Google has begun the rollout of its March 2024 Google Play system update, bringing a mysterious set of changes to Pixel and other compatible Android smartphones. While Google typically provides a changelog detailing new features and fixes, the official release notes page for this particular update hasn’t been updated.
Reports indicate that the update weighs in at a substantial 80MB, suggesting more than simple background tweaks. Despite the absence of a changelog from Google, users can likely anticipate the usual round of bug fixes and performance improvements that often accompany these updates. Potential changes could include security enhancements to offer better protection for Android devices, under-the-hood optimization for overall system stability, or even hidden new features.
To see if the March 2024 Google Play system update is available for your Pixel device (the process may vary on other Android devices), follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to the “Security and privacy” section.
- Tap on “System and updates”
- Look for “Google Play system update” and tap it.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
Keep in mind the rollout is gradual, which explains why none of our Google Pixel devices has bagged the update. Interestingly, I have the new March Google Play system update on some of my non-Pixel Android devices, including those running the older Android 13. This is also true for some of my colleagues with non-Pixel Android devices, so be warned that it may not immediately appear for you even if you check manually.
The update comes shortly after Google rolled out a new Play services update with several new features and performance enhancements.
Hillary Keverenge
2092 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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