Google Pixel roundup: Battery woes hit 6a users, Now Playing getting album art glow-up, and Pixel Watch 4 specs leak

Pixel news has been heating up this week, from nagging battery issues to a snazzy music feature update and early details on the next smartwatch. Here’s the quick scoop.

Battery issues strike Pixel 6a after safety update

Pixel 6a owners are reportedly frustrated with a July 8 software patch that’s tanking battery life for some. Phones are draining fast, charging slowly, or capping at 80 percent with a prompt to replace the battery. This affects devices past 400 charge cycles, aimed at preventing overheating or fires like the one we reported about in December last year. That said, it’s not a surprise, as we did mention this was going to happen.

Users on Reddit and Google’s forums call it a forced downgrade, but Google offers free repairs or credits for new devices — up to $100 in some cases. It’s an improvement over the Pixel 4a’s handling, which we highlighted earlier. If your 6a is acting up, contact support to sort it out. This move shows Google’s push for safer aging phones, though it stings for daily users.

Now Playing adds album art for a visual boost

Google’s Now Playing feature, which IDs nearby songs on your Pixel lock screen, is poised for a upgrade with album artwork. Tapping the song info will reveal the cover in a clean bar, plus a favorite toggle and icons for apps like Spotify.

Spotted in an APK teardown of Android System Intelligence, this tweak answers calls for more style in the tool. A double tap still accesses your history. Android Authority reports it’s in beta, likely hitting recent Pixels soon. It’s a neat way to make music discovery pop without overcomplicating things.

Pixel Watch 4 specs leak hints at battery gains

Android Authority has also delivered an exclusive leak regarding the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 4, giving us an early peek at what to expect from Google’s next smartwatch. The new watch is slated to come in two sizes: a 41mm model, known internally by the codename “meridian” or FME23, and a larger 45mm version, codenamed “kenari” or FK23. Both sizes will be available in both LTE and Wi-Fi only variants.

Interestingly, the Pixel Watch 4 is set to stick with the same Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor that made its debut in the Pixel Watch 2. However, despite the familiar chip, Google is reportedly focused on improving battery life. The 41mm model’s battery is expected to see a 7% bump, increasing to 327mAh from 307mAh. The larger 45mm model will get an even bigger boost, going from 420mAh to 459mAh, a 9% improvement. Faster charging speeds are also on the agenda, although the exact numbers aren’t clear yet. The Pixel Watch 4 is anticipated to launch next month, likely alongside the Pixel 10 series.