Google rolls out January 2023 update to Pixel smartphones with improved fingerprint sensor recognition and Spatial Audio support

Google has launched one other set of updates for its Pixel smartphone product stack, a month on from its final Feature Drop of 2022. While this month’s update doesn’t include as many modifications because the December 2022 Feature Drop, it ought to introduce some much-needed options for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 sequence smartphones. Strictly talking, all fashions from the Pixel 4a onwards are eligible for the update, however Google has earmarked most modifications for its two most up-to-date smartphone generations.

Arguably the most important function contained inside this month’s patch is Spatial Audio, which is on the market throughout the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 sequence. According to Google, any earbuds or headphones could make use of Spatial Audio. However, the corporate limits head monitoring support to sure gadgets, such because the Pixel Buds Pro. Also, these earbuds require updating earlier than they support head monitoring themselves. Separately, Google hopes that the January 2023 update will enhance fingerprint recognition on the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7.

There is not any point out of an equal repair for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro, although. Moreover, Google claims to have addressed bugs that induced points with some Bluetooth Low Energy gadgets from pairing or reconnecting and headphones or equipment enjoying audio whereas linked in sure situations. The full changelog may be discovered on Google’s support doc, whereas the update ought to arrive as an OTA with the construct quantity TQ1A.230105 or TQ1A.230105.002, relying on which pixel smartphone you personal.

Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 7137 articles printed on Notebookcheck since 2018

Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I labored for numerous firms together with Apple and Neowin. I’ve a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I’ve since transformed to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.