix for issue occasionally causing increased battery drain from certain launcher background activities
• Fix for issue preventing wireless charging mode to activate in certain conditions.

Biometrics

• Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions.

Bluetooth

• Fix for issue occasionally preventing certain Bluetooth devices or accessories from connecting

User Interface

• Fix for issue occasionally causing notifications to appear truncated on the lock screen
• Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.
• Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a

September 07, 2022