Google’s spicy Pixel 6a saga continues

Earlier this month, Google began pushing out an over-the-air (OTA) software program replace to Pixel 6a smartphones, with the intent of addressing battery-related {hardware} issues. As soon as up to date to this new firmware, Pixel 6a models are capped at an artificially lowered most cost capability, and top-up speeds are throttled downward.

Collectively underneath the umbrella of the Pixel 6a Battery Efficiency Program, this software program replace hit the scene in response to reviews of overheating, melting, and fire-prone Pixel 6a models out within the wild. Whereas it seems that this necessary replace itself has been deployed onto impacted models, it has come to mild that overheating 6a models may nonetheless pose a security threat.

One Reddit consumer (via Android Authority) has documented a latest scathing-hot interplay along with his Pixel 6a, which reportedly caught on fire after being plugged right into a charger in a single day on July 26. In response to the consumer, the telephone was operating probably the most up-to-date model of Android previous to the incident, with Google’s battery threat mitigation code already carried out.

Google first launched the Pixel 6a in July 2022, with the machine serving as a mid-range different to the flagship Pixel 6 and 6 Pro flagship handsets. Primarily based on this launch date, Pixel 6a battery packs are three years previous at most, with nearly all of models having doubtless sustained a whole lot of charging cycles over their consumable lifespan.

For probably the most half, lithium-ion batteries are usually strong sufficient to warrant no security issues — even after a number of years of constant use — which means that some form of defect or engineering challenge have to be at play right here. So far, Google hasn’t specified the exact challenge to the general public, other than acknowledging it to be battery-related in nature.

Say hi there to the Pixel 6a Battery Efficiency Program

Some Pixel 6a customers are receiving a preemptive battery security OS replace

Google first outlined its Pixel 6a Battery Efficiency Program earlier this month, and it primarily consists of the aforementioned Pixel 6a software program replace. In response to the corporate, this necessary OS launch particularly targets “impacted” Pixel 6a models, with the rollout starting on July 8.

On the time of publication, Google’s official help web page states that “[Our] software program replace is being launched in phases. New options will progressively roll out throughout all areas.” Studying additional, the corporate notes that its battery overheating measures solely activate on impacted gadgets, and solely as soon as the Pixel 6a in query has accomplished a complete of 4 hundred cost cycles.

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You may qualify for a free battery substitute

Google is taking steps to compensate impacted Pixel 6a prospects

Along with rolling out a software program replace to stricken Pixel 6a house owners, Google is working a battery substitute program for eligible customers. Replacements are freed from cost throughout a number of areas; throughout the US and Canada, repairs had been initiated on July 21, whereas Singapore, India, Japan, the UK, and Germany obtained restore availability starting July 22. Google says extra areas together with France, Japan, and Australia will enter the battery substitute fray “quickly.”

Moreover, a secondary type of compensation is accessible from Google, topic to regional availability: a money or Google {hardware} low cost code relevant in the direction of the acquisition of one other Pixel telephone on the Google retailer. Further data might be discovered instantly on Google’s support page.

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The way to test in case your Pixel 6a unit has a faulty battery

You may need to head over to Google’s official help web page sooner moderately than later

If you happen to personal a Pixel 6a smartphone and are uncertain whether or not your unit is impacted by a defective battery pack, comply with these steps:

1. Head to Google’s official Pixel 6a Battery Efficiency Program support page.
2. Faucet or click on on the blue Verify Pixel 6a eligibility button.
3. From right here, you will be prompted to verify your Google Account electronic mail handle.
4. Enter your Pixel 6a’s IMEI number (obtainable by way of Settings > About telephone > IMEI, additionally written on the unit’s SIM card tray).

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An explosive scenario

Battery tech stays the Achilles’ Heel of cellular tech

For as superior as our modern-day pocket computer systems have turn into, they continue to be hamstrung by imperfect battery know-how. On the one hand, it is outstanding that we’re even in a position to harness power throughout the confines of such small {hardware} packages, and lithium-ion tech has made the trendy cellular business a viable entity as an entire.

That being mentioned, batteries are consumable merchandise, and chemical reactions inside energy packs all the time result in a degradation in efficiency over time. Whereas usually thought of secure, malfunctions, engineering oversights, and manufacturing defects all have the potential to wreak havoc, much as we saw in the highly publicized Samsung Galaxy Observe 7 case again in 2016.

Google isn’t any stranger to battery woes, both, with its Pixel 4a previously being recalled in sure markets attributable to overheating dangers. If you happen to occur to personal a Pixel 6a that’s recognized as an impacted unit, I would advise on appearing sooner moderately than later. Whereas it is doable that your explicit unit will stay an extended and wholesome life with out intervention, it is merely not well worth the threat of injury or private damage.

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