In December, Google announced a "feature drop" for its Pixel smartphones that enhanced existing features and added a bunch of new ones like auto framing for Google Duo video calls, automatic filtering of robocalls using Call Screen, etc. These new features were to be rolled out with the December security patch for all Pixels. However, many Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 owners never received the update weeks after the announcement.
After repeated complaints from Pixel owners on Twitter, Google has finally confirmed that it will be rolling out a joint December and January security update for all such devices.
We understand your concern, Mike. If you did not receive the December update, in the coming days you"ll be receiving a joint January and December security update. We apologize for the inconvenience.
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) December 31, 2019
Pixel smartphones are almost always the first in line to receive new security patches from Google. Apart from fixing major security vulnerabilities, these updates also bring about minor improvements from time to time for these devices. The December security patch, in particular, was a notable one as it marked the beginning of "feature drops" from Google.
However, for some strange reason, many Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 owners never got around to getting the December security update and were stuck on the November patch.
Google rolls out a new security patch for its Pixels on the first Monday of the month so the January security patch should start going out early next week.
For Pixel owners who are still on the November security patch, the update will bring the ability to add Portrait effect to existing photos, enhanced Call Screen experience, auto-framing for video calls in Google Duo, Live Caption, and more.