Google has started distributing the October patch for their supported Pixel mobile devices. In addition to the well-known numerous fixes for security problems, Google is also releasing new functions. For Pixel 4 users, however, it will be the last regular update.
Many gaps closed
With the security level October 5, 2022, the developers close a total of 48 security gaps, 4 of which are classified as critical. As usual, Google has not yet provided any information about the problems involved. The publication of the patch notes at a later date is intended to prevent the gaps mentioned being exploited by users who have not yet received the update. Information on this will be provided later.
In addition to the security aspects, Google has also fixed numerous errors in its own pixel devices with the update. These include issues with hissing or humming during a call when using wired headsets, occasional crashes of the launcher when using a VPN connection, or fixing compatibility issues with certain app widgets in Android 13. A total of 9 errors were corrected with the update .
The update is currently being distributed in waves as usual. If you don't want to wait for your pixel to display the update, you can also download the patch directly from Google in the form of factory or OTA images for the corresponding pixel smartphone.
Audio
- Fixed an issue that occurred when calling with wired Headsets occasionally cause an audible hum or noise artifacts. *[1]
- Fixed an issue where the device volume control in the media player
- Notification did not work under certain conditions.
Connectivity
- Fixed an issue that caused the launcher to crash when connecting to VPN under certain conditions.
User Interface< /strong>
- Fixed an issue that caused compatibility issues with certain app widgets in Android 13.
- Fixed an issue that caused the media player to show the default icon for certain media apps.
< li>Fix an issue that occasionally caused the device to crash when playing audio from local storage.
- Fix an issue that occasionally displayed blank quick settings tiles in the notification shade.
- Fixed an issue that occasionally caused the work profile button in the app drawer to appear cut off.
Wi-Fi
- Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented available Wi-Fi networks from appearing in the network selection menu of certain apps.
*[1] Included on Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a (5G)
Latest update for Pixel 4 (XL)
For users of the Pixel 4, which was introduced more than 3 years ago, the October patch will be the last regular update that Google will provide for the former leader. The smartphone will reach the End-Of-Live (EOL) threshold at the end of the month and will therefore no longer be supported. The same applies to the Pixel 4 XL (test), the Pixel 4a (test), on the other hand, will be supplied with updates until August 2023 and could therefore even receive Android 14.
As of now, the Pixel 4 (XL) has received both major updates and security patches for three years. For the new smartphones from the Pixel 6 (test), the manufacturer has extended the support period to 5 years, which is not least due to its own Tensor SoC and the resulting independence from drivers from the respective processor manufacturer, mostly Qualcomm in recent years should be. Such a combination was the reason why Google could not provide the Galaxy Nexus with updates for as long as originally announced, since Texas Instruments had withdrawn from the consumer market and for this reason no longer provided drivers.
< h2 class="text-width text-h2" id="abschnitt_spiel_es_noch_einmal_">Play it again…
However, this fact does not mean that the Pixel 4 (XL) will no longer receive any updates. Some time after the end of support, Google pushed a patch with the most important bug fixes for the previous Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 3 (XL), which ended support a year ago in November last year received another cumulative update. In addition, more and more system components are updated through the Play services. However, there will no longer be a new major version, i.e. Android 14, simply because of the usual release date.
Alternatives are fewer and far between
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Users who want to remain up-to-date and secure in security issues can only switch to a custom ROM as an alternative. One of the best-known representatives is probably LineageOS, which has only been offered with Android 12 so far – a step backwards for Pixel 4 users.