Google has released another round of updates for its Pixel smartphone product suite, a month after its last feature release in 2022. While this month’s update doesn’t have as many changes as the feature of December 2022, it should introduce some highly anticipated features. Required for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series smartphones. Strictly speaking, all models from the Pixel 4a are eligible for the update, but Google has reserved most of the changes for the last two generations of smartphones.
Arguably the biggest feature included in this month’s patch is Spatial Audio, which is available on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. According to Google, any earphone or headset can take advantage of spatial audio. However, the company limits head tracking support to specific devices, such as the Pixel Buds Pro. These headphones also require an update before they support head tracking themselves. Separately, Google hopes the January 2023 update will improve fingerprint recognition on the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7.
However, there is no mention of an equivalent patch for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Pixel 7 Pro. Additionally, Google claims to have fixed a bug that caused problems with some Bluetooth Low Energy devices when pairing or reconnecting and headphones or accessories playing audio while connected under certain circumstances. The full changelog is available on Google Support Document, while the update should arrive as an OTA with build number TQ1A.230105 or TQ1A.230105.002, depending on which Pixel smartphone you have.
Alex Alderson – Senior Technical Writer 7,137 articles published in Notebookcheck since 2018
Before writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for several companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a law degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
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