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Best Google Pixel 5 cases in 2023
Give your old Pixel 5 unit a lease on life with one of the best cases out there, whether you want to change up its look or protect it for longer.
The Google Pixel 5 launched in 2020, so it's been a few years since it first came out. Just to put things into perspective, Google just released the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro on the market, so you know you still have a fairly old phone if you're still rocking a Pixel 5. Thankfully, it was built to last, with an aluminum build instead of a glass sandwich design, so it'll hold up very well for many years to come as long as you keep it safe.
Android 14 is now available for Google Pixels with better security, accessibility improvements, and more
Android 14 is now available for Google Pixels, and it has a lot of improvements and refinements over Android 13.
If you have a Google Pixel smartphone, then today is the day that you'll be able to finally download Android 14. After months of developer previews and beta releases, you can now download the full release on the Google Pixel 4a (5G) and above. Android 14 is the latest version of the world's largest mobile operating system, polishing up features from last year's Android 13. This is just a summary article of some of the biggest changes, so be sure to check out everything that you need to know about Android 14 to learn about everything in depth.
How to download Android 14 for Google Pixel and other Android devices
Android 14 is available via the beta channel, and you can install it on your Google Pixel right now.
Android 14 is almost ready for prime time! For lucky owners of the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, or any Pixel phone as old as the Pixel 4a 5G, you'll be among the first users to see what Android 14 has to offer, as these devices can participate in Google's beta initiative.
How to install Android 13 on Google Pixel and other Android devices
For those who need it, here's some help
The latest stable version of Android, Android 13, has officially seen its public release back in August 2022. As expected, if you’ve got an eligible Pixel smartphone, you can get in on the fun right now by downloading the Android 13 release for your device. Google also provides Generic System Images (GSI), which means the latest version of Android can be booted on non-Google Project Treble-compatible devices as well.
The stable version Android 14 is almost here, but we'll have to wait a few more weeks until it's available to the public. To prepare for this significant transition, Google today released the final pre-release build in the form of Beta 5 to let enthusiasts as well as regular users offer last-minute feedback. As expected, the fifth beta build features finalized SDK and NDK APIs and app-facing system behaviors, so it's time for developers to get their apps ready for the new OS.
How to download Android 13 for Google Pixel and other Android devices
Google has officially kicked off the Android 13 QPR3's stable version rollout. You can download the release right now and give it a try!
Google officially launched the stable version of Android 13 on August 15, 2022. For lucky owners of the Pixel 7a or any devices as old as the Pixel 4a, you’ll also be among the first to see what Android 13 QPR3 has to offer, as the company has already started rolling out the update on these phones. The Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet are also eligible to get regular monthly security updates on top of Android 13.
August 2023 security update rolls out for Google Pixels, Galaxy S23, and more Samsung phones
No stable Android 14 yet!
We're already 7 days into August, but since today is the first Monday of the month, that means it's time for the latest batch of Android security patches. Google today published the August 2023 Android Security Bulletin, and with it, the corresponding August 2023 security update for eligible Pixel devices. Google's Pixel phones aren't the only phones getting a freshly baked build today, though, as Samsung has also pushed new security updates to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S20 FE, and a couple of foldables.
Google Pixel Fold and Tablet join the bleeding edge with Android 14 Beta 4
The stable release is just around the corner
Android 14 Beta 4 is rolling out today for eligible Pixel devices. For folks keeping track of the development cycle, this is the last expected major release before it hits the stable milestone and is ready for the masses. This latest version also picks up support for the brand new Pixel Fold as well as the Pixel Tablet, which means it's the last chance for the app developers to get those tuning-and-testing toes wet before Android 14 is released.
July 2023 Android security update rolls out to Google Pixel and some Samsung Galaxy phones
Come get your security patches
In case you're thinking, "today's a Wednesday, but Pixel updates usually land on Mondays," you're right, Google is indeed a little bit behind its usual schedule. This month's release has been delayed slightly until today, as a result of 4th July's federal holiday to celebrate Independence Day in the US. Nonetheless, Google's freshly baked Pixel software updates for July are finally here.
Google is prepping the sweet treat of Android 14 for its Pixel smartphones, and users on the beta program are starting to see a fresh new update today. The upcoming major release of Android has just hit another milestone with a Beta 2.1 hotfix making its debut alongside a bunch of stability improvements.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 update brings plenty of connectivity fixes to Pixel devices
Google has pushed the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 update, bringing more improvements, with a focus on connectivity fixes.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 is rolling out to select Google Pixel smartphones. The over-the-air (OTA) update brings a wealth of new bug fixes, with most focusing on connectivity issues. Google states that this update is for select devices, which means you currently must have an eligible device running Android 13 QPR3 Beta. If your device is running a different version of the OS like the Android 14 Beta, you will not see this update, and you will not have access to it.
Android 14 Beta 2 is here with support for predictive back animations and more
Anything else you'd like to drop today, Google?
Back in February this year, Google published the first developer preview build of Android 14. The beta branch picked up its introductory release about a month ago. Now, shortly after today's main I/O 2023 keynote, Google rolled out Android 14 Beta 2 for the Pixel devices.
Google's May 2023 Android security update for Pixels is ready to go
May 2023's Pixel security update is here, with some added extras in tow
It's the first Monday of a new month, which means it's time for a fresh new Android Security Update Bulletin. Thus, it’s no surprise that today, Google has published the Android Security Bulletin for May 203 and a new security update is rolling out for all the eligible Pixel phones.
How to install OTA updates and keep root on your Google Pixel phone
Looking for a way to keep root access after OTA updates on your Google Pixel phone? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Part of the beauty of owning a Google Pixel phone comes through the proper availability of firmware images that can be used to return the device to a factory state. Even if you unlock the bootloader, root the phone, or tinker a bit too much, you can always restore the stock configuration. Having said that, some users might find it difficult to keep root access and associated mods intact while retaining the ability to take monthly security updates. Although many hardcore Android fans will know exactly what to do, not everyone is as adept at getting their phone updated without losing root.
February 2023 security update is here, and it's already available for the Galaxy Note 20
No new features added, though
The shortest month of the year has just begun and Google is rolling out a new batch of security updates. The February 2023 Android security patches include the usual bevy of fixes for eligible Pixel devices. As usual, Samsung is not far behind, as the Korean OEM is also pushing the latest patches to the Galaxy Note 20 series.
Google puts finishing touches on Android 13 QPR2 with Beta 3
Getting ready for the stable launch next month
The beta branch of Android 13 QPR2 just picked up a new bug-squashing update. If you've got a Pixel 4a or later and are enrolled in the program, you should see the over-the-air update coming right now. The new version, Beta 3, addresses a number of stability issues while also fixing a few more specific problems that adventurous early adopters and developers may have run into.
Rooting Google Pixel 6 series requires help from the Pixel 7 on the latest Android 13 beta
Using the boot image from the Pixel 7 - yes, that's right!
As soon as Google kickstarted the beta initiative of Android 13's second Quarterly Platform Release (commonly referred to as QPR2), many enthusiasts expected that achieving root on these builds would be just as easy as rooting the stable channel firmware, but that didn't turn out to be the case. To be precise, the generic root guide that involves patching the boot image using Magisk stopped working for the Google Pixel 6 series. If you have a Pixel 6, 6 Pro, or Pixel 6a, neither the stable nor the Canary build of Magisk can generate a working patched boot image for superuser access on the QPR2 beta builds. But solving the riddle seemed to be a matter of when, not if, and the Android modding scene had already figured out a clever way to root the Pixel 6 lineup running Android 13 QPR2 beta by borrowing some bits from the Pixel 7.
Google releases bug-fixing Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 update for Pixel phones
With January's security patch
Another month, another step closer to the second Android 13 Quarterly Platform Release, otherwise known as QPR2, becoming a stable version. The first month of 2023 has already seen a breakneck pace to Android-related releases — we just got the January 2023 security bulletin last week, and started this week off with a fresh new set of Play system updates. Now Google's following that up with the release of QPR2 Beta 2 for eligible Pixel phones.
Google Pixel and some Samsung Galaxy phones receive first security updates of 2023
The January 2023 security patches should be hitting your Pixel phone soon
New year, new updates. Google is making the first week of 2023 more exciting with a fresh new Android security bulletin and corresponding updates for the eligible Pixel lineup, but not exactly right on schedule.
December 2022 Android security update rolls out with a bunch of fixes for Pixel devices
The latest security patches should reach your Pixel soon.
Google publishes a new Android Security Bulletin on the first Monday of each month, highlighting all the security vulnerabilities patched with the latest security update. Barring a few delays, Google has stuck to this schedule for the last few years, so it comes as no surprise that the company has published the Android Security Bulletin for December 2022 and rolled out a new security update for supported Pixel devices.