Pixel 6’s magic eraser feature breaks after update

]

The Google Pixel 6’s magic eraser feature, which lets you remove unwanted people or objects from your photos, appears to have been broken by a recent update, PhoneArena reports. Multiple users across Reddit and Twitter are reporting that attempting to use it causes the Google Photos app to crash, leaving them unable to use a feature that’s been heavily marketed in the promotion of Google’s latest flagship smartphone.

The issue is the latest in a series of bugs to have hit the Pixel 6. Back in December, Google was forced to halt the rollout of an update after owners complained that it was causing network connection problems for their devices. Android 12 has been an unusually rocky update for many devices, but Google’s Pixel lineup seems to have been especially hard hit. This isn’t even the first bug affecting the magic eraser feature, after an earlier update magically erased it from phones.

Android Police reports that the issue appears related to Google Photos version 5.76.0.425427310, and for now there doesn’t seem to be a way to fix the problem. Google’s support accounts have responded to a couple of complaints, and are advising affected users to contact support and follow the troubleshooting steps on this support page. In the meantime, if you depend on access to the magic eraser tool then you might want to disable automatic updates on the Google Photos app.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Google Pixel 6

]

(Pocket-lint) - If you’re looking at getting a flagship phone, but don’t want to spend more than about £600 in the UK (or the equivalent wherever you’re reading this) there’s a good chance you’ve at least glanced at the Google Pixel 6 or the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. They’re two of the better phones in this price range.

Google’s was one of the hit phones of 2021, offering a flagship experience, great cameras and unique software for a price much lower than the top dollar phones. As for Samsung’s, that’s a stripped down version of the S21. But which one should you go for? Read on - or watch the video below - to find out.

Samsung: 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9mm - 177g

Pixel: 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm - 207g

Samsung: Gorilla Glass Victus front, plastic back - IP68 rating

Pixel: Gorilla Glass Victus front, Gorilla Glass 6 back - IP68 rating

Both: Aluminium frame

There’s more than one way in which the Pixel 6 and S21 FE differ, and the most obvious ways are in design. As glass slabs go, the Pixel 6 is very different to pretty much anything on the market. Its bold camera strip protrudes significantly from the back and expands all the way across the width of the phone.

Whether you love it or hate it, there is some practicality here in that you can lie it on its back, and it won’t wobble. Unlike those phones with their camera units in the corner. Despite Samsung’s sticking very much to that boilerplate format, the protrusion on the S21 FE is very minimal, and so while there is some wobble, it’s not major.

squirrel_widget_6434958

There are a couple of things that work in Samsung’s favour. First, the phone is noticeably slimmer. In fact, it’s a full millimetre thinner, and also noticeably shorter. That makes it a bit more comfortable and easier to hold for long periods. And one surprising benefit is the materials used. While glass on the Pixel is definitely a more premium material, the matte plastic on the Samsung makes it less prone to slipping off things, and is warmer and softer in the palm.

Both the phones have quite square designs though, and both feature very strong-feeling aluminium frames, so you know they should be able to take a beating. Both have the same Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front too. They’ll even survive the odd occasion you drop them in the sink, toilet, or use them in the shower, since they’re both waterproof to IP68 ratings.

Both have similarly skinny bezels around the display, but to the eye, the Pixel’s do seem a tiny bit chunkier. One small difference you can’t see from the outside: the vibrator motor. Pixel has a much nicer haptic feedback, feeling more like a tap than a buzz, where the S21 FE has a buzzy feel.

One last minor thing - the buttons. Pixel’s power button is above the volume - making it that bit harder to reach naturally - where Samsung has it within easy reach, below the volume rocker. Still, you soon get used to either, so it’s not something we’d base a decision on.

Neither has a physical fingerprint sensor. Both use in-display ones. But we found the Samsung to be the more reliable one generally. It seems to register and unlock quickly and reliably nearly every time.

Both: 6.4-inch AMOLED - 1080 x 2400 resolution - HDR10+ support - 411ppi

Samsung: Up to 120Hz refresh

Pixel: Up to 90hz refresh

Both: Stereo speakers

Funnily enough, there is one area - at least on paper - where the two phones are almost identical: the displays. They both feature the same 6.4-inch, 1080 x 2400 AMOLED display with HDR10+ support. They have different refresh rates though.

Pixel 6 can reach up to 90Hz, Samsung goes all the way up to 120Hz, but you’d be hard-pushed to really spot the difference between those two peaks. Especially since there are very few really popular apps that take advantage of the highest refresh rates.

squirrel_widget_6166076

If you were to glide around the user interface, record it at a high frame rate, and watch it back in slow motion, you would see it. But otherwise it’s hard to tell, since its peak refreshes aren’t active in most apps.

In their default modes - Samsung in ‘Vivid’ mode and Pixel in ‘Boosted’. They have quite different approaches to colour and contrast. With the Pixel seeing more contrast-heavy, which can help make things look a bit sharper, but then you lose some of the colour and texture of elements. You can - of course - change the tuning somewhat, with Pixel offering two additional colour profiles.

Samsung’s screen does seems brighter overall though, and that’s quite beneficial when you’re watching your favourite HDR shows on Netflix and other services, you’ll see the dark scenes more clearly. Pixel struggles a little with those.

On the speaker front, they’re both similar. Both offering stereo speaker. There’s little discernible difference between the two. They can both be loud, with similar approaches to frequency balance.

Samsung: Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor

Pixel: Google Tensor chip

Samsung: 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB options

Pixel: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256Gb options

Samsung: 4500mAh battery - 25W wired/15W wireless charging

Pixel: 4614mAh battery - 30W wired/21W wireless charging

Google’s Pixel 6 runs on Google’s own processor, called Tensor, which is similar to Samsung’s Exynos branded chips. But, if you run a geekbench test - as an example - you’d see it doesn’t quite reach the same numbers as the S21 FE which comes in two variants - Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100. There’s not a huge amount in it though.

This particular S21 FE we had in for review has the SD888, and when you use either phone the feeling is one of speed and fluidity. They’ll load the most demanding games quickly, without lag or any stutter. We can’t say we found one hugely better than the other here. It feels very fluid on both phones.

From a battery perspective, the interesting thing we found about Pixel is the longer we kept using it, the better the battery performed, as the software became accustomed to our usage patterns. At 4614 mAh, it does have a larger capacity than the 4500mAh in the Samsung, but there’s not much in it at all.

Because they’re similar, we didn’t see a significant difference between the two in regular, every day usage. Neither is quite good enough to make it through two full days with our moderate usage - usually about 2-3 hours of screen time a day - but they’ll comfortably make it through a full day and end the day with around 40 per cent left over. Both charge at similar speeds too, offering about 50% charge in 30 minutes. You can even charge them both wirelessly.

On the whole, at least when it comes to speed and fluidity or battery life, it’s certainly one area we wouldn’t use as a factor to decide which of the two phones you should buy.

Samsung: Triple camera system 12MP f/1.8 primary dual pixel - PDAF/OIS 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide 8MP f/2.4 telephoto 3x zoom - PDAF/OIS

Pixel: Dual camera system 50MP f/1.9 primary dual pixel - PDAF/Laser AF/OIS 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide

Both: 4K video up to 60fps

When it comes to cameras, the two phones have slightly different make-ups. The most obvious difference being that Pixel 6 doesn’t have a dedicated zoom camera like the S21 FE does. But that doesn’t make as big a difference as you might think in actual usage. It still has a pretty good 2x digital zoom, which gets you closer to the action and gives you decent, sharp images.

When you compare results, particularly in daylight, you’ll see the two have different approaches to colour reproduction, but both can give you that vibrant, slightly unnatural result. But of the two, the Pixel seems closer to natural colouring, and has better detail.

The thing we most noticed though was that Google’s HDR performance was better, so in the parts of the image where you have bright highlights due to direct light, the Pixel was much better at evening that out and retaining the detail. And it didn’t matter if we were using the ultrawide or the main camera, it was the same.

Both feature decent night mode abilities too, offering a way to shoot lowlight, completely handheld shots without any need for stabilisation. There are differences here too, but both are solid. Using the main camera, the Pixel seemed better at lifting detail out of the shadows and evening out highlights, but Samsung’s ultrawide seems to lift more light by default. Although, results from both ultrawides at night time can be quite odd and unnatural looking. Oversharpened with over contrasty looks.

Both: Android 12

Samsung: One UI 4

Pixel: Pixel launcher

Oddly enough, it’s maybe in software that reading the spec sheet really doesn’t give you a full understanding of the differences in experience between the two phones. Because - after all - both run Android 12. They just feel very different.

One UI 4 - Samsung’s skin - is very similar to previous versions, with big, colourful app icons, and lots of extras Samsung likes to add in. It has adopted Android 12’s ability to theme the interface based on colours from wallpapers, but, that’s about all that’s changed. Most of it - stylistically - is the same as before.

Google’s version is quite different. Everything from the drop-down settings, phone dialler and pre-installed keyboard gets themed. And there are - of course - all this new widgets, giving it a much more whimsical feel. It’s a redesign that will certainly divide opinion, but I happen to like it a lot. And it’s one of the big reasons I’d choose Pixel 6 over most other Android phones, including the S21 FE.

Both: £599 in the UK

Here’s one are where you won’t need to base any decision on: the price. Both retail for exactly the same figure. Although they may cost slightly different amounts if you take them on contract with a carrier plan, the two phones are very similar in price.

In the end, we think what it comes down to are a couple of things. Pixel - of course - has that new software experience, which we really like. And, it has the better camera performance.

If you care more about media consumption, we think the display on the Samsung is better, and the slimmer, more comfortable build is something to consider as well. Or if you really want a zoom camera, there is that on the Samsung.

Writing by Cam Bunton.

Everything you need to know about Android updates on Google Pixel

]

The Google Pixel runs stock Android out of the box, but even stock Android needs a tuneup every so often. This guide will walk you through all the information you need to know about Google’s Pixel security and Android updates, timelines, and more.

There are generally two standard methods for updating your Google Pixel. The first way is to wait for your Pixel to notify you that an update is ready. This is the slowest method available. The second method requires a little participation on your part. Through the settings, you can “pull” an available update to your device and install it right then and there. This method only works if there is an update available for download.

Here’s how to check for updates on your Google Pixel:

On your Pixel, head into settings. Scroll down to the very bottom, and tap System. Look for and tap System update. Your phone will now check for updates. Oftentimes, there isn’t one available. Fortunately, you can check as often as you wish. If an update is available, your Pixel will prompt you to install it. Before you do, make sure your battery is at a decent level and/or hooked up to a charger. Updating takes a lot of juice. Note: After the Pixel automatically runs an update check, there will be an info page showing you when you lasted checked and what version you are currently on. On this page, you can check again by tapping the Check for updates button that appears at the bottom. The Pixel will begin the update process, which depending on the type of update, could take as little as 10 miunutes or as much as an hour. The app optimization stage takes the longest and the duration depends on how many apps you have installed.

It’s good practice to remember how to check for updates since you can pull an update faster than it takes to wait for your device to let you know one is available.

Google offers an easier way to get the latest update to your Google Pixel. This method is called “sideloading.” Sideloading involves a PC or laptop in addition to your Pixel, as well as a factory image provided by Google. You can find those images here.

The whole process takes a bit of time and know-how, as well as a couple of extra programs for unpacking Google’s provided files. Fortunately, we have a guide on safely sideloading Google’s latest OTA update on your Google Pixel.

One benefit of running stock Android is getting regular security updates for your device. All Pixel phones eligible for security updates get monthly patches to keep you up-to-date.

This means that barring unforeseen circumstances, the first Monday of every month comes with a new security patch. These security updates keep the Pixel at top-tier security and safety since malicious attacks are only growing stronger by the day.

There are two key different types of updates to come from Google. The first is the monthly security update meant to provide patches and keep you safe from malicious threats. The other is a system update. These updates provide quality-of-life improvements and new features meant to enhance your Android experience.

While there is some controversy hovering around the length of time some Pixel devices are supported, most Pixel devices are guaranteed a few years before Google stops pushing Android and security updates. Others, like the Pixel 3, are coming to the end of their supported life. Here is the full list of devices along with their guaranteed support timeframe:

Phone Android update support ends Security update support ends Pixel 6 and 6 Pro October 2024 October 2026 Pixel 5a 5G August 2024 August 2024 Pixel 5 October 2023 October 2023 Pixel 4a 5G November 2023 November 2023 Pixel 4a August 2023 August 2023 Pixel 4 and 4 XL October 2022 October 2022 Pixel 3a and 3a XL May 2022 May 2022

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are the only devices that will receive security updates long after system Android updates stop rolling in. The difference here is that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro both run Google’s very own processor, something they can vouch for and more readily provide support for.

If you own any of the above devices, be sure to keep checking for updates as they come out. Security updates are important for your device’s health and Android updates keep things fresh. Additionally, sideloading is always a secondary option and is easier to do on Google Pixel phones than on other Android devices.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

Google jumps in on Wordle trend again, this time with a fun Pixel 6 homage

]

The brain-teasing game Wordle has taken the internet by storm in recent weeks, and today Google is again jumping in on the trend, this time with a clever little homage to the game made up of Pixel 6 smartphones.

Posted to Twitter earlier today, Google arranged over a dozen Pixel 6s into a grid, using the “Stormy Black,” “Kinda Coral,” and “Sorta Seaform” to replicate Wordle’s unique sharing method.

When playing Wordle, letters in the correct place in the final word light up green, letter in the word but not in the correct place turn yellow, and letters not at all in the word remain black. Once a puzzle has been solved, the game can share the results using emoji (⬛, 🟨, 🟩) to represent the grid. It’s a unique look that has become instantly recognizable, and Google’s play on it with the Pixel 6 here is admittedly very clever.

When your five letter guesses start Stormy Black and end Sorta Seafoam. pic.twitter.com/D5UQBakyHv — Made By Google (@madebygoogle) February 3, 2022

This isn’t the first time Google has jumped on Wordle’s popularity. Last month, Google celebrated the game with a fun Easter Egg in Search.

Earlier this week, Wordle’s creator announced that The New York Times had purchased the game. Wordle will remain free immediately following the change of ownership, but it may eventually go behind a paywall as the NYT has implied.

Hands-on: Pela’s eco-friendly Pixel 6 cases ease the heartbreak of Google’s fabric cases

]

With the launch of its Pixel 6 series, Google killed off any hope that it would continue producing cases with a delightful fabric material. Outside of some shoddy recreations, it’s a concept that hasn’t been replicated. But since its October launch, there’s one case that’s managed to ease the heartbreak felt from the loss of Google’s fabric cases — Pela’s soft and comfortable Pixel 6 cases.

How could a rubber case replace the delightful fabric cases Google produced out of recycled plastic for generations of Pixel phones?

Hear me out.

Pela’s case designs are made entirely from sustainable plant-based materials, not traditional plastics. The cases are compostable, meaning they’ll break down in the right conditions much faster than the traditional plastic cases most people use.

A byproduct of this commendable and important mission is that Pela’s cases for the Pixel 6 series and other devices are incredibly, almost bizarrely, soft.

The “Stormy Blue” case has a soft and grippy feel to it, whereas the “Green Summit” version has a similar feel, but with a mountainside design engraved into the back that adds some nice texture to the case. For me, this case feels the most similar in the hand to Google’s fabric cases for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5. It’s soft, grippy, and has some real texture to it. Unlike Google’s official case, which is bland and boring (though made from some recycled materials, which is nice).

Pela’s cases have served my Pixel 6 Pro well, with no issues when dropping the device — a rare occurrence when the case is on, thanks to its grippy nature. But there are some areas Pela could improve. Pela, notably, also offers an eco-friendly liquid screen protector. I haven’t had a chance to install that, and with proper tempered glass now available, I’m less inclined to, but the $60 product carries with it a $200 warranty for a screen repair, should your display crack while using the liquid screen protector (you have to own a Pela case as well to be eligible).

The first thing I’d love to see is more design options. For iPhone and even past Pixels, Pela offers many more design options beyond static colors, but none of them are available for the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro.

Beyond that, I’d love to see a design that’s a bit stiffer and, in turn, covers the power button. The little divot for the power button makes it easy to identify but leaves it not as clicky. A stiffer design would also make it possible for a larger gap around the bottom of the display. With thin bezels and gesture navigation as the norm in this day and age, a lip at the bottom of a smartphone case can be a little bit annoying at times, and no harsh edges around the USB-C port make holding the phone more comfortable to hold.

To make a long story short: I still want Google to bring back the fabric cases, but in the meantime, Pela is my go-to substitute because it’s both soft and grippy, unlike most other cases I’ve tried.

Buy Pela Cases ($50+)

On a closing note, there are fabric cases for the Pixel 6 series on Amazon. The ones I’ve tried, at least, are not great. The fabric starts to fray almost immediately, the polycarbonate interior traps a lot of dust and dirt, and there’s virtually no protection for the phone. They’re cheap, definitely, but a poor substitute for the real thing.

Bring them back, Google.