The new year has just begun, and with it comes the first software update of 2025 for Google’s Pixel phones. Breaking with the usual Monday release, this update began its rollout on Tuesday, January 7th, bringing a mix of security enhancements and targeted fixes for various models. While the update focuses primarily on stability and minor improvements, it addresses some key user-reported issues, demonstrating Google’s commitment to refining the Pixel experience.

This January update, carrying the Android Security Patch Level of January 7, 2025, arrives with software version AP4A.250105.002 for all supported Pixel devices. This consistent approach to security updates ensures that all Pixel users benefit from the latest protections against potential vulnerabilities.

For Pixel 6 and 7 owners, this update primarily delivers the latest security patches. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure and reliable mobile experience, providing peace of mind for users. While these models don’t receive specific feature additions or functional changes this time around, the consistent security updates remain a vital part of their ongoing support.

The Pixel 8 series, Google’s current flagship line, receives a more targeted set of improvements. This update addresses two specific areas: audio and user interface. Firstly, it tackles an audio delay and stability issue experienced by some users when using certain applications.

This fix should result in a smoother and more consistent audio experience across various apps, improving overall usability. Secondly, the update resolves an issue with the Pixel Launcher’s themed icon color display under certain conditions.

This issue, which involved an incorrect display of light and dark themed icons, has been a minor annoyance for some users. While a workaround involving manually switching Dynamic Color themes was available after the Android 15 QRP1 update last month, this direct fix from Google provides a more permanent and seamless solution.

The Pixel 9 series, Google’s top-of-the-line offering, benefits from the audio and UI fixes mentioned for the Pixel 8, along with additional improvements tailored to its advanced hardware capabilities. This update addresses a camera stability issue that occurred when switching to a connected camera under specific circumstances.

This fix will be particularly welcomed by users who frequently utilize external cameras with their Pixel 9 devices, ensuring a more reliable and seamless connection. Furthermore, the update resolves an issue involving flashing lines appearing on the screen under certain conditions. This display correction will contribute to a more polished and visually consistent user experience.

This January 2025 update underscores Google’s ongoing dedication to improving the Pixel experience. By addressing user-reported issues and providing consistent security updates, Google is ensuring that Pixel devices remain reliable, secure, and enjoyable to use. The focus on stability and refinement in this update sets a positive tone for the year ahead, promising further enhancements and innovations for Pixel users in the future.

In related news, Google recently shared information about the expected battery charge cycles for Pixel phones, providing valuable insights into battery health and longevity. This information helps users understand the typical lifespan of their device’s battery and plan accordingly.

Additionally, it was recently announced that the Pixel 4a will be receiving one final update as part of a Battery Performance Program, extending support for this popular device. This final update demonstrates Google’s commitment to supporting its older devices and ensuring they continue to function optimally.

The Google Pixel 4a, a beloved device known for its compact design and impressive camera, is getting a surprise revival. While officially past its scheduled software update lifecycle, Google has announced a new update aimed at addressing battery performance for some users. This isn’t just a simple patch; it’s a comprehensive program designed to extend the life of this popular phone.

The update, rolling out starting January 8, 2025, focuses on enhancing battery management. It introduces new features designed to improve battery stability. However, Google acknowledges that some users might experience shorter periods between charges after the update. They also note that changes in charging performance and how the battery level is displayed might occur. While this may sound concerning at first, it’s part of a larger plan.

This initiative, dubbed the “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program,” acknowledges that some Pixel 4a devices have experienced a reduction in battery capacity and charging efficiency over time. It’s important to emphasize that not all Pixel 4a phones are affected. This program specifically targets those experiencing these issues. No other Pixel models, like the Pixel 4a 5G, are included in this program.

The most significant part of this program is the offer of free battery replacements for eligible devices. This is a considerable gesture from Google, showing their commitment to supporting their products even after their official support window has closed. Owners can check their eligibility for a free replacement through a dedicated online portal.

For those eligible for a battery replacement, Google is offering several convenient options. Walk-in repair centers are available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, and India. For customers in the United States, a mail-in repair option is also available. However, battery replacements are subject to availability and are offered only in eligible locations.

Google also outlines some important caveats. If a Pixel 4a has sustained other forms of damage, such as liquid damage, damage from sharp objects, or damage resulting from excessive force, it might not qualify for a free battery replacement. Similarly, if the phone has pre-existing out-of-warranty damage, like a cracked screen, there might be a fee associated with those repairs. Google promises to provide a cost estimate before proceeding with any paid repairs, giving users the option to proceed or have their device returned.

Recognizing that not everyone will be able to get a battery replacement, Google is offering alternative options: a $50 USD payment (or local equivalent) or a $100 USD (or local equivalent) Google hardware discount code. This discount code can be used towards the purchase of another Pixel phone on the Google Store, providing a valuable incentive for those looking to upgrade.

Those eligible for the program have a one-year window, starting from the initial software release on January 8, 2025, to register and choose one of these options. The Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program will conclude on January 8, 2026.

The Pixel 4a originally launched with a 3,140 mAh battery, advertised to provide all-day usage. ¹ This program aims to restore that original experience for affected users, or provide a reasonable alternative for those whose devices are beyond repair. This initiative underscores Google’s dedication to its customers and their devices, even years after their initial release. It’s a welcome move that will undoubtedly be appreciated by Pixel 4a owners.

Android, the world’s most popular mobile operating system, offers a wealth of customization options, extend far beyond the standard user interface. Hidden within the settings menu lies a treasure trove of advanced controls known as “Developer Options.”

These settings, originally intended for app developers, provide power users with granular control over their devices, unlocking hidden potential and enhancing the Android experience. This comprehensive guide will explore some of the most useful Developer Options, empowering you to fine-tune your Android device to your exact preferences. 

Accessing the Hidden Realm:

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s unlock the Developer Options. This process is intentionally hidden to prevent accidental changes that could impact device stability. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to Settings > System > About phone.
2. Locate the “Build number” entry.
3. Tap on the “Build number” seven times consecutively.
4. You’ll be prompted to enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
5. A message will appear, confirming that “You are now a developer!”

Now, a new entry, “Developer options,” will appear in the Settings > System menu.

Essential Tweaks for Enhanced Control:

Once you’ve unlocked Developer Options, a world of possibilities opens up. Here are some of the most impactful settings you can explore:

1. USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking:

These options are crucial for advanced users who want to flash custom ROMs, root their devices, or perform other low-level modifications.

• USB Debugging: Enables communication between your Android device and a computer via USB, allowing for debugging and software installation.

  OEM Unlocking: Allows you to unlock the bootloader of your device, a necessary step for installing custom software.

Caution: Enabling these options can potentially void your warranty and may pose security risks if not used carefully.

2. Default USB Configuration:

This setting dictates what happens when you connect your Android device to a computer via USB. You can choose from various modes:

• File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your device and computer.  
• USB Tethering: Turns your phone into a mobile hotspot, sharing its internet connection with your computer.
• MIDI: Enables your device to act as a musical instrument digital interface.
• PTP: Picture Transfer Protocol, used for transferring photos.
• Charging Only: Simply charges your device without any data transfer.

This customization saves time by automatically selecting your preferred action upon connection.

3. Enabling Freeform Windows and Forcing Resizable Activities:

For users with larger screens, particularly tablets, these options enhance multitasking:

• Enable Freeform Windows: Allows apps to run in resizable, movable windows, similar to a desktop operating system.
• Force Activities to be Resizable: Makes apps that aren’t designed for freeform windows compatible with this mode.

These settings transform your Android tablet into a more versatile productivity tool.

4. Forcing Split-Screen Mode:

While Android offers native split-screen functionality, some apps may not support it. This option forces all apps to be compatible, allowing for true multitasking:  

• Force Activities to be Resizable: This setting also plays a role in enabling split-screen mode for all apps.

This ensures you can utilize the split-screen feature with any app you choose.

5. Maximizing Display Smoothness: Forcing Peak Refresh Rate and Disabling Frame Rate Limits for Games:

For devices with high refresh rate displays, these options ensure a consistently smooth visual experience:

• Force Peak Refresh Rate: Ensures your display always operates at its maximum refresh rate, providing smoother animations and scrolling.
• Disable Default Frame Rate for Games: Removes the 60Hz frame rate cap for games, allowing them to run at higher frame rates if supported by the hardware and the game itself.

These settings are particularly beneficial for gamers and users who prioritize smooth visuals.

6. Enhancing Privacy: The “Sensors Off” Quick Settings Tile:

This powerful option provides a quick way to disable all sensors on your device, including the camera, microphone, GPS, and more:

• Quick settings developer tiles > Sensors off: Adds a toggle to your Quick Settings panel, allowing you to instantly disable all sensors.

This is a valuable tool for enhancing privacy in situations where you want to ensure no app can access your device’s sensors.

7. Spoofing Your Location: Selecting a Mock Location App:

This option allows you to use third-party apps to simulate a different location:

• Select mock location app: This allows you to choose an app that will provide fake location data to other apps.

This can be useful for various purposes, such as testing location-based apps or accessing geo-restricted content.

8. Fine-Tuning Animations:

If you find Android’s animations too slow or too fast, you can adjust their speed:

• Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, and Animator duration scale: These settings control the speed of various animations within the system. Lower values result in faster animations.

This allows you to customize the responsiveness and feel of your device.

9. Optimizing Battery Life: Wi-Fi Scan Throttling and Mobile Data Always Active:

These options can help improve battery performance:

• Wi-Fi scan throttling: Limits how often your device scans for Wi-Fi networks in the background.
• Mobile data always active: Toggles whether mobile data remains active even when connected to Wi-Fi.

Disabling unnecessary background processes can contribute to longer battery life. 

10. Forcing Dark Mode and Monitoring Running Services:

These settings offer additional control and insights:

• Override force-dark: Forces a dark theme on all apps, even those that don’t natively support it.
• Running services: Provides a detailed overview of all running processes on your device, allowing you to identify resource-intensive apps.

A Word of Caution:

While Developer Options offer powerful customization, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Incorrectly changing certain settings can lead to instability or unexpected behavior. If you’re unsure about a particular setting, it’s best to leave it at its default value.

Conclusion:

Android’s Developer Options provide a gateway to a deeper level of customization, empowering users to fine-tune their devices to their exact needs. By understanding and utilizing these settings responsibly, you can unlock hidden potential and enhance your Android experience. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of some of the most useful Developer Options, enabling you to take full control of your Android device.