#Google Pixel 4A

[curseonosphere]

In case you have any doubts about Google being the scum of the Earth

Google has recently released an unexpected "update" to their Pixel 4a phones. The 4a has already reached its end-of-life a year or so ago. Let's see what this "update" is about...

From Google's official email earlier this January, before the update was rolled out:

Let's see if you caught that. When a battery gets old, its capacity becomes smaller and its charging speed becomes worse. To fix this, Google is rolling out an update that makes the battery capacity smaller and makes the charging worse. See the issue there?

At this point there is a lot of debate in the Pixel4a subreddit about whether this was blatant planned obsolescence or not. Many people immediately disable automatic system updates.

Google is offering three options in compensation: 50$ in your local currency, a 100$ coupon towards any Google phone (not compatible with any other coupons or sales) or a free battery replacement at a Google repair shop. People who opted for the coupon find out that they got screwed, because Google has hiked up prices in response.

Update day. All hell breaks loose. If you had updates enabled, you're immediately screwed. The battery is capped so hard your phone can barely stay on. Affected users are haunted by this notification:

Now, at this point you may be forgiven for thinking that Google has simply, very late into this product's lifespan, discovered that some of its batteries are dangerous (after all, not every device is affected by the update). Just think about what happened with the Galaxy Note 7! Well, checkmate, this person changed their battery BEFORE the update and they still got fucked.

This person changed their battery AFTER, and once again, nothing changed.

Note that there are also people who changed their batteries and the reduced battery capacity went away. It is unknown what decides this.

The user in the last screenshot says something very important: "Gods, if there is an actual hazard they ought to communicate it better". Indeed, a big problem with this update it the dichotomy of "Google is being vague because this is planned obsolescence" and "Google is being vague because this is the sequel to the Galaxy Note 7's exploding batteries"

Less tech-savvy users who disabled automatic updates are tricked by Google's bombardment of notifications into installing the update anyway. Their fate is the same.

The current solution is to manually block google's update domain, "googlezips.net" through a DNS and delete the update, if already downloaded, but not yet installed. For those who have already installed the update, they can either roll back to a previous version or root their phone.

Note that all of these solutions require some level of tech skill. An average user doesn't know how updates work, what a DNS is, how to roll back their phone and much less how to root it and install a custom OS.

Conclusion, personal thoughts:

I personally think that the "hazardous batteries" theory is just that - a theory. It isn't anything Google has ever talked about in relation to this update and seems to be mostly getting pedalled on the Google Pixel subreddit by fanboys who don't want their sweet sweet corporation to be in the wrong. There hasn't been any evidence of a Pixel 4a's battery actually blowing up or catching fire.

The pushing of this update has felt oddly violating in a way. This probably would have been weird to say a decade ago, but nowadays or phones are an extension of our being. It's where we take notes, pictures, stay in contact and do work. If I disable automatic updates, then I am expecting that those updates will not be installed and I won't be getting constantly bombarded by notifications of "please update already!". Google pushing it regardless feels like its trampling on my personal freedom to use a device I paid for the way I choose to use it.

I really hope that phones can enter the era personal computers are in soon. I wish I could just pick up the parts I need, build a phone, install whatever OS I want and get a device I can dynamically upgrade the parts of when necessary. The way current phones work is so deliberately obtuse and anti-end-user that it makes me actually boil with anger.

[xaviergalatis]

Autumn 2023

Photograph of my pixel 4a after updating the firmware

[ricisidro]

Beautiful pictures of #sunset around the neighborhood in #Manila, 🇵🇭 #Philippines.

📸 #GooglePixel #Pixel4a using normal field of view (1x), 2x optical zoom. Ultra-wide lens not available.

#Google #GooglePixel4a #TeamPixel

[mohamedaladdin]

مواصفات وسعر الهاتف Google Pixel 4a المستعمل

إذا كنت تريد شراء أحد هواتف جوجل بأقل سعر ممكن؟ فلا تتردد في متابعة هذا المقال، لأننا سنتحدث فيه عن الهاتف Google Pixel 4a المستعمل، الذي يمكنك شراؤه حالياً بسعر لا يتخطى 5000 جنيه مصري، والاستمتاع بالمواصفات الرائعة التي عودتنا عليها شركة Google، حيث يأتي هذا الهاتف مع شاشة بالتصميم الحديث وبخصائص مميزة، ويأتي كذلك مع معالج قوي جداً من كوالكوم، ويعمل حالياً بأحدث نظام تشغيل Android 13، وعلى…

[chrismcshell]

looking at 2024/2025 phone reviews when i bought my last phone in 2020 is like Wow it's a whole new world out there and it's totally out of touch with my personal preferences and experiences. "this phone has great AI features!" well i don't want that. "this is a good budget/mid-range option" and it's 850cad... that's almost a flagship price bro pls show me the sub-500cad options. "this one has a nice big screen!" ok i don't mind something a little bit bigger than my current 5.8" screen but i will mourn being able to comfortably use my phone with one hand. and nothing has a headphone jack or sd card slot anymore... not that those are things i even use, but i would have LIKED an sd card slot, since i really would like to start relying LESS on cloud storage. Man :///

[garballax]

New phone, taking a moment of silence to honor the lost 3.5mm headphone jack.

..well actually it's a lot of silence because I don't have any fucking wireless headphones and all the ones worth a shit are out of my price range.

[aster-go-brrr]

made a colleirose (idk their ship name i literally just made that up) phone bg :3

[sentivium]

Google Pixel 4A update could hamper battery performance for some owners Mountain View likely went public with the update to avoid legal issues

[blanket-fish]

So I received an email titled 'Changes coming to your Pixel 4A' basically telling me a software update is being released soon. And I mean, I don't usually get an email when that happens, but sure, fine. So I read it.

And the update is 'related to battery management' and 'will impact your battery life and performance'

Oh, okay! This email is telling me you're gonna fuck my phone up. Thanks for the heads up, I guess???

My phone is several years old now and this is a thing phone companies do, but I didn't realise they just straight up admitted it??

[iphonerepairsadelaide]

How to Choose the Right Repair Service for Your Google Pixel in Adelaide

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Certification and Expertise:

Ensure that the phone repair service is certified and staffed with knowledgeable technicians. Google Certified Professionals bring expertise and a deep understanding of Pixel devices, ensuring that your phone is in capable hands.

Genuine Parts Guarantee:

Opt for a repair service that uses genuine, manufacturer-approved parts. Authentic components contribute to the optimal performance and longevity of your Pixel, avoiding potential issues associated with subpar substitutes.

Speed of Service:

Time is of the essence, and a reputable repair service understands the urgency of getting your Pixel back in your hands swiftly. Inquire about the turnaround time for common repairs to ensure minimal disruption to your daily life.

Transparency in Pricing:

A trustworthy repair service provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Request a detailed breakdown of costs before authorizing any repairs to avoid surprises on the final bill.

Warranty Coverage:

A reliable repair service stands by its work with warranty coverage. Inquire about the warranty period for both parts and labor, ensuring that you have recourse in case any issues arise post-repair.

Customer Reviews and Reputation:

Research the repair service’s reputation by reading customer reviews. Platforms like Google reviews, Yelp, or social media can provide insights into the experiences of others who have used the service.

Convenience and Accessibility:

Consider the convenience of the repair service’s location. A centrally located service may save you time and effort. Additionally, inquire about appointment availability or if they offer mail-in services for those unable to visit the physical location.

Diagnostic Services:

A thorough diagnostic before the repair is essential for identifying all issues with your Pixel. A service that offers comprehensive diagnostics can uncover hidden problems and ensure a more complete and effective repair.

Data Security Measures:

Your phone contains sensitive information, so choose a Google Pixel repair service that prioritizes data security. Inquire about their procedures for handling customer data and if they have safeguards in place to protect your personal information.

Environmental Responsibility:

Consider repair services that adhere to environmentally friendly practices. Some services may responsibly dispose of electronic waste or participate in recycling programs, contributing to a more sustainable approach to technology repairs.

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[savleye]

Someone randomly sent me a phone case in the mail with no note or anything and it's kinda freaking me out. It's for the same brand of phone that I have and it's a design that I would like, the only thing is it's for a different model of phone. And I'm kinda freaking out because how does this person know what design I would like, know what brand of phone I have, and know my address...

[buzzmeeh3004]

Google Pixel 5a Screen Replacement: Services at your doorstep by Buzzmeeh

Need a Google Pixel 5a screen replacement? Buzzmeeh has you covered! Our expert technicians will swiftly replace your damaged screen with high-quality parts, ensuring a seamless and reliable fix. Get your Pixel 5a back to its full glory with Buzzmeeh's trusted repair service.

[ricisidro]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jun Isidro (@rcisidro)

#Bluesky with smoke contrail from an airplane ✈️ Water vapor 💦 is one of the byproducts of jet fuel combustion that turns into ice crystals in the cold air at high altitude.

#clouds #cloud #Samsung #GalaxyS23 #Google #Pixel4a #Pixel6a #Huawei #huaweip30pro #iphone12 #iphone11

[ilivelikeimtrying]

Hi Tumblr!

I need consultancy on something.

No I don't need money, just advice.

4 months ago I dropped my phone that had all of my voice recordings for many of my fics on it since I have an issue keeping track of all the ideas and writing them down quick enough, and the screen shattered. I took it someplace and paid them 250,- FL. for it (138.89$ USD) to get the screen fixed, but now they're telling me that the only way they might be able to fix it, which has an outcome of 50%/50%, is if they order the original pixel 4a screen to fix it, which will come out 226.1$ USD (406.98 FL.), minus the original 138.89$ USD (the 250,- FL.) it comes out about 156.98 FL. (51.68$ USD).

Now, many of the story recordings on there were not saved by Google so I can't get them anywhere, and the only way to get them back is if the screen works and I can transfer it to my new phone or to my computer (that is if the data is still viable and there Gods I hope it is), and many of the stories are for chapters of fics of mine that haven't been updated in months or even a year and fics I wanted to start but don't remember how they begin or how they continue (my memory is shitty).

My dilemma is.... should I do it?

I want to, because those recordings mean a lot to me, but I don't know how to get my recordings back.

However, I understand I'm speaking on emotions right now, and not logic or thinking.

Should I do it? Should I take the chance?

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

Grapevine Beetle - Pelidnota punctata

My mother found this delectable insect in the front yard last year (Pictures 3 and 5), and seeing it again reminded me that I still have a few pictures from the year 2022 to share as well. Even though I've only seen this insect once before, I'm drawn to it and it's berry-like form. Among the large-sized Beetles, it's definitely one of the cuter specimens being smooth and rounded. Such as it is when you're a Chafer Beetle and you need to support that armored body with a steady diet of leaves. Within both image sets here, the individuals photographed did seem to be eating vine-based plants that are likely not true grapes, but could very well be in the Vitus genus, but I cannot confirm at the moment as I am not a botanist. What I can confirm is this is indeed a Grapevine Beetle and not any of the few look-a-like insects that could be confused with it. One such insect that seems to pop up in that discussion is the Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera), an iridescent fellow Scarab that may be mistaken for the Grapevine's yellow-colored individuals that lack spots and have brown-colored legs. A quick but detailed examination between the two should be enough to discern them where their habitat ranges overlap. Having detailed a lot of this Beetle's behaviors and preferences in its first post on this blog, I'd like to draw your attention to some physical characteristics for the second half of this post.

In particular, I'd like to focus on this Beetle's legs. Insects and legs go hand-in-hand given they have 6 of them and they come in many shapes and sizes all suited for different adaptations. As such, unless they are unusually different (e.g. Mantis raptorial forearms) they can be taken for granted. However, since the legs of this specie are distinctive to its subfamily (Rutelinae - the Shining Cafers). The Scarabs within that subfamily have tarsal claws (the foot claws) that are independently moveable and are unequal in size (one is slightly thicker and larger). Compare this to other Scarabs such as Rhino Beetles that have 2 fixed claws on their tarsus. For the Grapevine Beetle these claws are very prominent (see Pictures 3 and 7) and may offer an advantage for climbing and grasping when navigating vines. Moreover, there are modifications made to the tibiae, which are thickened and lined with bumpy protrusions. There is also a long spike at the end near the leg. These features (when compared against other Beetles) may help make digging easier which could benefit how easier this Beetle can have a suitable egg-laying site ready.

Pictures were taken on September 7, 2022 with a Google Pixel 4 and on August 10, 2023 by my mother with a Pixel 4a (marked with the Mantis Logo).

[yinyuedijun]

What phone are you using cuz I can use mine to fry eggs 😭

HRGSKDHSJAAH really??? I just use a regular google pixel 4a from like 2020. sometimes it does run really hot if I have it charging while I'm playing the game, but otherwise it's fine!