A new Google Pixel XL phone is displayed at the Google pop-up shop in the SoHo neighborhood on October 20, 2016 in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images/Spencer Platt)
Following the prevailing audio problem experienced by Pixel users, Google has silently resolved the issue after rolling out its February Security Update patch.
Last December, users of Google Pixel and Pixel XL have reported a sudden audio distortion on their smartphones whenever their volumes were turned to the maximum setting. 9to5 Google further noted that the distortion produced static and popping noises, regardless of the app or media playing. Some users even experienced this event at some frequencies.
But with the February Security update, Google has addressed the issue with a hidden fix on the Pixel and Pixel XL devices. Upon installing, several users have reported a clear audio feedback on their phones if they are put in maximum volume.
According to Google, the said audio distortion may have been regarded as a hardware defect and not a software problem as February's security patch includes a fix for the issue, NDTV noted. However, the patch did not mention the said fix in the official February security update change log.
Together with the said fix, the February security update also include fix for call popping issue, while the handset is connected to the Honda Bluetooth car kit. Verizon further points out that Pixel users should consider downloading the update with their manual.
On another note, the February security update includes two patch levels. The first was published on Feb. 1, which includes fix on "critical security vulnerability that could enable remote code execution on an affected device through media files." The second patch level string came on Feb. 5.
On the latest security bulletin, the February security update addressed eight critical issues while 18 issues are rated as high severity, as well as nine issues that are rated as moderate. Google cited the resolved critical security vulnerabilities such as remote code execution vulnerability in Surfaceflinger, remote code execution vulnerability in Mediaserver, remote code execution vulnerability in Qualcomm crypto driver, elevation of privilege vulnerability in kernel file system, elevation of privilege vulnerability in Nvidia GPU driver, elevation of privilege vulnerability in kernel networking subsystem, elevation of privilege vulnerability in Broadcom Wi-Fi driver, and vulnerabilities in Qualcomm components among others.
