The Google Pixel ecosystem has had a busy few days, with updates and developments touching phones, earbuds, wearables, and accessories. From mixed but largely acceptable battery life feedback on the Pixel 10 series, to long-overdue firmware love for the original Pixel Buds Pro, and even affordable Qi2 chargers from IKEA, here’s a quick look at the most important Pixel news right now.
Most users are okay with Pixel 10 battery life, but inconsistency remains a concern
Battery life has quietly become one of the most debated aspects of the Google Pixel 10 series, and a recent poll helps explain why. According to survey results collected over nearly two months, roughly two-thirds of respondents say Pixel 10 battery life is either “great” or “average.”
About a third of users report getting solid, all-day battery life with little effort, exactly what you’d expect from a new flagship phone. Another 30 percent say their experience has been “average,” which still places the Pixel 10 within acceptable territory for most users.
However, the remaining third paints a less flattering picture. More than one in five respondents describe battery performance as inconsistent, while around 15 percent say it’s outright bad. The Pixel 10 Pro XL, in particular, appears to suffer from unpredictable drain patterns, even under similar daily usage conditions.
This inconsistency mirrors long-standing Pixel battery quirks, where network conditions, especially 4G connectivity in weaker reception areas, can cause abnormal power drain. While most users seem satisfied overall, Google still has work to do if it wants to eliminate these lingering reliability concerns before the Pixel 11 arrives next year.
Original Pixel Buds Pro finally get a new firmware update
Google is also rolling out a fresh firmware update for the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro, originally released in 2022. The new update, firmware version 5.11, focuses on “bug fixes and performance and security improvements,” with no additional feature details provided.
This marks the first notable update since October 2023, when Google introduced features like Conversation Detection, Hearing Wellness, and reduced audio latency for gaming. While this latest release isn’t flashy, it’s reassuring to see Google continuing long-term support for older Pixel accessories.
Users can update by opening the Pixel Buds app on Android and navigating to More settings > Firmware update, or via the web at mypixelbuds.google.com. Updates can install automatically when earbuds are placed in their charging case, or manually if auto-updates are disabled.
Pixel Watch 4 gets its first Google-certified third-party charger
In a notable shift, Google has finally approved a third-party charging accessory for the Pixel Watch 4. The newly listed Mous Pixel Watch Charger, now available via the Google Store, is the first Google-certified alternative to the official charger.
Priced at $49.99, the charger uses official Google charging hardware and supports 5.6W fast charging, provided it’s connected to a 7.5W or higher USB-C power source. What makes it stand out is a dual-part authentication IC, which verifies both the charger and the watch before charging begins, ensuring safety and compliance with Google’s standards.
The charger uses pogo-pin contact charging and is designed to integrate with other Mous modular accessories in the future. However, it’s worth noting that this charger only works with the Pixel Watch 4 and isn’t backward-compatible with older models.
IKEA launches affordable Qi2 chargers ready for Pixel 10
Rounding out the week, IKEA has launched a new VÄSTMÄRKE Qi2 wireless charger lineup, compatible with the Pixel 10 series and starting at just $9.99.
The most affordable option is a donut-shaped silicone charger that cleverly stores its nearly 4-foot cable inside the flexible body, which can also double as a grip while charging. IKEA also offers a cork-based wireless charging stand and a unique charger embedded inside a light-up catch-all bowl, both priced at $24.99.
All three chargers support Qi2-certified 15W wireless charging, meaning they won’t hit the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s maximum 25W speeds. But in real-world use, the difference is minimal. Availability varies by region, with some online and in-store limits already in place.
Hillary Keverenge
2478 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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