Google Pixel bug that could risk your safety remains unresolved
What's the story
Google's Pixel smartphones have been plagued by a persistent bug that prevents users from dialing emergency services like 911. The issue has been reported by Pixel 8, Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 owners in the US, including those on major networks like AT&T. Despite its critical nature, the problem remains unresolved, with complaints surfacing as recently as September.
Impact
Users have reported being unable to call 911
The severity of this bug is evident from user experiences. One Pixel 8 owner reported a 10-minute struggle to reach emergency services due to their phone's refusal to make a call without Wi-Fi calling enabled, despite being in an area with strong mobile network coverage. The user was able to call 911 from another phone without any issues, further highlighting that the problem lies specifically with certain Pixel devices.
Carrier alert
Canadian carrier Bell issued warning for Pixel users
Canadian telecom operator Bell issued an emergency message on Thursday, warning customers that owners of Pixel 6-10 devices could face difficulties when trying to contact 911. The warning came after several reports of failed calls from these models. However, no major US carrier has issued a similar alert despite the widespread nature of this problem among Pixel users in the country.
Concern
Google yet to acknowledge the issue
The lack of acknowledgment or action from Google and major US carriers is worrying, especially considering the real-world implications of being unable to reach emergency services in time. This isn't an isolated incident either. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of Pixel users facing similar issues with calling emergency services.