Pixel and Pixel XL no longer receiving updates starting November 2019
Another month, another batch of Android security updates are starting to roll out. Of course, Google's Pixel phones will be the first to receive the patches while most OEM phones need to wait their turn after a month or so. While the monthly update does bring a couple of treats for Pixel owners, especially Pixel 4 owners, it does come with what may be sad news for those still holding on to the very first Pixel phones. It seems that the day has finally come for them to consider their devices orphaned, at least by official Android updates.
OG Pixel updates end today
To be fair, the OG Pixel was already given a second lease on life. Launched back in October 2016, the phone reached the end of its two years of Android updates last year. Surprisingly, Google generously updated the phone to Android 10, much to the delight of phone owners.
The same can't be said for the three-year security updates though. The absence of the Pixel and the Pixel XL in the security bulletin exclusively for Pixel phones may be the unofficial and not-so-subtle way Google is bidding farewell to its first-ever "Made by Google" Android phone.
Pixel 4 smoother Smooth Display
It might be a sad day, especially for OG Pixel owners, but the show must go on, especially for newer Pixel phones. This month's updates include not just the usual security patches but feature improvements as well. In particular, the bulletin lists Smooth Display improvements for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, which have confirmed to address complaints about 90 Hz refresh rate being disabled under certain conditions.
That "fix" was probably a settings change, which is easier to implement than one that adds security to face recognition. That's still probably a few months away, which means Pixel 4 owners will still be on guard for a while against pranksters that might try to pull a fast one while they slumber.