Google Pixel 6's weak notifications vibration gets fixed in May Pixel update

Photo by Thai Nguyen on Unsplash

The latest update for Google Pixel devices includes an update that fixes the weaker vibration levels felt on the Pixel 6. The Verge's Richard Lawler reports that he has noticed the vibrations to be stronger after installing the update. If that isn't something you want, you can lower its intensity in the settings. 

Other fixes that come with this update include fixing the display's sudden wake-up without interaction and a problem that crashes the launcher. The update also brings security fixes from the Pixel 3a to the Pixel 6.

Google Pixel repair parts will be available on iFixit

If you can handle smartphone repairs yourself and have a Pixel phone, it'll be easier to look for genuine spare parts online. Google partnered with iFixit to offer a "full range of spare parts for common Pixel phone repairs," including batteries, cameras, and displays. These will be available individually or as part of iFixit Fix Kits with the necessary tools and repair guides. 

Parts for the 2017 Pixel 2 to last year's Pixel 6 Pro will be offered, and Google commits to supporting future phones. The "Geniune Google Parts" will be available starting "later this year" in Canada, the US, the UK, the EU, and Australia. Google has "independent repair professionals and skilled consumers with the relevant technical experience" in mind for this program. And it plans to expand its repair network to improve "repairability across [its] products." There are already walk-in support providers for Pixel devices in the country, with plans to expand on this in the future.

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Google launches new beta program for Pixel Feature Drops

Source: Google

Google Pixel owners—at least those who own a Pixel 4 or later—can access new Android features earlier, at least through a new beta program. Google has announced the release of the first beta for its Quarterly Platform Release (QPR), a.k.a. its Feature Drops. The features in this beta might make their way to Pixel's June update. If you want to try out new Pixel features before they get widely released, you can sign up for the beta here.

According to Google, anyone using the 12L beta will be automatically transitioned to the new QPR beta. These Feature Drops allow Pixel owners to get early access to features included in mid-year updates. But the company hasn't specified what new features are included. For now, the beta "includes improvements to functionality and user experience as well as the latest bug fixes, optimizations, and the March 2022 security patches."

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Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy Tab S8, Google Pixel to support Google Duo's live sharing

Source: Google

Samsung and Google are bringing an Apple SharePlay-like experience to Android. The new Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8 devices will support a live-sharing feature in Google Duo. It will let you chat with someone while simultaneously viewing the same notes, photos, and videos. It will only work with certain apps, like YouTube, Google Maps, Samsung Notes and Gallery, and Google's Jamboard interactive whiteboard app. 

Engadget reports that these Galaxy devices and the Pixel smartphones will be the only ones to get full support for this feature. Other Android devices will only be able to join these calls instead of host them.