Older Pixel phones appear to be getting Google’s new 3D emoji

9to5google.com Oct 20, 2026

Older Pixel phones appear to be getting Google’s new 3D emoji

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google’s new three‑dimensional emoji set, first launched on the Pixel 11, is now appearing on older Pixel models, according to a Reddit post from a Pixel 6a owner who noticed the library switch after a Google Play update. The user’s screenshots show the Noto 3D emojis replacing the legacy 2D designs, suggesting Google is beginning a phased rollout beyond its flagship device. Only one additional commenter reported the same change, indicating the distribution is still limited and likely being tested. Google has confirmed that Android 17 will ship with the 3D emoji library across all Pixel phones, but the timeline for broader adoption remains unclear. The gradual update hints at a deliberate, device‑by‑device migration strategy.

💡 Why It Matters

· The move shows Google’s commitment to a unified visual language across its ecosystem, forcing developers and users to adapt to a new standard of digital expression.

Read full article on 9to5google.com

You can cut your cell phone bill to $10/month or get a…

Mint Mobile is running two limited‑time promotions that dramatically lower the cost of mobile service and devices. Starting now, any Mint plan can be purchased for $10 per month for the first six months, with both eSIM and physical SIM options available; after the promotional period the standard rates resume, making the unlimited plan roughly 71 % cheaper during the intro phase. The offer expires on October 22. In a separate bundle, Mint sells a Google Pixel 11 for $399—over 50 % off its regular price—and includes 12 months of unlimited service at $15 per month, requiring upfront payment of $579 for the phone and a year of service. Stock of the $399 Pixel 11 is depleted, but the 512 GB model and other Pixel deals remain available.

💡 The promotions give budget‑conscious consumers a rare chance to combine a flagship Android phone with ultra‑low‑cost service, potentially reshaping price expectations in the prepaid market.

androidcentral.com · Oct 21

Google’s new 3D emojis are starting to roll out to older Pixel…

Google has begun rolling out its new Noto 3D emoji set to older Pixel devices. The 3‑D designs debuted with Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series, replacing the flat icons that long‑time Android users criticized as bland. A Reddit post confirmed that a Pixel 6a received the updated emojis via a system update, not a Gboard change. Tests on Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro running Android 17 showed no change, indicating a limited, staged deployment. Google says the emojis will eventually appear on all Android phones, including models from manufacturers such as Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Honor and Motorola. The rollout is expected to expand over the next weeks. Early adopters report smoother animation and richer color gradients that enhance expressive messaging.

💡 By extending the 3‑D emojis to legacy devices, Google narrows the visual gap with iOS and strengthens brand consistency across the Android ecosystem.

techcrunch.com · Oct 20

Google is bringing a more personal version of its Gemini AI assistant…

Google has upgraded its Gemini AI assistant in vehicles to include a Personal Intelligence feature that pulls data from Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, Maps, Search history, and other Google services. The update launches today on Android Auto and will later expand to cars with Google Built‑in. Users must opt in, and can choose which apps to connect. The assistant can answer complex, natural‑language queries and provide contextual alerts, such as flight delays while navigating to an airport. The feature aims to deepen integration across Google’s ecosystem.

💡 By weaving personal data into in‑car AI, Google tightens its hold on drivers’ daily routines, turning the vehicle into a proactive assistant that anticipates needs and streamlines travel.

9to5google.com · Oct 20

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel rolling out with 21 fixes

Google released the second beta of Android 17 QPR3 for its Pixel lineup, expanding the preview ahead of the scheduled March 2027 launch. The update, labeled Beta 2, ships as system images for a wide range of devices, including the Pixel 6a through Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Tablet, Fold models and the Android Emulator. Google lists 21 bug fixes and stability improvements, though the release notes do not detail each change. Participants can submit new issues through the Android Beta Feedback app or the dedicated Reddit community, and can receive the build over‑the‑air by enrolling in the Android Beta Program. The rollout continues the iterative testing process that Google uses to refine core features and performance before the final public release overall.

💡 It gives developers and enthusiasts early access to refinements that will shape the user experience of Android’s next major version.

androidcentral.com · Oct 20

Personal Intelligence hits the road: Google brings Gemini’s tailored assistance to Android…

Google announced that Gemini’s Personal Intelligence will be integrated into Android Auto, extending the AI‑driven assistance found on phones to vehicle dashboards. With user‑granted permission, the system can access Gmail, Photos, Maps, Search, and Workspace apps to provide context‑aware answers, such as flight status, gate numbers, or personalized restaurant recommendations along a route. Gemini can resume prior conversations, surface relevant details, and generate navigation prompts without requiring the driver to manually retrieve information. Google emphasized that drivers retain control over data sharing and that privacy safeguards remain central. The rollout will begin in the next few months for vehicles equipped with Google‑built‑in Android Auto, and users who have already enabled Personal Intelligence on their phones will experience a seamless transition.

💡 By turning a car’s infotainment screen into a proactive, data‑rich co‑pilot, Google blurs the line between mobile and automotive AI, making real‑time, personalized assistance a standard part of the driving experience.

9to5google.com · Oct 20

Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 [Gallery]

Google released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, targeting a broad range of Pixel hardware including the Pixel 6a through Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Tablet, Fold, and newer foldable models. The update arrives as a second beta patch following the initial QPR3 Beta 1, and it primarily delivers bug fixes and stability improvements rather than major new features. A side‑by‑side screenshot comparison highlights visual tweaks between the two betas. Google’s rollout will be staged over the next few hours, with users able to install the build via the standard OTA process or by following a detailed guide posted by 9to5Google. The article encourages readers to test the beta, report findings in the comments, and stay tuned for further updates as the beta matures.

💡 The patch refines the user experience across Google’s expanding Pixel lineup, ensuring a smoother transition to the upcoming Android 17 release.