Google has confirmed that the January Pixel Feature Drop will only include software updates from the Play Store. In addition, the Google Store has sent out a 20% discount code for the Mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Unlike previous Pixel Feature Drops, the January update does not include any Android feature updates, but it will be available in-app through the Google Play Store. The Pixel Thermometer app will have a new version with body temperature tracking, while the Fitbit app has been updated to support logging. A special version of “cts” (e.g., 15.3.34.29.cts.arm64) is available for Google’s Circle to Search program. This release is available in the beta version of the Google app today, but a server component will be required before the January 31 release. Google Messages will receive server-side updates for Magic Compose (on the Gemini Nano device with the Pixel 8 Pro) and Photomoji, while Quick Share and Voice Changer updates will be powered by Google Play services. Google has also announced that “the regular February update will begin rolling out to Pixel users in early February.” It is uncertain whether this update will be Android 14 QPR2, which recently received the 3.1 patch. The QPR2 preview program began earlier this month, leading to speculation that it will be available before March, when the first download of the year is expected. It remains to be seen if Google will release the March Feature Drop. Moreover, the US Google Store has started emailing 20% off discount codes for the Mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which are available in various countries.
