Topics

Posted 9/20/2023, 6:18:33 AM

Pixel 4a Reaches End of Software Update Lifespan, Misses Out on Android 14

The Pixel 4a appears to have reached end-of-life for software updates and was excluded from Google's September security patch.
The 4a was officially expected to receive updates until August 2023, but lack of September update suggests end of updates.
The Pixel 4a was not eligible for Google's Android 14 program, including previews and betas.
If you're using a Pixel 4a, Android 13 will likely be the end of major software updates for your device.
Consider getting a new phone if you want to avoid potential security issues or bugs in the future.

androidauthority.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

Google's Android 14 release plans may have hit a snag

Android 14's release has been delayed to October 4th, coinciding with Google's Pixel 8 announcement, potentially impacting OEMs' smartphone upgrades.

9/6/2023

Delay from Google might force Samsung to postpone stable Android 14 release

Google has postponed the release of the stable Android 14 update to early October 2023, which will coincide with the launch of the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Pixel Watch 2 at the Made By Google event. This delay may also affect other smartphone brands, including Samsung and OnePlus, who may have to postpone their respective Android 14 updates.

9/6/2023

Android 14 Beta 5.3 rolling out with more Pixel bug fixes

Google has released Android 14 Beta 5.3 with bug fixes for Pixel devices, indicating that the stable release may be delayed.

9/7/2023

Pixel Watch 2 May Only Work with Android 9 or Newer, Launching October 4 for $350

Google has partially announced the Pixel Watch 2, revealing that it may have higher requirements for its connected Android phone, potentially requiring Android 9.0 or higher.

9/16/2023

Google Unveils Pixel 8 With Advanced AI, 50MP Camera, and Long Software Support

Google is set to introduce the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with a groundbreaking system on chip, advanced camera hardware and software, and five years of Android updates, making it a highly anticipated smartphone release.

9/18/2023

Google Releases Android 13 September Security Update for Pixel Phones and Tablets

Google has released the September update for its Pixel devices running Android 13, which mainly consists of security patches.

9/20/2023

Android 14 Release Pushed to October, First Update Hits Beta

Google's next major OS upgrade, Android 14, is being delayed until October, with the beta program for Android 14 QPR1 now available and the official debut expected in December as the Pixel Feature Drop.

9/21/2023

Android 14 Beta Breaks Google Wallet for Some Users

Google released the first beta of Android 14 QPR1 for Pixel phones, but users should be aware that Google Wallet is currently non-functional and unable to support NFC payments.

9/22/2023

Google Pixel 9 Rumored for Fall 2024 Launch with Familiar Design and Upgraded Chips

The Google Pixel 9 is expected to be released in October 2024, with minor changes to components and a price range of around $799 for the Pixel 9 and $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro, while a smaller Pro model is also anticipated.

9/25/2023

Google Pixel 8 May Get Up to 7 Years of Updates, Outlasting Samsung and Matching Apple Support

Google's upcoming Pixel 8 line of smartphones may receive up to seven years of Android updates, surpassing Samsung and potentially offering five years of Android updates and two years of security patches.

9/26/2023

Google Reveals Pixel 8 Phones, Pixel Watch 2 Details Ahead of October 4 Launch

Google has updated its Google Store site with information on its upcoming flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as leaked promo videos and photos indicating a possible free Pixel Watch 2 with pre-order of the Pixel 8 Pro.

10/2/2023

Google to Roll Out Android 14 on October 4 Alongside Pixel 8 Launch

Google is expected to release Android 14 on October 4th, the same day as the Pixel 8 launch event, according to Telus, with the update coming to a range of Pixel devices.

10/3/2023

Google Releases October Android Update Fixing 54 Flaws Including 2 Actively Exploited Bugs

Google has released the October 2023 security updates for Android, addressing 54 vulnerabilities, including two actively exploited flaws, with one impacting various software products and the other affecting multiple versions of Arm Mali GPU drivers on Android devices.

10/4/2023

Google Launches Android 14 with New AI Wallpapers for Pixel 8 Series

Google has released the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones along with Android 14, which includes new features such as an AI wallpaper generator and other customization options.

10/4/2023

New Pixel Features: Dual Screen Translation, Docked Hub Mode, USB-C Warnings, Camera Redesign, and Exclusive Lock Screens

Google is releasing an October Pixel Feature Drop that includes updates for the Pixel Fold and Tablet, such as a Dual Screen Interpreter mode and Hub Mode, along with improvements to the Google Camera app and lock screen clocks.

10/4/2023

Google Rolls Out Android 14 Update for Pixel Phones

Android 14 is now rolling out to various Pixel devices, addressing 26 security issues and providing general improvements and fixes across various features and functionalities.

10/5/2023

Google Changes Pixel Phone Update Policy, Will Roll Out Updates As Ready Rather Than Monthly

Google Pixel 8 series offers a 7-year window for software support and is eliminating the fixed monthly update schedule, instead opting to release updates as soon as they are ready, raising concerns about potential security implications.

10/5/2023

Google Ditches Strict Monthly Update Schedule for Pixel Phones, Will Roll Out Updates as Soon as They're Ready

Google has announced that updates for Pixel phones will no longer adhere to a formal schedule, with updates being released whenever they are ready.

10/7/2023

Google Says No to Cheap Pixel Phones, Citing Compromises on Quality

Google has confirmed that it has no plans to release a low-cost Pixel smartphone in the future due to the compromises that would be required to meet that price point.

10/7/2023

Google Unveils Pixel 8 Phones, Pixel Watch 2, and AI Features at Made By Google Event

Google's latest hardware lineup, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Buds Pro, and Fitbit Charge 6, is now available for preorder, with some attractive bonuses.

10/8/2023

Google Aims for Wider Reach with Solidly Priced Pixel 7a, Not Pursuing Ultra-Budget Phone

Google has no plans for a low-cost Pixel phone due to the compromises it would involve, says VP of Google Mobile Business Nanda Ramachandran.

10/9/2023

Leaked Images Reveal Curvy Design for Upcoming Pixel 8A with Dual Cameras

Google is reportedly working on a more affordable version of its Pixel 8 smartphone, featuring a similar design with two rear cameras and a hole-punch selfie cam, but it remains to be seen what software features Google might hold back from the Pixel 8A.

10/9/2023

Google's 7-Year Software Pledge Pressures Android Brands to Extend Updates for Phone Longevity

Google's commitment to providing seven years of software updates for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones highlights the lack of sufficient software support in most Android phones, and as customers keep their phones longer, longer upgrade periods are needed to keep them up to date with new features and security protections.

10/9/2023

Google Rules Out Budget Pixel Phone, Citing Difficulty Making Too Many Compromises

Google has no plans to release a budget-friendly Pixel phone due to the compromises it would require, according to Google's VP of mobile business Nanda Ramachandran, but the upcoming Pixel 8a may offer a balance between price and performance.

10/13/2023

Google Assistant Gets Smarter Device Controls and Settings Interface on Pixel 8

Google Assistant on the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro has improved device control capabilities and can provide better assistance with system updates and settings, as indicated by banners and notes in the Settings app; it is unclear if these updates will be available for previous Pixel phones.

10/15/2023

Google's Pixel 8 Outshines Buggy, Overpriced Pixel Fold With New Chip and Update Policy

The release of the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro highlights the missed opportunity for Google to wait and improve upon the Pixel Fold, as the latest devices offer significant improvements in issues such as heat problems and chip performance.

10/16/2023

Google Renames Exclusive Pixel Camera App to Highlight Advanced Features Only Available on Pixel Phones

Google has changed the name of its camera app to "Pixel Camera" to emphasize its exclusivity to Pixel phones, and the app now includes new features and requirements specific to Pixel devices.

10/16/2023

Google Upgrades Cameras, Performance in $999 Pixel 8 Pro vs. $899 Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro improves upon its predecessor, addressing previous criticisms and offering upgraded features such as a redesigned camera system, a flat display, and seven years of OS updates, making it a top choice for those in the market for a new phone.

10/19/2023

Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.1 Now Rolling Out to Most Pixels, Fixes Bugs Except On Pixel 8/8 Pro

Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2.1 is being released with bug fixes, but the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will not be updated immediately.