It’s turning into a busy week for Google Pixel users, with fresh software updates, a new Android beta, aggressive Pixel 10 discounts, and a long-awaited Wear OS app all rolling out at once. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything happening right now in the Pixel ecosystem.
New December 2025 Pixel update rolling out with battery and touch fixes
Some Pixel owners are beginning to receive a second December 2025 update, following the initial Android 16 QPR2 rollout earlier this month. The OTA is relatively small, roughly 25MB, and has so far been spotted on the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 series.
Early reports suggest Verizon users are most commonly seeing the update, though a few users in the UK have also reported availability. The update does not appear to be widely available yet, and Google has yet to publish factory images or OTA files.
According to Verizon’s release notes for build BP4A.251205.006.E1, the update addresses:
- Battery drain issues, where devices were depleting power faster than expected
- Intermittent touch unresponsiveness, specifically affecting the Pixel 10
- Cached content access problems, preventing offline media or maps from loading on devices upgraded directly from Android 14 or earlier to Android 16
Compared to October’s out-of-cycle patch, this appears to be a more targeted fix rather than a broad system update.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is now available for Google Pixel
Alongside the stable patch, Google has also kicked off the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 rollout. This follows the stable QPR2 release from early December and continues Google’s quarterly update cadence, which typically introduces more noticeable changes than monthly security patches.
Google says Quarterly Platform Releases are generally stable and “suitable for general use,” with Android 16 QPR3 expected to launch publicly in March 2026. However, Google warns that testers may encounter data corruption issues when exiting the beta program after installing QPR3 Beta 1.
If you plan to leave the beta, Google recommends doing so before installing Beta 1 or waiting until QPR3 Beta 2.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 (CP11.251114.006) includes the December 2025 security patch and is available via OTA for a wide range of devices, including:
- Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 series
- Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Android Emulator
There are no Pixel 10 builds available for manual sideloading, so OTA is the only option. Bug reports can be submitted through the Android Beta Feedback app, while community discussions continue on Reddit.
YouTube Premium subscribers get 40% off Pixel 10 phones
On the hardware side, Google is leaning heavily into promotions to move the Pixel 10 series. After recently offering a stackable $200 Google Play discount, the company is now emailing select YouTube Premium subscribers with an exclusive 40% off Pixel 10 promo code.
The discount applies to the entire Pixel 10 lineup, including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, when purchasing through the Google Store. For example, a Pixel 10 Pro XL drops to $719, a $479 discount off the full price.
There’s one catch: the 40% code cannot be stacked with current holiday offers. Even so, the deal brings pricing close to Google’s earlier Google Play credit promotion.
If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, it’s worth checking your inbox.
Google releases Find Hub app for Wear OS
Finally, Google has officially released the Find Hub app for Wear OS, after it was previously spotted in promotional material for the Pixel Watch 3.
The Wear OS app mirrors the phone experience, starting with a “My devices” list tied to your Google Account. Selecting a device shows:
- Last seen status
- Current battery level
- A map view that can open Google Maps on your watch for turn-by-turn directions
Available actions include Play sound, Secure device, Get directions, and Factory reset, along with a manual refresh option. While the app uses Material 3 Expressive design elements, it does not appear to take advantage of UWB for precise finding on newer Pixel Watch models.
The app sits alongside — but does not replace — the existing “Find my phone” shortcut. You can install it by searching “Find Hub” in the Play Store on your watch, or remotely from your phone. Google is also rolling out a small update to the Find Hub phone app today.
Between bug fixes, beta software, deep discounts, and ecosystem updates, Google is clearly keeping Pixel users busy heading into the end of 2025.
Hillary Keverenge
2482 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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