Compared to other smartphone manufacturers, Google is arguably one of the more consistent companies when it comes to software update releases. With that in mind, the company recently announced that the January 2024 Update is now available for download on compatible Pixel smartphones. The new update targets some issues including video playback, camera UI errors, and such. According to Google:
“We have provided the monthly software update for January 2024. All supported Pixel devices running Android 14 will receive these software updates starting today. The rollout will continue over the next week in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification once the OTA is available for their device. We encourage you to check your Android version and update to receive the latest software.”
So what can you expect from Google’s latest software update? Let’s take a look below.
January 2024 Pixel Update
In terms of availability, the November 2023 update will be compatible with several Pixel models, including the Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, as well as Google’s large-screened devices, the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold. It’s worth mentioning that older Pixel phones will no longer be getting updates, as they have reached the end of their official support lifespan – this includes handsets such as the Pixel 3 and 3a series, as well as the Pixel 4 and 4a series, to name some.
Google typically releases software updates during the first week of every month, although the company recently stated that updates will roll out once they are ready. Based on Google’s official support page, the update comes with the following fixes:
Camera
- Fix for users facing Camera crashes in certain conditions
User Interface
- Fix for users facing flashing black screen when playing video in certain conditions
- Fix for users unable to exit Setup Wizard in certain conditions
- Fix for Wallpaper on home screen showing black in certain conditions
How do I Download the Update?
If you own a Google Pixel smartphone, you can easily check for updates in your Settings app. Open the “Settings” App, head into “System”, followed by “System update”, and then “Check for Update”. This should then prompt your phone to scan for any available software patches, and it will automatically download and install them to your phone.
It should be noted however that there are some times when Pixel phones in certain regions and markets (or under select carriers and networks) might get the update a bit later than usual, in which case we’d advise to keep an eye out for announcements from your respective carrier.
Users can find out more specifics about Google’s January 2024 Pixel update via the official community page which goes into further detail regarding the software patch, and can be accessed via this link.
