Google is rolling out patches to fix 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.
However, Pixel 6A owners will have to wait for their fingerprint scanner to be fixed.
The patch won’t arrive on Google’s newest phone, the Pixel 6A, until later this month. However, the Pixel 6A has one fix 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.
Unfortunately, Google’s turbulent start with the Android 13 launch is not a first. The first major Android 12 update last December was supposed to address several launch issues and add new features to its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
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.
Other issues being addressed include problems connecting 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 from activating in certain conditions
Biometrics
- Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions
Bluetooth
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing specific Bluetooth devices or accessories from connecting
User Interface
- Fix for issue occasionally causing notifications to appear truncated on the lock screen
The Pixel 6a is a smartphone with an Android design, developed and marketed by Google as part of the Google Pixel product line. It is a mid-range rendition of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The device was notified on May 11, 2022, as part of Google I/O’s keynote speech.
Hardware
The Pixel 6a has an aluminum frame, a plastic rear, and Gorilla Glass 3 for the screen. The design includes a camera bar and a two-tone color plan on the back, similar to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The device is available in Chalk, Charcoal, and Sage. It has stereo loudspeakers, one on the bottom rim and the further doubling as the earpiece. A USB-C port is employed for charging and attaching additional accessories.
The Pixel 6a utilizes the Google Tensor system-on-chip, with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of non-expandable UFS 3.1 internal storage. The Pixel 6a owns a 4410 mAh battery capable of fast charging up to 18 W. In addition, it has an IP67 water protection rating.
The Pixel 6a features a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with HDR support. The display holds a 20:9 aspect ratio and a circular cutout in the upper center for the front-facing camera.
The Pixel 6a has dual rear-facing cameras. The wide 27 mm f/1.7 lens holds the Sony Exmor IMX363 12.2-megapixel sensor, while the ultrawide 114° f/2.2 lens encloses a 12-megapixel sensor; the front-facing camera employs an 8-megapixel sensor. It is competent for recording 4K video at 30 or 60 fps.
Software
The Pixel 6a ships with Android 12 at launch. It is expected to receive three years of major OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The device acquired an update with a bootloader to activate modding in the initial weeks after its release.