Google’s recent Android 15 update has brought significant changes to its Pixel smartphones, but not all of them are welcome, particularly for Pixel 6 users. Alongside this update, Google TV in the UK also received a new “Channels” section, offering easier access to popular streaming services.

Android 15 Update: A Risky Move for Pixel 6 Users

With the rollout of Android 15, many Pixel smartphone users were excited about the new features and improvements. However, owners of Pixel 6 devices have reported serious issues after updating. Several users claim their phones became completely unusable post-installation, leading to frustration and concerns about the stability of the update.

Major Problems After the Update

Pixel 6 owners are facing various issues, particularly with the introduction of the “Private Space” feature. Some users report their phones crashing and becoming unresponsive shortly after enabling this feature. Others have seen their devices randomly shut down during normal usage and fail to turn back on, rendering their phones effectively dead.

History of Update Issues

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Pixel 6 devices have encountered problems after a major Android update. Similar issues were reported following the Android 14 update, leading many to wonder if there’s a deeper compatibility problem between the Pixel 6 hardware and the newer Android versions. This recurring issue raises serious concerns about the stability of updates for this model, potentially pointing to deeper flaws in its ability to handle newer software releases.

Should You Update?

If you own a Pixel 6 and haven’t yet updated to Android 15, it may be wise to delay the installation until Google addresses these problems. As of now, Google hasn’t released an official statement regarding the issues, but users are hopeful that a bug-fix update will be released soon. For those who have already updated and are experiencing these issues, reaching out to Google Support is highly recommended.

Google TV in the UK Introduces a New ‘Channels’ Section

While Pixel 6 users are dealing with software troubles, Google TV users in the UK received a more positive update. A new “Channels” tab has been introduced, aimed at making it easier to access regional broadcast streaming services like BBC, ITV, and others.

What’s New in the ‘Channels’ Section?

The new “Channels” section on Google TV and Chromecast devices offers users a quick way to access popular UK broadcast channels via their respective streaming services. It includes channels like BBC, ITV, STV, UTV, Discovery, and more. While this section doesn’t function as a traditional TV tuner, it aggregates live channels available from streaming apps that are installed on your device.

However, there are some limitations. For example, BBC iPlayer is not yet available on all Google TV Streamer devices, and Channel 4’s streaming service is currently unavailable on Android TV. Users who don’t have the necessary apps installed can still click on the channel icon, which will prompt a Play Store link to install the required app.

How It Works

Once a streaming app is installed, clicking on a channel in the “Channels” section will either take you directly to the live stream or, in some cases, require an additional step. For example, ITV X will take users to the TV guide before launching the live stream, while BBC iPlayer goes straight to the channel. It’s also important to have an active account for the apps to work, as users without one will be prompted to log in before accessing content.

A Step Forward for Cordcutters

This new feature is a significant improvement for those in the UK who prefer to stream their TV rather than rely on traditional aerial setups. While Google TV devices in the UK don’t have the same “Live Channels” support that exists in the US, this update offers a more streamlined way to access live content through popular streaming services. There’s hope that Google will expand the number of supported apps in the future, potentially including services like Plex for even greater variety.

Conclusion

The Android 15 update has brought both excitement and frustration for Google users. While Pixel 6 owners are facing significant issues that could render their devices useless, Google TV users in the UK have seen improvements with the addition of the “Channels” section. As Google works to address the problems with the Pixel 6 update, the new features for Google TV provide a glimpse of the company’s effort to enhance the user experience for cordcutters and streaming enthusiasts.