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  • Where’s the February Pixel Update?

    Where’s the February Pixel Update?

    Pixel updates are no longer released on the first Monday of the month, as Google has shifted to a schedule that gives it more flexibility and to release updates when they are truly ready.

    We probably don’t need to keep explaining this to you, so this may be the last of these types of posts about monthly Pixel updates. However, for those who haven’t been following closely in recent years or who left the Pixel platform, went to Samsung or Apple, and then came back, you need to know when to expect your Pixel updates.

    Google no longer releases Pixel updates on the first Monday of the month. They actually changed this release schedule back in October 2023, but again, not everyone seems to be aware that Pixel updates can drop at any time within a month. That said, Google often pushes them out by the first or second Wednesday of the month.

    In January, we talked through this whole process since it was a new year. In that post, we shared that Google almost always skips Mondays now and instead releases updates on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Typically, they pick a 1st or 2nd Tuesday or Wednesday, but they change often enough or from month-to-month that we can no longer tell you exactly when your monthly Pixel update will arrive.

    Here’s what we shared then:

    For example, Google issued the December update on December 2 (a 1st Tuesday), the November update on November 11 (a 2nd Tuesday) October update on October 8 (a 2nd Wednesday), the September update on September 3 (a 1st Wednesday), the August update on August 5 (a 1st Tuesday), and July’s update on July 8 (another 2nd Tuesday).

    For January, they threw everything we just said out the window and released the January patch on the 2nd Monday. Again, Google gave themselves lots of flexibility on when to release Pixel updates and they’ve certainly taken advantage.

    Since this is the first Monday of February, just know that you might see an update in the next couple of days or it might not be until next week. For owners of the Pixel 8 up through the Pixel 10 series, an update will be coming shortly. If you own a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7, well, Google won’t say it publicly, but it’s obvious that they have adjusted the update schedule for those phones to a quarterly cadence. Unfortunate, for sure.

  • Get Ready for New Pixel Theme Packs

    Get Ready for New Pixel Theme Packs

    A new wave of Pixel Theme packs is on the way, but will it be another collaboration or something original for your Pixel 10?

    As a part of the November Pixel Feature Drop, Google first introduced us to Pixel Theme packs. These packs, at least in theory, would help bring another level of customization to Pixel phones that they have been missing. The idea of a theme pack is something not-new to Android phones, but Google was finally bringing it to their own line of phones as a part of its wallpaper & style settings.

    Unfortunately, unless you were a massive Wicked fan, the only theme pack Google gave us to start was what appeared to be a sponsored or promotional couple of themes that only had to do with the latest Wicked film. Look, I have nothing against Wicked, but starting off this new customization idea with only a sponsorship was disappointing to say the least. In fact, I wrote about how disappointed I was here.

    That said, the Wicked partnership has come to an end as of the end of January, so you can no longer use either of those packs. But because those are gone, you may be looking in your wallpaper & style settings for something to replace it. For now, Google has only updated this area of Pixel phones to say that “New theme packs are coming.” And that’s it!

    New Pixel Theme Packs

    So, now we just wonder if “new theme packs” means more partnerships or sponsorships or if we’ll get Google to do something original? This whole theme packs thing doesn’t appear to be something available for developers to build for on their own, so at this time it’s going to be up to Google to provide them. I would just love to see their creativity come to this area and give us something to setup on our phones that isn’t from a brand or movie.

    As far as timing, we have no idea when Google will rollout anything new. There isn’t a date mentioned and we also shouldn’t see a Pixel Feature Drop for another month or so. Google could easily release these at any time, I just worry they may not until the next Feature Drop rolls around and they can pitch the new theme packs as a part of it.

    Either way, it’s time for Google to show where theme packs on Pixel phones could go.

    // reddit

  • Google Home App Update Brings More Automation, Camera Improvements

    Google Home App Update Brings More Automation, Camera Improvements

    The Google Home app is getting an update starting today that should continue to improve several areas. For one, Google says that you’ll start to see less “Video not available” errors when you launch the app from notifications for recent events. The fix is “foundational” and should bring a proper fix going forward for users on v4.8 or higher of the Home app.

    The other item showing up deals with more automation starters, conditions, and actions.  Google is releasing an update that allows you to set smart lights to specific colors or temperatures, for one. They are also adding starters/conditions around humidity levels, robot vacuums docking, battery status on devices, and more.

    The full changelog for this Google Home update just went live and we’ve included it below.

    Camera close-to-live playback improvements

    This foundational fix allows the Google Home app to play back events recently captured by your cameras. This will reduce “Video not available” errors when launching the Google Home app from a notification or when clicking on a recent event. This feature is available on Google Home app version 4.8 or higher.

    More automation starters, conditions, and actions

    We are constantly improving our automation editors and abilities. Today, we are releasing the below starters, conditions and actions. These are only available in the Google Home app using the automation editor and are not yet supported by Ask Home or Help me create.

    Starters/Conditions:

      • Humidity reaches a specific level: e.g. “When the humidity is above 60%…”
      • Robot vacuum docking: e.g. “If the vacuum is docked…”
      • Battery status on a device: e.g. “If the battery is charging…” or “When the battery is low…”
      • Switch or button is pressed**: e.g. “When double tapping the switch…”, “When holding down the button on a dimmer switch…”, or “When the button is released…” ** Available as a starter only
        • Single or multi-press
        • Long press
        • Long press release
      • Binary state for supported devices: e.g. “If there’s a leak…” or “If the window is open…”
        • Closed or opened
        • Contact or no contact
        • Freeze or no freeze
        • Leak or no leak

    Actions:

      • Set smart light to a specific color or temperature: e.g. “…set the living room light to blue” or “…set the bedroom light to a warm white”

    // Google

  • Pixel 9a at $150 Off is a Reality

    Pixel 9a at $150 Off is a Reality

    Pixel 9a gets a massive discount with the Pixel 10a launch around the corner.

    To buy the current model phone that’s about to be replaced or not (?) – that’s the question. The Pixel 9a is still readily available and currently at its best price ever, yet the Pixel 10a is rumored to launch this month. Do you buy a phone that is almost a year old and about to be swapped for something newer because the price is so good or do you wait it out?

    All signs currently point to the Pixel 10a being a minor upgrade over the Pixel 9a (our review). In fact, we aren’t sure yet that it is an upgrade. Renders and image leaks and retailer info has all suggested the Pixel 10a will look almost identical to the Pixel 9a and bring a very similar set of specs. We aren’t even sure that Google will upgrade the Tensor chip inside and may just bring back Tensor G4 for another year. From all that I’ve seen in recent weeks, I’m not sure anyone believes this phone will offer a meaningful change over the Pixel 9a.

    Now, Google could surprise us and let us know that they’ve upgraded everything, yet are keeping the price the same. Maybe they’ll shock the world by adding Qi2 support or by introducing the most amazing budget camera in history. They could do that. Will they? Unlikely.

    So here’s the deal – if you are on a tight budget yet want the Pixel experience, buying the Pixel 9a at $150 off is a solid move. With a $150 off discount, you are getting a Pixel 9a with 128GB storage for just $349. That’s an incredible price for this phone.

    Amazon Deal Link

  • Pixel 10 Pro XL Hit With $250 Off Party

    Pixel 10 Pro XL Hit With $250 Off Party

    Pixel 10 Pro deal sends it to $200 off, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL drops by $250.

    We talk quite often about how you should never pay full price for any of the Pixel devices made by Google. Each month, we tend to see some sort of a discount that shaves off hundreds of dollars from them for a week or two before going back to full price until the next month. Well, February is now here and the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are already up to $250 off.

    To get the best Pixel 10 Pro deal of the day, you’ll head to Amazon, which is currently the only spot selling at this discount. I’d imagine Google will match them within the next day, but for now, this is your option.

    At $200 off, the Pixel 10 Pro starts at $799 with 128GB storage. However, you should really consider upgrading to 256GB if you plan to keep the phone for more than a year. The 256GB model is also $200 off. For the Pixel 10 Pro XL, $250 off gets you 256GB storage and a starting price of $949. The 512GB and 1TB models are also $250 off, for those who want max storage in their phone.

    For non-foldables, we still believe these are the two best phones on the market. Read our review for more.

    Amazon Deal Links: Pixel 10 Pro | Pixel 10 Pro XL

  • Verizon’s Crazy Accessory Sale Has Pixel 10 PixelSnap Cases for $5, MagSafe Wallets for $4, More

    Verizon’s Crazy Accessory Sale Has Pixel 10 PixelSnap Cases for $5, MagSafe Wallets for $4, More

    Verizon is hosting an accessory sale with cases as low as $3, official PixelSnap Pixel 10 cases for $5, magnetic wallets for $4, and so much more.

    Rarely do we see big sales that almost everyone in the world should run to, but Verizon is hosting one of those at the moment. A Verizon accessory sale has so many deals on so many types of products, you are bound to find something for under $10 that fits or works with your device.

    I’m browsing as I type this out and I keep finding new sales that are borderline insane. You can get a PixelSnap case for the Pixel 10 Pro XL for $5 (here), a Case-Mate magnetic wallet for $4 (here), Spigen iPhone 17 Pro cases for $7 (here), and an official Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra grip case for $5.50 (here). You can even buy a PopSocket for $1 (here).

    I don’t know how long this sale will last or how much stock Verizon has, but hit that link below to start browsing. Let us know what you find!

    Shop Verizon Accessory Sale

  • Samsung January Updates: Download the Latest Update on Your Device

    Samsung January Updates: Download the Latest Update on Your Device

    Samsung January updates continued rolling out to many Galaxy S and Galaxy Z devices as we finished off the month.

    After first pushing the January update to the newest devices in their still-supported line-up a couple of weeks ago, Samsung is wrapping up the month by sending security patches to an older wave of phones and foldables. From the Galaxy S23 down to the Galaxy S21, plus the Fold/Flip 4 and 5 devices, Samsung is keeping up with its monthly updated schedule.

    Like the previous round of updates, this is nothing more than a security patch for January. Samsung is still preparing its big One UI 8.5 update and is likely to roll that out following the launch of the Galaxy S26 series in the next month or so. For this update, it’s a straight security patch and nothing more – no performance improvements or camera updates or new software features can be found.

    • Galaxy S23 Ultra: S918USQS6EZA1
    • Galaxy S23+: S916USQS6EZA1
    • Galaxy S23: S911USQS6EZA1
    • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S908USQS8GZA1
    • Galaxy S22+: S906USQS8GZA1
    • Galaxy S22: S901USQS8GZA1
    • Galaxy S21 Ultra: G998USQSJHZAA
    • Galaxy S21+: G996USQSJHZAA
    • Galaxy S21: G991USQSJHZAA
    • Galaxy Z Fold 5: F946USQS6FZA1
    • Galaxy Z Fold 4: F936USQS8IZA1
    • Galaxy Z Flip 5: F731USQS6FZA1
    • Galaxy Z Flip 4: F721USQS8IZA1
    • Galaxy Tab S9+: X818USQS6DZA1

    Those are all of the new builds you’ll find for your devices, at least here in the US.

    To check for Samsung updates, head into Settings>Software update>Download and install.

  • Verizon’s Secret “Value” Move is Coming Early This Year

    Verizon’s Secret “Value” Move is Coming Early This Year

    Verizon has been testing a new “value proposition” that’ll launch in the first half of 2026. It likes the early feedback it’s received for it.

    For Verizon to complete a comeback story, it doesn’t plan to just sit back and carry on in whatever path previous leadership left them on. New CEO Dan Schulman has made big promises since taking over late last year, committing to a “full reboot” of the company and admitting that they had “relied too heavily on price increases” in the past. He also said that they would attempt to create the “best overall value proposition” in the industry.

    During today’s earnings call, where Verizon posted its best quarter in years, Schulman gave a bit of an update on that value proposition. Here’s what he said during his opening remarks:

    “Finally, we are targeting the launch of our new value proposition in the first half of this year. We are in deep market research with a very sophisticated conjoint analysis that is providing us with detailed customer feedback, projected market dynamics, and associated financials and operational metrics. I’m encouraged to say that the feedback is quite positive.

    Obviously, all you and our competitors want the details. The good news is we have them and we are now in the fine-tuning stage of our value proposition work. We’re not going to show our hand until the day we launch, but our guidance incorporates our view of how a new value proposition will impact our volumes and financials based on significant market input and data analytics.”

    Look, that is 124 words of corporate speak and marketing jargon that says almost nothing. The only items to take from that are Verizon’s plan to launch this “new value proposition” in the first half of 2026. During research on it, they’ve received feedback that is “quite positive.” That’s all there is to take from it.

    Schulman acknowledges that the press on the call want details, but he says they are keeping this as secretive as they can, to try and not share any major details until they launch it.

    So what this new value proposition? Again, we just have no idea. I still believe that Verizon needs a plan adjustment. They launched myPlan plans in 2023 and haven’t changed them much since. Those plans weren’t that competitive at the time, but they certainly look better now compared to T-Mobile’s absurdly expensive Beyond plans. That said, this is an opportunity for Verizon to do something big and different. After struggling in recent years and bleeding customers, I’d love for Verizon to show that it really is trying to be a “revitalized Verizon” that is “delighting” customers.

    What would you like to see Verizon attempt this year? What could bring you back?