It’s been another busy stretch in the Google Pixel ecosystem, with discussions ranging from AI fatigue and software changes to new emoji, safer accessories, and a compelling Google Fi promotion. Here’s a quick roundup of the biggest Pixel-related stories making waves right now.
Pixel owners push back against Google’s AI-heavy direction
A growing number of Pixel users are voicing frustration over what they see as Google’s aggressive “AI-ification” of its phones.
On Reddit, a post by user JxK_1 has racked up nearly 900 upvotes and more than 300 comments as of this wriitng, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with how deeply AI features are now embedded into the Pixel experience.
The complaints center on Gemini and AI-powered features being pushed into core interactions: tapping the Google “G” pill launching a laggy full-screen AI interface, screenshots requiring extra steps due to AI tools, and Assistant-related changes that feel slower and less intuitive than before. For some, the result is a phone that feels more complicated and less responsive than older models like the Pixel 7.
While Google’s rapid Gemini rollout across Pixel and the broader Android ecosystem has been impressive in scale, some users feel it’s come at the cost of usability. And it’s not just a Pixel issue. Samsung Galaxy owners are dealing with a similar situation via Galaxy AI, much of which is still powered by Google under the hood.
That said, Pixel users do have some control. Several commenters point out that many AI components can be disabled via Settings > Apps > All apps, including AI Core, Private Compute Services, and Android System Intelligence. Doing so limits AI functionality, but for users feeling overwhelmed, it offers a way to reclaim a simpler experience.
Android 16 QPR3 adds support for 163 new emoji
On a lighter note, Google is preparing a major emoji expansion with Android 16 QPR3.
The upcoming quarterly release introduces support for Unicode 17.0, which adds 163 new emoji — seven new standalone characters and 156 new emoji sequences. This brings the total emoji count to nearly 4,000 when accounting for skin tone and gender variations.
New additions, as seen above, include Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Hairy Creature, Orca, Landslide, Trombone, and Treasure Chest, alongside new combinations for ballet dancers, people with bunny ears, and wrestling figures.
Pixel users can already preview these emoji by installing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. On unsupported devices, the new emoji appear as empty boxes or broken sequences.
Google has also refreshed several existing emoji designs in this beta, with subtle tweaks that bring Android’s look closer to Apple’s. Changes affect faces like Melting Face, Face Exhaling, Cold Face, and Loudly Crying Face, as well as objects and animals such as the raccoon, flashlight, zebra, and even bacon — now with an extra strip.
A Qi2 power bank for Pixel 10 that won’t catch fire
Accessory news this week brings a rare but welcome focus on battery safety.
BMX (Better Mobile Xperience) has begun general sales of its solid-state battery packs, which are far more resistant to fires than traditional lithium-ion power banks. Unlike conventional batteries that use liquid or gel electrolytes, BMX’s solid-state design greatly reduces the risk of combustion when damaged.
The packs support 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, allowing them to snap directly onto the back of a Pixel 10, along with 20W wired output for other devices.
Two models are available:
- 5,000mAh for $80
- 10,000mAh for $100
A higher-end 10,000mAh version with a built-in microSD slot is expected in February 2026 for around $130.
Google Fi subscribers can get a Pixel Watch 3 LTE for free
Finally, Google Fi is running a limited-time promotion that effectively makes the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 LTE free for subscribers.
The wearable is discounted by $250 at checkout, with the remaining $149.99 covered via 24 monthly bill credits. The deal applies to the Silver and Hazel color options, as Black is currently out of stock.
To qualify, users must activate the watch on a full Fi plan within 30 days, remain active for 120 consecutive days, and keep their Fi account active for 24 months. Cancelling early forfeits remaining credits.
The promotion runs until December 24, 2025, or while supplies last — and based on last year’s Fi deals, it may not stick around for long.
Hillary Keverenge
2484 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.