Google has begun rolling out its January 2025 software update for all supported Pixel devices running Android 15. The update, which started today, will be progressively available to users over the next week, with variations depending on carrier and device.

What's New?

This month's update focuses primarily on bug fixes and improvements, including:

• Audio: Resolved an issue causing audio delays and instability with certain apps (Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 9 series).

• Camera: Improved camera stability when switching to a connected camera under specific conditions (Pixel 9 series).

• Display: Fixed an issue causing flashing lines on the screen in certain situations (Pixel 9 series).

• User Interface: Addressed a problem with Pixel launcher themed icon color display under certain conditions (Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 9 series).

Security Enhancements

While the announcement doesn't detail specific security fixes, Google encourages users to refer to the Pixel Security Bulletin for a comprehensive list of vulnerabilities addressed in this update. You can find the bulletin here: https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/pixel

How to Get the Update

Users will receive a notification once the update is available for their device. To manually check for the update, go to Settings > System > System update.

Software Versions

The January 2025 update carries the version number AP4A.250105.002 for most Pixel devices globally. However, there are slight variations for Telstra and EMEA regions, with version numbers like AP4A.250105.002.B1 and AP4A.250105.002.A1 respectively.

Of course this update pales in comparison to last months December feature drop + QPR1 combo release which had a treasure trove of new features I’ll list below. I also fully detailed the new features in the Feature Drop as well as QPR1 in a couple of videos you’ll see embedded here as well.

December 2024 Feature Drop

Gemini

• Personalized Responses: Remembers user preferences (like dietary restrictions) for more personalized responses.

• Enhanced Capabilities: Enhanced capabilities for calling contacts, businesses, creating drafts, sending texts, changing system settings, and even taking selfies.

• Improved Smart Reply: Improved smart reply suggestions during call screening.

• Live Transcript: Option to view live transcript during call screening.

Camera & Social Media

• Instagram Integration: Instagram integration with ultra HDR.

• Snapchat Access: Snapchat access to the new system photo picker and dual screen mode on Pixel Tablet.

Pixel Fold

• Made You Look: "Made you look" feature now available on the original Pixel Fold.

Stickers

• Pixel Studio Integration: Stickers created in Pixel Studio will now appear in Gboard.

Emoji Kitchen

• New Combinations: New Emoji Kitchen combinations.

Screenshots

• Circle to Search: Integration with Circle to Search in Pixel screenshots.

Live Captions

• Motive Captions: "Motive captions" that try to convey the emotion of the speaker.

Pixel Recorder

• Noise Reduction: Can now reduce background noise.

Accessibility

• Simple View: "Simple view" increases font size and touch sensitivity.

Now Playing

• Album Artwork: Will now display album artwork.

Pixel Tablet

• Home Controls: Swiping right reveals Home controls.

• Identity Check: "Identity check" beta feature requires authentication for sensitive setting changes.

• Google VPN: Google VPN finally coming to the Pixel Tablet.

System Settings

• Visual Overhaul: System settings have a refreshed look with colored highlights around category icons.

• Battery Charging Limit: A new setting in battery optimization allows users to limit charging to 80%.

Screen Recording

• Notification Relocation: The screen recording notification has moved from the top left to the top right.

Pixel Studio

• New Style Suggestions: More style suggestions are available when editing images.

• Sticker Creation: You can now create stickers from images by circling elements and saving them.

Launcher

• Themed Icon Tweaks: The appearance of themed icons has been slightly adjusted.

Quick Settings

• Haptic & Animation Changes: Long-pressing quick setting tiles triggers different haptic feedback and animation.

Gboard

• Input Method Selection: A globe icon in Gboard allows users to switch between input methods.

External Display

• New Settings: New settings are available in "Connected devices" when connected to an external display.

Pixel Tablet

• Desktop Mode: Desktop mode is now officially available.

• Lock Screen Widgets: Lock screen widgets are now supported.

• Lock Screen Clock Bug: There's a reported bug where the lock screen clock appears misaligned.

Other

• Predictive Back Gestures: Tweaks to predictive back gestures are present.