Google’s Pixel Updates for April are here. This is not one of the big feature updates (it was last month), but device owners can look forward to the latest security solutions and a handful of fixes and improvements. This time around, Google specifically mentions improved photo quality in some third-party apps and even performance enhancements for games on the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, plus a handful of solutions to address issues on various Pixel models, including an issue dating back to a missing Feature Drop feature from December.
So-called “functional patch notes” that describe the changes for Pixels in this update.
Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 owners may appreciate this update, which promises better camera quality in specific third-party applications and which sounds like improved game performance. Other startup freezing solutions and a problem with offline devices while connected to a VPN are also included for more Pixel devices – we have not heard of one yet, so I can not tell you too much about it do not tell.
The solution to the missing home network settings is reminiscent of an issue we reported on in January, where a handful of Pixels did not have the new custom grid size options that dropped to older Pixels as part of the decline in the feature of December 2020 no. It was not the biggest feature, but Google specifically mentioned it as a new customization option for Pixel owners with older devices, and it was a scary thing that it did not work for everyone.
According to yooj, the latest security fixes from April 2021 were included in this update, including a high and ‘critical’ vulnerability, though Pixel-specific vulnerabilities are few this month. Build numbers currently correspond to the Pixel series: RQ2A.210405.005.
People with a Pixel 5 or Pixel 4a 5G on Verizon may see a delay in this update. As of now, factory and OTA images have been published only for other service providers, specifically the exception of big red for the two phones, and this may also contribute to the more traditional rollout of the update.
At that point, the update should start landing on Pixel devices in their support window over the next hour or two – that’s the Pixel 3 Series, Pixel 3a Series, Pixel 4 Series, Pixel 4a Series and Pixel 5 – but the impatient can sideload it manually.