It’s been a busy weekend in Pixel land, and we’re just getting started with the week. We’ve already talked about Google’s controversial AOSP policy changes that left most Pixels out of LineageOS 23 support, we’ve covered the Pixel 10 freezing and app crashes after the October patch, and the big news that GrapheneOS could break Pixel exclusivity in 2026 with “major OEM” partnership — three stories that got plenty of attention from frustrated users and custom ROM fans alike.
But that’s not all that happened. The Pixel universe has a habit of slipping in bonus chaos and quiet wins when you’re not looking. So here’s everything else you might have missed…
“Fuzzy display” makes a comeback on the Pixel 10
Just when Google thought the static-snow display saga was behind them, a couple of Redditors politely said, “Nope.” Despite the September hotfix and the October patch, some Pixel 10 users are still reporting static lines (a.k.a. retro TV snow mode), ghost buttons floating around like visual jump scares, and touch response hiccups.
Reddit user KJ9712 detailed the lingering problems, and other users quickly chimed in with their own static-line experiences, both after updating to the latest patch. The temporary workaround? A hard restart, which is fine the first time… less fine if it becomes a lifestyle. It’s too early to call this a widespread relapse, but based on Google’s recent pace with fixes, another hot patch wouldn’t be shocking if reports ramp up.
Pixel Watch 2 quietly gains a money-saving fitness trick
The Wear OS 6 update rolled out to the Pixel Watch 2 with the usual list of tweaks and features, but one sneaky upgrade didn’t get top billing: the watch can now broadcast heart rate data to external devices.
In other words, your Pixel Watch 2 can double as an external heart rate sensor, something usually reserved for pricier wearables. With this feature, you can skip buying a dedicated chest strap, it could pair with treadmills, bikes, or fitness machines without relying on clunky electrode grips, and it’s one less excuse not to hit your workout goals.
Google didn’t hype it, but fitness folks will likely appreciate the quiet upgrade.
Pixel Watch 1 owners, Wear OS 6 probably isn’t coming
Hope was hanging by a thread, and now even that thread is fraying. Google has confirmed to Android Central that the Pixel Watch 1 will stay on Wear OS 5.1, which basically means no Wear OS 6.
A spokesperson said the usual PR words about three years of “essential support,” but the translation seems to be:
- No major OS update
- Security patches only (until October 2025)
- Feature trickle-down unlikely
It’s especially painful when Samsung is updating its older watches for four major versions and the Pixel Watch 1 launched just three years ago. The aging Exynos 9110 chip may be the culprit, but for early adopters, it stings.
Pixel Watch 4 gets a teardown love letter from iFixit
While Watch 1 users deal with update FOMO, Pixel Watch 4 owners get to celebrate something rare in modern tech: repairability. iFixit popped the Pixel Watch 4 open and gave it a 9 out of 10 repairability score, thanks to:
- Zero adhesive (just screws and gaskets)
- A replaceable battery in a proper metal casing
- Logical internal layout with removable components
- Official repair manuals from Google are already available
Even better, repair guides are live, and parts are on the way. Google also released manuals for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Pixel Buds 2a, making it feel like someone over there actually wants you to fix stuff instead of recycling it.
Always-on media controls coming soon to Pixel Watches
Wear OS 6 introduced new Material You–style media controls, but one obvious feature was missing: Always-On Display support. Right now, the media screen blurs and fades when idle, which feels… un-Google-ish.
Luckily, Google has confirmed to 9to5Google that AOD media controls are coming later this year. The feature will land on Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2, and users can expect it with the next quarterly update in December. With this, you’ll finally be able to glance at music or podcasts without waking the screen or tapping around, something other platforms have offered for years.
So, between leftover display ghosts, hidden upgrades, and update heartbreaks, the Pixel ecosystem continues to be a mix of “that’s neat” and “are you kidding me?” The good news is that Google seems reactive, if not always proactive, when things start to stack up.
And judging by the last 48 hours, things are definitely stacking up.
Hillary Keverenge
2445 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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