Google rolls out new Pixel features, adds 'safety check' for when you're alone outside

Google just announced some new software features coming to Pixel devices. One of the more notable ones focuses on personal safety. The company introduces a new "safety check" tool to help keep you safe while you're out somewhere alone (maybe on a walk or run or something). 

If you have safety check enabled, you can set a time for your Pixel phone to check in on you. When that time comes, it'll take over your screen and ask you about your status. You can dismiss the prompt and confirm you're okay, start sharing your location with emergency contacts immediately, or dial 911.

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Google Pixel sales have plummeted, while key executives exit the team

Google's line of Pixel smartphones were once promising flagship competitors to Samsung Galaxies and Notes as well as Apple iPhones, but now it seems that interest and sales of these devices is cratering. Recent reports state that Google has sold only 2 million Pixel devices in the first two quarters of the year. There have also been defections within Google's Pixel team as two key executives, camera expert Marc Levoy and general manager Mario Queiroz have departed the team signaling some unrest within the smartphone division.

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Android's January 2020 security patch starts rolling out to Pixel phones

As expected, the January 2020 security patch for Android has started to arrive for Pixel 2 and newer Pixel phones. Pixel 4 users will be getting the update at the same time as the older Pixels, while the first-generation Pixel will no longer receive updates. Those who didn't get the December patch will get a cumulative January update.

It brings the usual fixes and patches for vulnerabilities that range from "high" to "critical." One of the significant repairs was for a media framework issue that an attacker could exploit by executing arbitrary code through a crafted file. If you want to check out the update yourself, factory and over-the-air (OTA) images are available through the Android Developers website.

Source: 9to5Google

Rogers releases list of handsets getting Android's January security update on the 6th

Rogers recently updated its upgrade schedule over on its community forum, letting us know what devices are getting operating system updates in the coming days. For starters, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series (both the regular and Note 10+) are getting the Android 10 update on January 6. And the Google Pixel devices from the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL down to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are all getting the January security update on the 6th as well. The original Pixel isn't on the list as Google has already announced its official end-of-life.

On the same day, the Samsung Galaxy A70 will be getting the December security update. Meanwhile, the Motorola Moto G6 Play and the Moto G7 Play are getting the December update on January 10 and January 17, respectively. Rogers wants to caution its subscribers that while the carrier aims to release on these announced dates, sometimes there might be causes of delay. But it's a good indicator as to when you can expect the OS update to head your phone's way.