Google has started pushing out the long-awaited August Google Play System update, and it’s bringing some much-needed fixes that Pixel users have been waiting for. The update, which started appearing on devices this week, includes fixes for device connectivity issues that have been particularly troublesome for Pixel 10 owners trying to pair their Galaxy Watch 8 devices.
Pixel users across various regions are reporting that the update is now live, with the download weighing in at around 91-92 MB depending on your device.
While the official changelog doesn’t explicitly call out the Pixel 10 or Galaxy Watch compatibility issues, there’s a key line that tells the story: “Bug fixes for Device Connections related services” for both phone and Wear devices.
This fix was much-awaited by Pixel 10 users who have been struggling with Galaxy Watch pairing since the phone’s launch. We previously reported on the widespread pairing crisis affecting Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel 10 combinations, and this update appears to finally address those connectivity headaches.
Reddit users are already confirming the fix is working. One user in the r/pixel_phones community commented that they successfully paired their Watch 8 Classic after installing the update, while others are reporting similar success stories.
Beyond the watch pairing fix, this update packs several other improvements. Document Scanner now supports expressive design, there’s a new Wake-on-LAN feature for Cast that can turn on your Linux TV from sleep mode, and phone number verification now runs automatically during setup. Google has also added the ability to provision access cards from work profile to personal profile in Wallet.
Some Pixel users are reporting interesting side effects from the update. While the usual jokes about improved battery life are making their rounds on Reddit (with one user claiming 17-day battery life), there are legitimate reports of AV1 video playback improvements on YouTube. A Pixel 10 Pro XL owner mentioned that their device no longer heats up during video playback and battery drain during streaming has improved noticeably.
There’s no mention of this in the changelog, but if it’s true, then a win is a win.
The update is rolling out globally, with users in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and other regions confirming availability. I got the update on my Pixel 7a in India too. If you haven’t received it yet, you can manually check by going to Settings > About phone > Android version and tapping on Google Play system update.
For Pixel 10 owners who’ve been dealing with Galaxy Watch pairing issues, this update should finally put those connectivity problems to rest.
Dwayne Cubbins
1735 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.
Next article View Article
