Google is known for its excellent long-term software support, regular updates and feature releases. The Pixel series devices are undoubtedly the best options for those looking for the special 5-star service.

While Pixel devices may not be the most stable in terms of software, they’ve consistently received updates, security patches and new features. Fortunately, Google maintains the tradition with its recent release.

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The Pixel Feature Drop for the month of December 2022 has rolled out for Pixel 4a/4a (5G), 5/5a, 6a, 6/Pro and 7/Pro. It brings a lot of new features and much-needed improvements.

While the list of new features is pretty impressive, some users, especially the ones with older devices, are concerned about Google’s feature release approach.

Pixel Feature Drop fragmentation

The key problem here is the inconsistent availability of new features across devices. While the Pixel 7/Pro get all of the ten new features, two are missing on the Pixel 6/Pro and four in the case of the Pixel 6a.

The rest only get four of the newly-launched features. This is incredibly disappointing for those with older hardware.

Making matters worse, the Sleep Profile functionality only works with your Pixel Watch if you have a Fitbit Premium subscription. Great monetization strategy, arguably poor customer treatment.

Sleep Profile is part of Fitbit Premium, which helps you better understand your body to take charge of your overall wellness.
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Sadly, the problems don’t end here, some Pixel users are unable to access the new unified security & privacy settings even after updating their devices.

The new Spatial Audio feature is exciting and promises to offer an immersive surround sound experience. The only problem is that it wouldn’t be available until January 2023.

But wait, I thought it was December’s feature drop and not January. Well, this is exactly the kind of confusion and annoyance some Pixel users are currently feeling.

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What’s the point of such drops when more than half of the features aren’t even available for older devices? Or what’s the logic behind launching a feature in December and availing it weeks later?

A considerable number of users have taken to social media platforms like Reddit to express their frustration regarding the Pixel Feature Drop fragmentation.

After yesterday’s feature Drop, I’ve noticed the feature Drop has become very unexciting as of late.
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Some are also concerned if Google is intentionally creating these artificial barriers in an attempt to force customers to upgrade their devices.

The fact that premium features like VPN by Google One are free on the latest flagships (Pixel 7/Pro), only makes this suspicion stronger.

On a positive note, a Redditor claims that Google has allegedly confirmed that features like Clear Calling will reach older devices sooner if not later.

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While this is certainly great news, we do not have a timeframe or an ETA for when these features will be accessible on older models.

We’ll keep an eye on this matter and update this story as and when we come across noteworthy developments.

Note: You can also check out our Pixel 7/Pro new updates, bugs and issues tracker.

Jaspreet Singh
119 Posts

I have always been passionate about smartphones, cameras, computers and basically everything technology related. Writing content for PW allows me to express that nerd inside me and talk about things i love.

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