Latest news with #Pixel6
Phone Arena
a day ago
- General
- Phone Arena
How to disable a battery consuming new look for Pixel in Android 16 QPR 1 beta
If you own a Pixel 6 or later model and installed the Android 16 QPR 1 Beta 1 update, you might have noticed some changes. The beta software, which includes the September 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, includes the Material 3 Expressive design system designed to give Android users a more consistent experience across the platform. For example, Google has added a blurred background to the Pixel app drawer and Quick Settings. You can really see this effect in the app drawer when you swipe up from the Google Search bar near the bottom of the screen. The color of the blurred background is based on the color theme found on the Wallpaper that you are using on your Pixel. With the blur, you can't see what is behind the icons found in your app drawer, but you can see that something is there. It is similar to looking through frosted glass. As nice as this effect is, using it will eat away at your Pixel's battery life. Additionally, such a design just might not be your cup of tea. There is one way to eliminate the frosted glass look and return to a solid background. All you need to do is go into Settings > Battery and toggle on Battery Saver. Besides dropping the frosted glass effect, turning on the Battery Saver also restricts apps from running in the background which slows battery consumption and data use. It also turns off the Always-on display. Pixel app drawer with Battery Saver off (L), and Battery Saver on (R), | Image credit-PhoneArena Not only will you save battery life by having your phone not run the blurred background, the other features of Battery Saver should also improve your battery life although it comes at the expense of your phone's performance. Pixel Quick Settings with Battery Saver off (L), and Battery Saver on (R), | Image credit-PhoneArena Another thing to consider. If your Pixel is running Android 16 QPR 1 Beta 1 and you don't see the blurred background in the app drawer or with the Quick Settings panel on the screen, check to see if you have Battery Saver enabled. And that brings us to a bug on the beta software. An issue with the QPR 1 Beta 1 update is preventing me from getting to the page where I can turn on or off Battery Saver. I assume it is a bug and until Google sends out a fix, you can get around this problem by tapping the Settings icon and using the search bar at the top of the screen, type Battery Saver. A toggle will appear on the page which will allow you to enable or disable the feature.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Instagram Update Resolves Battery Drain Issue on Pixel Devices, Confirms Google
Pixel users facing unexpected battery drain may finally have a solution. Google has confirmed that a recent Instagram update addresses the issue that has been troubling many Android users since the May software update. According to a new support post by Google, Instagram's version 382.0.0.49.84, now available on the Google Play Store, includes the necessary fix. If you're not seeing an update option, you may already have the latest version. To check, simply long-press the Instagram app, tap 'App info,' and scroll down to view the version number. The battery drain was initially flagged earlier this month, with reports suggesting that the problem affected all Pixel devices that received the May software update, from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9. Tech outlet 9to5Google noted Google's support post when questioned about the issue, further pointing toward Instagram as the likely source of the excessive battery usage. While Google hasn't confirmed whether non-Pixel Android phones were similarly affected, the update is a welcome fix for Pixel users grappling with rapid battery depletion. For now, installing the updated Instagram app should help restore normal battery performance, at least for those using Google's flagship devices.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Google Store is live in India and people are getting crazy exchange value for their old Pixel phones
Google's official online store is finally here in India, and it's about time. Basically, you no longer need to wait for Flipkart restocks or hunt through third-party sellers, because you can now buy Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Watches straight from the source — Google. It's a clean, no-fuss experience, just as the company intended. And with the India store now live, there's a lot to be excited about — especially the crazy exchange deals. Let's get straight to the of the biggest highlights of the launch is the generous exchange offers on older devices, especially Pixel phones. If you've been thinking about upgrading to the latest Pixel 9, now might be the perfect time. The new Pixel 9 is priced at Rs 74,999 on the Google Store. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 — which is still a solid phone — is currently selling for Rs 44,999 on Flipkart. But if you already own a Pixel 8 and want to switch to the newer model, you'll be glad to know that Google is offering a flat Rs 35,000 off when you exchange your Pixel 8, provided it's in good condition. That's nearly half the price of the new phone knocked off right away. And also keep in mind — that's Rs 35,000 for a phone that is 1.5 years old and is selling for Rs 9,999 more in brand-new condition. The Pixel 8 exchange deal is pretty By the way, this offer isn't just limited to Pixel phones either. Even an iPhone 15, when traded in, can fetch you the same Rs 35,000 discount on the Pixel 9. Clearly, Google wants as many people as possible to make the if you're not after the flagship and happen to be using a Pixel 8a, which is retailing at around Rs 37,999 on Flipkart, you can still benefit. Google will knock Rs 28,000 off the price of the upcoming Pixel 9a when you trade in your 8a. That's a pretty sweet deal considering the 8a is just a generation old. The exchange programme also works well for phones that are even two years old. For instance, exchanging a Pixel 7a for the 9a can get you Rs 20,000 off. Going from a Pixel 7 to a Pixel 9? That brings a discount of Rs 31,550 — which is actually more than what some people paid for the Pixel 7 when its price dropped to around Rs 37,000 in the final months of its not all exchange values are as tempting. Trading in a Pixel 6 for the Pixel 9 will only get you a Rs 10,000 discount. That's not much, considering the price people paid for it when it initially launched. But there's a catch — the Pixel 6 was never officially launched in India. In fact, for most Indian buyers, Pixel phones started to matter only after the Pixel 6a came into the picture. That was Google's true re-entry into the Indian smartphone it makes sense that Google values the 6a more than the 6 when it comes to exchange offers. If you own a Pixel 6a and want the new Pixel 9a, you're still looking at a Rs 15,000 discount. That's more than what the Pixel 6 gets, simply because the 6a was officially available in India and likely has better resale short, if you own a Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, or Pixel 8 series phone and are eyeing the new Pixel 9 line-up, now's a great time to upgrade. The exchange values are among the best we've seen from Google so new store also brings in some added benefits for buyers in India. There's a new Pixel Price Promise in place, which aims to ensure price transparency. If you happen to find a better price for the same product on the Google Store or from an authorised partner during your return window, Google will refund you the to make the experience even better, Google is promising improved after-sales support. Products bought from the official store will come with full warranty coverage, 24/7 customer service from trained experts, and even same-day servicing in select Indian cities.
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Google Says Instagram Is Behind Android Battery Drain—Here's How To Fix It
New Delhi: Has your Android phone's battery been draining faster than usual lately? Instagram might be to blame. Google has identified a recent version of the app as the cause of the issue but there's good news. A fix has already been released and users are being urged to update their Instagram app right away.// Instagram Update Fixes Battery Drain Issue Google has confirmed that updating Instagram to version 382.0.0.49.84 should fix the battery drain issue affecting many Android users. In a post on the Android Help Community, the company advised users to install the latest version as soon as possible. Here's how to check if you've got the update: Step 1: Long-press the Instagram app icon on your Android phone. Step 2: Tap on 'App info' from the menu that appears. Step 3: Scroll down to find the app version number. Step 4: Make sure it shows version 382.0.0.49.84 or later. Pixel Users Among the Worst Hit by Battery Glitch The battery drain issue first caught attention earlier this month when users, especially those with Google Pixel phones started noticing problems after a recent software update. A report by 9to5Google revealed that Pixel models from the Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 were affected following the May update. Google later pointed users to a notice about updating Instagram, suggesting the app was at least partly to blame. It's still unclear whether other apps or Android versions played a role or if Instagram alone caused the battery drain across all affected devices. Simple Tips to Save Battery Life on Your Android Phone Besides updating your apps, you can cut down battery usage by making a few quick screen-related changes—since the display is one of the biggest battery drainers. Here's how: - Lower screen brightness: Go to Settings > Display > Brightness level and adjust the slider to a lower level. - Turn on adaptive brightness: This feature automatically adjusts brightness based on your surroundings. - Reduce refresh rate: If your phone supports high refresh rates, switch to a lower one in the display settings to save power. - Shorten screen timeout: Head to Settings > Display > Screen timeout and choose a shorter duration. - Avoid live wallpapers: Animated wallpapers use more power due to constant motion. - Use a black wallpaper: On OLED and AMOLED screens, black pixels use less energy, helping you conserve battery.
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Google's May update could be causing battery life issues in Pixel phones — here's what we know
Since Google's May security update went live you may have noticed that your Pixel phone hasn't been able to hold a charge as well. You aren't alone in that. As spotted by 9to5Google, Pixel owners have flooded the Google support forums and the Google Pixel subreddit with complaints that the battery life is draining far too fast. There are also complaints of overheating. Often, when these kinds of reports come in it can be isolated, but the sheer number of reports coming in hint at a larger issue. On the Google forums the topic is listed as a a trending issue. The Google forum has had moderators recommend you submit a Feedback report via the phone. This can be done by going to Settings - About phone - Send feedback. Allegedly, Google employees don't read the forums but do see the feedback reports. The mega thread on Reddit has some tips like turning off Bluetooth and GPS or looking at the Apps consuming battery tool. As a last resort, a factory reset is suggested to help clear things up. From what we can tell, the problem is affecting all Pixels that are capable of getting the update from Pixel 6 devices up to the current Pixel 9 series. There was one claim that Instagram is causing the problem but it's not a common complaint about the the social app. Software updates are intended to bring new features and can also come with several fixes, but there situations when unintentional issues like this can arise. Google has not posted an official response to these reports from what we've seen. Tom's Guide as reached out to Google for comment and will update if the company responds. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
