Google’s last 2021 update focuses on Security and Feature Drops

Google introduced a double-whammy of Pixel updates on Monday, with its December Pixel Drop and Security patch arriving to near out 2021. The new Pixel updates, which is able to arrive subsequent week, will upload the whole thing from virtual automotive key beef up to new shortcuts for Google Assistant and Camera, plus some snazzy new wallpapers.

Nothing here’s as essential because the fingerprint scanner repair from last month, however those are all nice-to-have options that Google has been promoting for Android 12 for months. And the safety update will nip some bad vulnerabilities within the bud.

Pixel safety updates

According to the most recent Android Security Bulletin, a December 1 safety patch stuck 3 vital, 11 prime, and 2 reasonable threats to the machine or reminiscence, a few of which might occur in the community “with out a privileges or consumer interplay required.”

A 2d December 5 patch stuck 25 problems with Qualcomm elements and 2 with MediaTek elements, amongst others.

These safety patches will arrive subsequent week, however you’ll be able to use the Pixel factory images or Pixel OTAs to be had now if you need a head get started.

Software and malicious program fixes

Among the numerous Pixel fixes coming within the December monthly update, the primary is a repair for the phantom calling factor, which led to Assistant to “accidentally get started a phone name in positive stipulations.” And any other is for “normal enhancements for fingerprint sensor balance & efficiency,” which we prior to now noticed patched within the mid-November update.

You’ll additionally discover a lengthy listing of alternative updates for normal enhancements to audio, “battery & thermal efficiency,” digicam “symbol high quality enhancements,” “community connection balance & efficiency” fixes that’ll with a bit of luck toughen the Pixel’s gradual 5G efficiency, and dozens of UI fixes.

New Pixel shortcuts

Currently, you’ll be able to configure your settings to press and grasp the ability button to name Google Assistant. Now, Pixel 3 telephones and up will have the ability to modify the “Press & Hold Duration” within the Settings from Short to Long, with 9 other choices. Short will mean you can get entry to Assistant a lot quicker, whilst Long will save you any mix-ups.

Pixels may also debut a brand new shortcut referred to as Quick Tap to Snap, which helps you to double-tap your Pixel again to take a Snapchat photograph. Unfortunately for older Pixel phone homeowners, handiest the Pixel 4a 5G or more moderen will obtain this option.

Given that the Pixel-Snapchat partnership allegedly propelled Pixel 6 gross sales, many customers may in finding this shortcut to hand. Assuming, after all, they are not the use of a case that thwarts the shortcut from running.

Google additionally plans to convey a “new Pixel-exclusive Lens – Pixel Face – on your Snaps.” We do not know what “Pixel Face” will do to our faces, however it is intended to reach this month, so we’re going to in finding out quickly.

Digital automotive keys and ultra-wideband

Google introduced last week that virtual BMW automotive keys would come to Pixel and Galaxy S21 telephones this month. Now, we all know the characteristic will arrive on the Pixel 6 subsequent week.

Your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro will unencumber 2020 or 2022 BMW vehicles by means of tapping your phone in opposition to the door maintain. The Pro type’s ultra-wideband (UWB) chip may also unencumber your automotive robotically as you method.

The Pixel 6 Pro may also have stepped forward Nearby Share, the use of UWB to swiftly percentage content material with different UWB telephones or units within reach. It’s usefulness will rely on what number of of your pals or members of the family have flagship telephones with the correct tech, however it is future-proofed to paintings with extra telephones over the years.

Dropping (or upping) the bass

If you personal Pixel Buds A-Series and any Pixel phone from 3 onwards, you’ll be able to now have the ability to modify the bass ranges of your tune within the Pixel Buds app from -1 to +4.

Before now, you’ll want to use Bass Boost to present your tune some further oomph. But this provides you with “two times the bass vary” as prior to, together with quieter in case you want.

Wallpapers and miscellaneous

To have a good time International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Google will be offering captivating new wallpapers from artist Dana Kearley on Pixels 3 and up. You’ll in finding them in Styles & Wallpapers beginning subsequent week.

Google has expanded its automotive crash detection instrument to extra nations. It will come to France, Italy, and Taiwan; it is already to be had in Australia, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Singapore, the U.Ok., and the U.S.

In addition, the recorder app has added 3 new transcription languages: Japanese, French, and German.

Lastly, the Now Playing instrument for robotically figuring out within reach tune has gotten an invaluable tweak. On the Pixel 4 or more moderen, you’ll be able to now manually cause a seek for a close-by track, then favourite it.

If you are unclear on which of those new options will paintings on your Pixel, Google helpfully equipped a chart appearing which phone helps which new instrument. Only the Pixel 6 Pro helps they all.