Technology Google Play System Update for January 2024 breaks Pixels storage access

[Ink]

Content source

https://9to5google.com/2024/01/22/pixel-storage-issue-january-2024-update/

After updating to the January 2024 Google Play system update (which is different from the January 5, 2024 security update/patch), users report not being able to access data stored in internal storage across all apps. This results in various cascading issues, like not being able to play downloaded audio/video files or take new pictures, while the Files app appears empty. Other apps refuse to work.

This sounds similar to last year’s issue that impacted devices with multiple users enabled. However, the culprit today appears to be having that Google Play system update installed.

 

[scorpionv]

Another Pixel bug locks users out of storage, Google is working on a fix

Last time, the issue was tied to having multiple users on your Pixel. Although that isn’t yet confirmed to be the case here, if you do use multiple users on your Pixel phone, we’d recommend avoiding installing the January 2024 Google Play System Update until this issue has been resolved.

Sounds like do not install yet for all Pixel users

 

[upnorth]

It's almost hard to believe this is happening again, but Pixel users are reporting that an OS update has locked them out of their phones' internal storage, causing app crashes, non-functional phones, and a real possibility of data loss. Over in the Google Pixel subreddit, user "Liv-Lyf" compiled a dozen posts that complain of an "internal storage access issue" and blame the January 2024 Google Play system update.

Pixel phones are broken again with critical storage permission bug

Users say they can't access their device storage after January 2024 update.

arstechnica.com

 

[Ink]

Google fired all the QA employees.

Last year, the January 2023 patch broke Bluetooth connectivity for Pixel phones.

Garbage updates for hardware they created.

 

[scorpionv]

Google fired all the QA employees.

Last year, the January 2023 patch broke Bluetooth connectivity for Pixel phones.

Garbage updates for hardware they created.

Too bad. Google Pixel is a decent alternative to China phones, but it just needs to work properly. As Samsung is doing great with software updates nowadays, I'll reconsider my buying options for my next phone. Apple iPhone (software) is not my cup of tea alas, because Apple excels in both hardware and software update policy.

 

[Ink]

Too bad. Google Pixel is a decent alternative to China phones, but it just needs to work properly. As Samsung is doing great with software updates nowadays, I'll reconsider my buying options for my next phone. Apple iPhone (software) is not my cup of tea alas, because Apple excels in both hardware and software update policy.

Other than the Samsung Galaxy S-series for best in class performance and updates policy, there are not any options.

Samsung devices come with their own forced ecosystem of apps, and a not-so-favorable Privacy Policy to update Galaxy apps. This can be a deal-breaker.

Google fumbles every year with the Pixel.

 

[scorpionv]

Samsung devices come with their own forced ecosystem of apps, and a not-so-favorable Privacy Policy to update Galaxy apps. This can be a deal-breaker.

This is the exact reason why I dislike Samsung. Everything needs to look and feel like... Samsung, which has nothing to do with stock Android.

 

[Digmor Crusher]

I'm using a Pixel now, it works well for me. I don't need it to be welded to my hand 24/7, just phone calls once in awhile, checking texts and emails, web browsing occasionally. I refuse to use a Samsung or Apple phone for reasons I do not need to get into now.

 

[Moonhorse]

Im still stuck on november patch, glad to see im not impacted by this then?