It has been a chaotic but exciting week for the Google Pixel ecosystem. Before we dive into today’s specific updates, a few major stories have broken over the last 24 hours that are worth your attention.
Most notably, Pixel 6a owners in Europe are receiving alarming recall emails from Amazon warning them to “stop using” the device immediately due to safety concerns. On the software and future hardware front, GrapheneOS has announced plans to release a non-Pixel flagship phone as early as late 2026, and a bunch of new features are rolling out, including Device Health Hub, VIP alerts, and faster Wi-Fi speeds.
That said, here is the crux of what else is happening in the Pixel world today:
Pixel 9 and 10 get Satellite SMS on Orange (Europe)
Google is expanding its non-terrestrial connectivity capabilities in Europe. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series are set to become the first smartphones to support Satellite SMS on the Orange network.
Powered by Skylo, the same operator Google utilizes for Satellite SOS on Pixel phones and the Pixel Watch 4, this feature allows users to send text messages when cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. While currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 and 10 series, Orange has stated that this is a “temporary exclusive” and plans to expand device compatibility later.
Key details:
- Availability: Starts December 11, 2025.
- Region: Coverage includes mainland France and 36 other countries (including Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the USA, and Canada).
- Cost: Free for the first six months for Orange 5G/5G+ subscribers, then €5 per month.
US Google Pixel units finally unlocking 6GHz hotspot
For the past year, US Google Pixel owners have been oddly restricted to 2.4GHz and 5GHz hotspot speeds, while international users enjoyed faster 6GHz capabilities. That appears to be changing.
Owners of the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro XL in the US are reporting on Reddit that the 6GHz hotspot option is no longer grayed out following recent Android updates.
The restriction was likely due to FCC regulations requiring Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) for outdoor 6GHz usage to prevent interference. It appears Google has finally implemented the necessary software support to satisfy these regulatory requirements, unlocking the faster band for US users acting as access points.
Google Pixel expands McLaren partnership with Gemini 3
Google has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team. The refreshed collaboration places Gemini 3, Google’s latest model, at the center of the team’s operations, joining the existing partnership with Pixel, Google Cloud, and Chrome.
The partnership will see Gemini integrated into McLaren’s workflow for performance analysis and creative design. To celebrate the extension during the Las Vegas Grand Prix week, Google is taking over the Sphere, transforming the McLaren F1 car into various artistic styles (like 8-bit and comic book) using Gemini’s image generation capabilities.
Pixel x Golden Goose fashion collaboration
In a move to blend generative AI with high fashion, Google Pixel has also partnered with Italian sneaker brand Golden Goose.
Rolling out to over 40 stores globally, the experience uses Pixel 10 devices and a dedicated “Gem” within the Gemini app. Customers can use Gemini to co-create unique digital patterns and artwork, which Golden Goose artisans will then hand-apply to sneakers for a bespoke physical product.
Hillary Keverenge
2452 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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