Google Pixel smartphone homeowners report issues after putting in the January 2024 Google Play system replace, being unable to entry their gadgets inside storage, open the digital camera, take screenshots, and even open apps.
The subject is being reported by homeowners of quite a few Pixel fashions, together with the Google Pixel 5, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, and eight Pro, suggesting that it isn’t confined to a selected {hardware} structure.
The root trigger is unknown however is probably going a software program subject with the January 2024 Play system replace that Google hasn’t pinpointed or fastened but.
Most proposed options coming from affected customers don’t tackle the issue, with some reporting fixing it by performing a manufacturing unit reset, during which case, all knowledge is misplaced.
However, these suggestions are coming from affected Google Pixel homeowners moderately than Google themselves, who merely acknowledged that they’re conscious of and looking out into the difficulty.
“I’m wondering why this isn’t one thing that is getting blown up forcing Google for a repair. Spending a lot cash on a telephone simply to be made unusable by an replace may be very aggravating,” an affected proprietor posted in Google’s Pixel Phone assist boards.
Google Play system updates are separate from the month-to-month safety patches, each accessible by way of Settings > Security & privateness > System & updates.
Google launched Play system updates in Android 10 as a strategy to ship essential safety updates and system element enhancements and protections in gadgets not working the newest patch stage and those who have reached the top of assist by the OEM.
They are served immediately by Google, bypassing the OEM replace channels, and are efficient in preserving older Android variations suitable with fashionable apps and Google companies, and likewise comparatively protected.
In the case of Pixels, it seems that Google carried out a staged roll-out of the January 2024 Play system updates, so not each Pixel proprietor has acquired the problematic replace but.
If you might be nonetheless on an older replace (final was November 1, 2023), it is suggested to remain on it and postpone making use of the January 2024 replace till the state of affairs clears up.
BleepingComputer has contacted Google for a touch upon the reported issues and their plans to deal with them, however we’ve got not acquired a response by publication.
Same factor occurred just a few months again
Although the character of the present downside has not been confirmed but, reminiscence bugs launched by a Play system replace beforehand rendered Pixel gadgets utterly unusable in October 2023.
Google ultimately addressed the media storage entry and repeated rebooting issues by releasing an replace on November 7, 2023. However, by then, many customers had already resorted to performing a manufacturing unit reset, dropping their knowledge in consequence.
The recurrence of one of these subject in such a brief timeframe is kind of regarding for Pixel machine customers, who can’t use the options of their telephones.
The state of affairs undermines the belief in Google’s high quality assurance processes and raises considerations concerning the rigor of the tech big’s validation and testing protocols earlier than deploying a system replace.