It seems like Pixel owners are going through a rough patch with a bunch of bugs and issues derailing the otherwise pleasant user experience. We’re now seeing widespread Play Store installation failures coincide with troubling reports from August Pixel update recipients. This buggy mess isn’t a good look for Google, which is now teasing its upcoming Pixel flagships. So let’s break down what’s going on.
Play Store installation nightmare spreads across Android devices
Android users have been flooding Google’s support forums with complaints about failed app installations and updates through the Play Store. The issues appear to have intensified recently, with users reporting everything from Chrome update failures to complete inability to install new applications.
“Chrome won’t update Pixel 9a,” reads one typical complaint, while another user describes being unable to install WhatsApp despite multiple attempts. The problems aren’t limited to specific apps either – users report system-wide installation failures affecting both updates to existing apps and fresh downloads.
Common error messages include “App not installed” and generic download failures that leave users stuck in installation loops. The problem seems to be affecting Pixel and non-Pixel devices.
Similar to recent Pixel messaging and WhatsApp glitches that have been plaguing users, these Play Store problems highlight ongoing stability concerns with Google’s ecosystem lately. That said, apps installed just fine for me in my testing on 2 separate Pixel phones – Pixel 7a and Pixel 8.
August Pixel update brings fresh headaches
Meanwhile, Pixel owners who successfully installed Google’s August security update are discovering new problems with their devices. The most concerning reports involve completely disabled fingerprint scanners on various Pixel models.
“August update killed my fingerprint scanner,” reported one Pixel 9 Pro XL owner, describing how the feature vanished entirely from both the lock screen and device settings. The issue appears to affect multiple Pixel generations, with some users experiencing temporary returns of functionality after restarts, only to lose it again hours later.
Performance issues are also emerging post-update. Some Pixel 9 users are reporting micro-stutters during scrolling and frame drops when navigating to the home screen. “There were some micro stutters while scrolling, frame skips while navigating to the home screen,” explained one affected user who noted the problems began immediately after applying the August patch.
Google officially teases Pixel 10 Pro Fold ahead of launch event
On a brighter note, Google has released the first official teaser video for its Pixel 10 Pro Fold, giving users their clearest look yet at the upcoming foldable device. The 30-second video showcases the device’s book-style folding design and reveals it will launch in the previously rumored Moonstone gray colorway.
The teaser highlights the device’s thin bezels, curved edges, and prominent camera housing while demonstrating the transition from folded to unfolded states. Google’s narrator playfully emphasizes the dual meaning of “opening your brand new phone” when it’s a foldable device.
Specifications remain officially unconfirmed, but leaks suggest the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could feature a larger 6.4-inch cover display with 3,000-nit peak brightness and maintain the 8-inch main display. More significantly, the device might become the first foldable to achieve full IP68 water and dust resistance.
However, there’s a catch for eager buyers. While Google’s Made by Google event is scheduled for August 20, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold may not actually reach consumers until October. Google’s own store page confirms this delayed availability with language stating “Pixel 10 Pro Fold coming soon” while other Pixel 10 models appear ready for immediate release.
So while the Pixel 10 series is pretty exciting, let’s just hope Google also starts prioritizing fixing the bugs and issues plaguing existing devices.
Dwayne Cubbins
1737 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.
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