Pixel devices are receiving the January 2023 security patch.

The build number is TQ1A.230105.00X.
The full list of fixes is in the attachment.

As promised, this update includes support for spatial audio, "which will provide surround sound for any connected headset". And in the coming weeks, Pixel Buds Pro will receive a separate update that will enable spatial audio with head tracking.

🔗 Android Security Bulletin

🔗 Pixel Update Bulletin

🔗 OTAs

🔗 Factory Images

🔗 Pixel Phone Help

Google News | En

Android Auto's redesign starts rolling out from today.

The new split screen layout adapts to different screen sizes. Maps are now closer to the driver's seat. The new media player card almost replicates Android 13 and features a seekable progress bar, while the added quick launcher lets you quickly access recently-used apps.

Google Assistant now provides smart suggestions including missed call reminders, quick arrival time sharing and instant access to music or podcasts. On-screen shortcuts speed up message replies and calling favorite contacts.

And, starting with the latest Pixel and Samsung phones, you can soon make calls using WhatsApp with Android Auto.

🔗 Google Blog

Google News | En

Google is expanding the ability to share digital car keys.

Right now, Pixel and iPhone owners already have the ability to share digital car keys to make it easier to give trusted friends and family access to the car. And soon this feature will appear on Samsung phones, while Xiaomi owners will be able to use and exchange digital car keys closer to the end of this year.

The digital car key is already supported on BMW and will roll out to other car brands.

🔗 Google Blog

Google News | En

Cars with Google Build-in (Android Automotive) gets an enhanced experience.

• Honda joins the growing list of Cars with Google Build-in with the new Accord Touring 2023. Ford and Lincoln are also joining the list soon.

• The Waze app is now available on select Renault vehicles and is headed to more cars with Google built-in.

• Google’s new HD map is now available in select new cars with Google built-in, starting with the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. The HD map delivers precise road details like lane markers, signs and road barriers to support automakers' assisted and autonomous driving technology for safer, more hands-free driving on select roadways.

• Soon you'll be able to watch YouTube and more directly on your car screen

🔗 Google Blog

Google News | En

Spotify Connect devices will appear in the Android 13 audio output switcher.

Earlier, Mishaal Rahman discovered that the Android 13 audio output device switcher allows you to quickly select compatible Bluetooth or Chromecast built-in devices for content playback (currently available for YouTube and YouTube Music).

And this year, Google has partnered with Spotify to allow users to easily switch playback between any Spotify Connect devices using the Android media player.

🔗 Google Blog

Google News | En

Google will improve the transfer of media playback between devices.

In the future, you will be able to transfer content playback to other devices simply by tapping special notifications. For example, to start listening to a podcast in your car, continue on your phone with your headphones, and finish on your TV at home.

As you move, you'll see these media notifications on your phone or other devices with a prompt to transfer the audio to a nearby device.

Google is working with Spotify and YouTube Music to use these notifications to help users enjoy the content they are streaming, on the most optimal device available to them.

A year ago there were evidences of a similar feature, called Media Tap To Transfer.

🔗 Google Blog

Google News | En

Google Maps on Wear OS watches with LTE has introduced a phone-free turn by turn navigation.

If you have an LTE-enabled watch or the watch is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, you can now enjoy having Maps available on your wrist. This is especially helpful when you’re out for a run or ride and have left your phone behind but want to take a detour or need help finding your way home.

If you have enabled mirroring and start navigation on your phone and then leave your phone behind, the watch will take over the navigation from your phone. This only works on watches paired with Android or iOS devices.

🔗 Wear OS Help

🔗 More info on support page

Google News | En

The second beta version of Android 13 QPR2 is out!

Build number: T2B2.221216.006
Security Patch: January 2023

Fixed Issues:

• Fixed an issue with the System UI that sometimes caused the Home screen to become unresponsive.

•Fixed an issue where, after switching back to Normal video capture mode from Slow Motion mode in the Google Camera app, the app continued capturing slow-motion video if the capture speed was changed between 1/8x and 1/4x while in Slow Motion mode.

🔗 Android Beta

• OTA images

• Factory Images

Google News | En

Android 13 QPR 2 Beta 2: The volume slider is now longer, and the notification mode icons with and without sound have been changed from bell to speaker.

UPD: This change is only relevant if you have activated the separated ringtone/notifications volume via adb command.

Google News | En

Android 13 QPR 2 Beta 2: The new taskbar for tablets and foldable devices is now enabled by default.

While previously the taskbar was invoked by holding down the navigation bar thereby enlarging the navigation bar area, now the taskbar is invoked by a slight swipe upwards and is displayed on top of the app. It then automatically hides when you interact with the app or do nothing for ~6 seconds.

The new taskbar also appears in the recent apps menu.

Google News | En

Android 13 QPR 2 Beta 2: Google has added support for Unicode 15 emoji.

According to the schedule, the company promised to do this back in October-December.

🫨🩷🩵🩶

Google News | En

Android 13 QPR 2 Beta 2: Pixel Launcher is experimenting with the option of automatically generating Themed icons.

Due to the lack of app developers enthusiasm, Google apparently decided to consider this feature after all. The new version of the Pixel Launcher has a new developer flag, ENABLE_FORCED_MONO_ICON, whose description reads: "Enable the ability to generate a monochromatic icons, if it is not provided by the app".

Google News | En | Google News | Ru

Google Arts & Culture rolling out a new updated logo.

Earlier it was reported that Google registered a new trademark depicting a "stylized ampersand" indicating the rebranding of Google Arts & Culture.

Now the company is rolling out a new app update version 9.5.1 that includes the new icon.

Google News | En

Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 survey is now open.

Google has opened feedback collection on the second beta version of the upcoming March release of Android 13 QPR2.
This survey is relevant to Pixel 4a and newer users who have installed the beta with build number T2B2.221216.006.

Link to Google Form:

🔗 Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 software survey

Google News | En

Pixel Launcher will improve the detection of when to change the color of the At a glance text.

Until now, to make the widget text black, you had to set a very light wallpaper, and I think the algorithm took a weighted coefficient over the whole area of the picture. In this case the text of the app's labels changed as well. And for the live wallpaper, the text color parameter was defined directly by the wallpaper itself.

Pixel Launcher from QPR2 Beta 2 added a new flag ENABLE_REGION_SAMPLING. Once enabled, the At a glance widget will change its text depending on the lightness of the image region behind it, separate from the text color of the app labels. But so far this does not apply to the lock screen (but at least it has a dimming)

Comment: It would be nice if the weather icons would also adjust for this (here's what it could look like), for this I created a report on the Google Issue Tracker. You can support it by clicking on the link and pressing +1.

Google News | En