Google Updated A Record Number Of Pixel Devices This Week

During the week in mobile, a theme presented itself across several of the top Android news headlines: Google has a lot of irons in the fire right now. With the brand-new Pixel 9a hitting shelves while the 2021 Pixel 6 series is still getting full OS upgrades thanks to Tensor and trunk stable, not to mention an ever-growing line of smartwatches, there are a record number of software updates to send out.

There was some important news outside of Mountain View, too — like Samsung’s long-awaited update finally touching down and its cute little AI robot rolling out. We’ll get you caught up on the week’s top Android headlines below.

Last Week’s Roundup

Google updated a record number of Pixels this week

With the Pixel 9a making its official debut just in time to get Google’s April 2025 security patches, and the Pixel 6 series on schedule to receive full software updates through 2026, the company updated a whopping 16 phones, tablets, and foldables this week. Toss in the first three generations of Pixel Watches, which also started receiving a new Wear OS version this week, and you’ve got a grand total of 19 Pixels that saw updates from Google.

And it’s not just about quantity — the quality of these updates is pretty significant, too. Google is finally setting the Pixel Watch 3’s lifesaving Loss of Pulse Detection feature live in the US after receiving FDA clearance just over a month ago. On the phone side, the April security patches shored up two exploits that had been used in the wild, and there were five additional vulnerabilities that were assigned an even higher severity rating than those.

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Samsung’s One UI 7 update is finally here

It was a long time coming, but One UI 7, Samsung’s stable Android 15 update, started rolling out to Galaxy S24, Z Flip 6, and Z Fold 6 users in Korea on Monday. By Thursday, the update started touching down in the US for those same models, but other devices weren’t so lucky — Samsung says 2023 flagships will get it later this month, and certain devices may have to wait all the way until June.

Those who receive the update are in for some treats. Samsung’s Weather app is now smarter and includes a “life forecast,” and the Home Up module for Good Lock now lets you go off the deep end with launcher customizations. Meanwhile, Samsung’s revamped widgets have impressed Google so much that the Android maker is calling on app developers to polish up their own.

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Carriers are practically giving away Google’s new Pixel 9a

With the Pixel 9a finally hitting store shelves this week, carriers across the US are rolling out their launch deals for Google’s new midrange phone. AT&T has it for $3/month, and it comes with a free set of Pixel Buds. Verizon will give you one for free, but only with a new line, though you’re also eligible for half off Google’s premium AI plan. On the MVNO side, US Mobile is doing things differently with its promotion, and Google Fi is basically giving it away.

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Google might just hit CTRL+V on the Pixel Watch 4’s design

The first major Pixel Watch 4 leaks have finally surfaced ahead of an anticipated fall launch. Like the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 2 before it, it seems like Google will hit CTRL+V on last year’s design. Based on the renders, the only outwardly noticeable differences might be that the pogo pins are out, hinting at the return of Qi charging, and the body could actually be a bit thicker than last year’s model.

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Samsung’s Ballie is ready to roll out this summer

After unveiling Ballie back in 2020 and teasing the AI companion at subsequent trade shows like CES, Samsung is finally making its adorable rolling robot available in the US and Korea. Developed in collaboration with Google and featuring Gemini-powered smarts, the home helper is said to be launching this summer.

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