Google Releases Massive March Update for Pixel Devices with New Features and Bug Fixes
Google has finally released the March 2023 update for all eligible Pixel devices, bringing with it a whopping 46 specific bug fixes and general improvements. This update also includes the first “Feature Drop” of the year, which is packed with cool add-ons designed to make your smartphone or smartwatch even more helpful and safe than before.
New Features for Select Pixel Devices
The latest monthly update includes a quarterly “feature drop” headlined by a faster Night Sight capturing experience for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, borrowed straight from the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Additionally, Magic Eraser availability on all Pixel phones is bound to put a big smile on millions of faces soon. Direct My Call functionality on Pixel 4a and newer phones helps you quickly find the correct extension when reaching out to many of the most popular toll-free numbers in the US, as well as built-in Health Connect features. Timers set across compatible Nest devices can now be seen as they count down to zero on a Pixel, while the Pixel Watch is finally getting fall detection to better compete against the Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 in terms of potentially life-saving technology.
Security Patches and Improvements
There’s a lot of ground to cover this month, so let’s kick things off with the incredibly lengthy new list of security patches, presented to you with no commentary beyond Google’s explanations and breakdown of targeted devices (where applicable).
Apps
- Fix for issue causing Live Translate feature to prompt for translation too frequently in certain apps (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
- Fix for issue occasionally keeping display on while certain app activities are active
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing screenshots from being captured in certain apps
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing Wallpaper & style settings to open
Battery & Charging
- Fix for issue occasionally causing app-specific battery restriction settings to be reset after a software update
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing Battery Share from charging certain devices or accessories (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7, and 7 Pro only)
- General improvements for charging, battery usage or performance in certain conditions (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
- General improvements for wireless charging stability or performance in certain conditions (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7, and 7 Pro only)
Biometrics
- Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
Bluetooth
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing Android Auto to connect wirelessly with certain vehicle head units
- Improvements for connection stability with certain Bluetooth LE headsets or accessories
Camera
- General improvements for camera stability and performance in certain conditions (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
- Improvements for color accuracy or exposure level while using the front camera in certain conditions (Pixel 7 and 7 Pro only)
Display & Graphics
- Fix for issue occasionally causing display flicker or artifacts in certain apps or conditions (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
- Fix for issue occasionally causing instability or playback errors with certain media apps or content (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
- Fix for issue occasionally causing video preview to flicker in certain apps (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro only)
Framework
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing keyboard from displaying in certain apps or conditions
Sensors
- Additional tuning for haptics intensity and response in certain conditions (Pixel 6a only)
- General improvements for adaptive brightness response in certain conditions
System
- Fix for issue preventing device bootloader from being
