Android fans warned popular phone will no longer receive free upgrades – three alternatives to consider

A POPULAR android phone will no longer receive free upgrades, with the phone company officially ending its software support.

The Google Pixel 5a phone will receive one last security patch in November.

The phone first launched in August 2021, with Google promising users three years of Android updates and security patches until August 2024.

However, this latest update comes three months after the phone’s end date.

Google is seemingly pushing out the November 2024 security patch for the Pixel 5a.

The AP2A.240805.005.S4 build is apparently still based on the August 2024 security patch, though it carries a newer November build date.

According to a user on Reddit, the security patch update includes various fixes related to adaptive brightness, Bluetooth routing, and media player notification.

This is not the first time Google has rolled out an update for a Pixel device a few months after it reached its end-of-life.

It typically rolls out a minor bug-fixing update a few months after support ends.

Google has listed the Pixel 5a’s November OTA and factory image for download on its site.

Pixel 5a users can manually upgrade their phone using the OTA instructions.

To update a device using one of the OTA images below, you need the latest adb tool. You can get it from the Android SDK Platform-Tools package, which you can download here.

Don’t forget to either add adb to your PATH environment variable or change into the directory containing the executable.

Also be certain that you’ve set up USB access for your device, as described in Run Apps on a Hardware Device.

You can find the full list of updating instructions here.

FOUR NEW PIXELS LAUNCHED

It’s the first time the Pro model of the Pixel has come in two different sizes, a Pixel 9 Pro which is 6.3-inches and a Pixel 9 Pro XL at 6.8-inches.

Google was forced to reveal images of the fresh Pixel line-up early after a number of leaks.

This includes a new “camera bar” bulge along the back to house the lens and flash light.

But at a launch event yesterday, Android fans got a full view and look at all the new features.

The devices are brighter, more powerful and pack improved batteries, according to Google.

Battery lasts up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver switched on, the firm also claims.

The company’s new AI voice-assistant Gemini Live will be available on the Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold models too, free for a year.

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