Pixel users should install the August update to patch a serious flaw

Those with a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series phone apparently are not going to receive the August Pixel update. However, the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel 10 series all received the update on Tuesday as did the Pixel 10a. As the owner of a Pixel 6 Pro, I'm hoping that my phone will get the September Pixel Feature Drop before it loses support forever on October 1.

The Pixel 6a loses support from Google next July, while for the Pixel 7 line, it takes place in October 2027. The Pixel 7a will continue to stay connected to Google until May 2028.

How to install the update on your Pixel

If you own one of the Pixel models that are receiving the August update, go to Settings > System > Software updates. When the update notification box appears, follow the directions to install the update.

The update includes these bug fixes

The Pixel August Update includes several bug fixes including one that improves the performance of the Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The GPU integrated into the Tensor G5 chipset is the Imagination Technologies PowerVR DXT-48-1536.

What Pixel feature are you hoping Google shows off at event next week?

Another bug fix ends a situation that caused certain gaming apps to crash under specific conditions. Models impacted by this bug include the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and the Pixel 10a.

A third bug fix patched an issue that caused the touch panel, under certain conditions, to be unresponsive. This bug was found in the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and the Pixel 10a.

A major security flaw is patched

The update also includes a security patch for a high severity Elevation of Privilege (EoP) vulnerability in the Pixel's Video Processing Unit. An EoP allows a malicious app or unauthorized user to obtain higher access rights (such as system-level permissions or root access). This could allow malware to break out of its environment and access restricted parts of the operating system.

Pixel 10 Pro display is shown off. | Image by PhoneArena

Attackers can read, steal and even modify important user data including personal messages, stored photos, contacts, and account credentials. Using malicious code, attackers can gain secret access to the camera, microphone, and GPS. Apps can install hidden malware and disable security software without user consent.

So in other words, this is a very serious flaw that you want to get patched. As soon as you get an opportunity, check to see if you received the August update and install it ASAP.

Google also releases the second beta update for the December Feature Drop

Google also dropped Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2. Not to be confused wth the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 release for the September Pixel Drop that was disseminated last week, the Android 17 QPR2 Beta series is a preview of the December Pixel Feature Drop. The Feature Drop adds new features to compatible Pixel handsets every three months in an attempt to make your Pixel feel like a new phone.

The models eligible to receive Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 are the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a.

If you own one of these phones and you are subscribed to the Android 17 Beta Program, go to Settings > System > Software updates. If you see the update notification box, follow the directions to install the update.

Next Wednesday, August 12, is the Made by Google event. Taking place in New York City, the festivities will kick off at 6 PM EDT/3 PM PDT. Devices expected to be unveiled include the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel Watch 5, and the new Pixel Tag item tracker.

If you enjoyed reading about these Pixel updates, you should check out these stories:

Touted Pixel Glow has limited capabilities.

Pixel 11 Pro XL leaked images.

Pixel beta fixes fingerprint sensor and audio bugs.

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