Moto has released yet another Android 9 Pie update for the unlocked Moto G6 Play in the United States. Last month in April, the Pie update was rolled out with security patch of April 1, 2019. The newly released update has a security patch of May 1, 2019. Though it might not be available for all devices yet, it can be out anytime soon as it has already been listed on Moto’s official website. The update comes with build number PPP29.118-17-1.
Android 9.0 Pie is the 9th iteration and a major update of Google’s Android OS. The new Android Pie brings a couple of design changes to the successor Android Oreo but the most notable one is the gesture-based navigation system. Other features of Android 9 Pie are New Quick Settings UI design, Redesigned volume slider, Advanced Battery with AI Support, Notch Support, Improved Adaptive Brightness, Manual theme selection, Android Dashboard which Google calls Digital Wellbeing, and more other features.
How to update:
You’ll probably receive a notification about the update. You can directly download the update from there by clicking “Download”. Once the update gets downloaded, you can click “Install”, and your device will be updated successfully.
If you don’t receive any notification, you can manually check for the update. Go to “Settings > System > System Updates”. If any software update appears, click on “Download”. Once the update gets downloaded, you can install it. Do note that your phone’s battery should be at least 30% or above before clicking on the Install button.
Changelog:
Usability
Adaptive battery: go longer with a single charge. It prioritises battery power on the apps you use the most and applies restrictions on the ones you use the least. Battery saver can now be activated from 70% or below.
Adaptive brightness: fewer manual adjustments to perform better. Machine learning takes notes of your habits and automatically adjusts to your activities.
Quick settings improvements: no shortcuts anymore (toggles are no longer expandable, but press and hold a toggle goes to the setting detail). The icons have been redesigned with a rounded concept and circular background.
Rotation key: Android Pie presents a temporary rotation even with the auto-rotate disabled. A rotation button is displayed whenever it detects that your phone has changed orientation.
Dual SIM settings: by pressing the SIM Card toggle in the Quick settings, a full screen activity is shown to select preferred SIM and manage data usage.
Redesigned Settings app: colourful icons for each selection with a circular background. It also warns if the phone is muted or in Do not disturb mode. Order, name and placement of the settings options have not changed.
Better screenshots: another handy Android 9.0 feature is the addition of the virtual screenshot button/shortcut to the power menu (the old power and volume down method (still works). You can also edit your screenshots immediately after taking them and a delete option is also available.
Improved audio controls: the volume slider is now vertical and close to the volume buttons. Users can switch between ring, mute and vibrate-only mode. Plus, media controls are now the default volume adjusted, and Do not disturb cannot be turned on/off via the volume keys anymore. Bluetooth device volumes are also accessed whenever connected. As usual, ‘Volume Up + Power’ changes the ring mode to vibrate.
Zoom in text: you can finally manage the annoying mistakes of selecting incorrect text. Now, when you press and hold a phrase or text, it will automatically magnify at the pointer. It also helps you read small text and select words precisely.
New and updated emoji: 157 new emojis, as well as a gender-neutral concept.
Settings icon while on PIP mode: tapping the new settings icon brings you to the app’s PiP settings, where you can enable or disable the feature.
Other UI changes: time is now on the left side and the search bar is now rounded. There is a new task manager/recent list that now shows a horizontal list instead of a vertical one and includes the split screen capabilities by pressing the app icon above the thumbnail. Dragging the split screen border will select the app you want in full screen
Notifications
Notification UI changes: notifications now have rounded corners. It also supports inline images/stickers and distinguishes single/group conversations.
Dismissing notifications: Android Pie will now suggest a couple of actions to you for the type of notifications you usually dismiss. It will offer to turn off frequently dismissed notifications by asking you if you would like to stop seeing these notifications or keep showing them.
Notification bar: maximum of 4 visible notifications in the status bar before the list is truncated with a dot to indicate more unseen icons.
Manage notifications: a shortcut at the bottom of the cards in the notification shade that allows you to see a user-facing list of recent notification activity. If it’s something annoying, you can flip the toggle right there to disable unwanted notifications in the future.
Performance
Performance improvements: applications will launch faster and use less memory, gaining performance and efficiency improvements.
Power efficiency: refinements to Doze, App Standby and Background Limits to improve battery life.
Background App privacy: the system restricts access to the phone’s microphone, camera and other sensors (other than GPS). A persistent notification is shown if an app needs access while in the background.
Bluetooth enhancements: simultaneous connection of up to 5 Bluetooth audio devices. However, there is no option for simultaneous playback: users need to choose the device to be used. Android 9.0 also remembers the last volume level for paired devices.
Wi-Fi optimisation: Wi-Fi hotspot goes OFF in case of no connection. It disables automatically, preventing others nearby from connecting to your network.
Stability improvements: includes changes that fix bugs and improve the stability of your phone.
Security
Security enhancements: an alert tone will be heard when a call is being recorded to all parties. The pattern unlock also hides the swipe trail, instead of simply leaving the trail visible until the phone has fully unlocked. Better for security.
Data encryption: Android Pie will now perform client-side data encryption and/or decryption on the user’s phone: authentication is required (password, PIN, pattern), plus Google backs up all information to the cloud and hacker attacks become much more difficult.
DNS over TLS support: it creates a secure connection to the DNS server before DNS queries and responses happen. For example, someone monitoring the connection will have a harder time seeing what you’re doing.
HTTPs by default: all applications built for Android Pie onwards will send and receive data via HTTPS by default, ensuring your data is better protected as you communicate with the app’s servers, especially public Wi-Fi.
So, if you happened to sport a US Unlocked Moto G6 Play then keep your eyes out for the airborne OTA. It can drop into your device anytime now. Either wait for the OTA to hit your device on its own, otherwise manually fah the latest firmware using our resources and installation guide. Update to the latest security and fortify your device.
Adaptive battery: go longer with a single charge. It prioritises battery power on the apps you use the most and applies restrictions on the ones you use the least. Battery saver can now be activated from 70% or below.
Adaptive brightness: fewer manual adjustments to perform better. Machine learning takes notes of your habits and automatically adjusts to your activities.
Quick settings improvements: no shortcuts anymore (toggles are no longer expandable, but press and hold a toggle goes to the setting detail). The icons have been redesigned with a rounded concept and circular background.
Rotation key: Android Pie presents a temporary rotation even with the auto-rotate disabled. A rotation button is displayed whenever it detects that your phone has changed orientation.
Dual SIM settings: by pressing the SIM Card toggle in the Quick settings, a full screen activity is shown to select preferred SIM and manage data usage.
Redesigned Settings app: colourful icons for each selection with a circular background. It also warns if the phone is muted or in Do not disturb mode. Order, name and placement of the settings options have not changed.
Better screenshots: another handy Android 9.0 feature is the addition of the virtual screenshot button/shortcut to the power menu (the old power and volume down method (still works). You can also edit your screenshots immediately after taking them and a delete option is also available.
Improved audio controls: the volume slider is now vertical and close to the volume buttons. Users can switch between ring, mute and vibrate-only mode. Plus, media controls are now the default volume adjusted, and Do not disturb cannot be turned on/off via the volume keys anymore. Bluetooth device volumes are also accessed whenever connected. As usual, ‘Volume Up + Power’ changes the ring mode to vibrate.
Zoom in text: you can finally manage the annoying mistakes of selecting incorrect text. Now, when you press and hold a phrase or text, it will automatically magnify at the pointer. It also helps you read small text and select words precisely.
New and updated emoji: 157 new emojis, as well as a gender-neutral concept.
Settings icon while on PIP mode: tapping the new settings icon brings you to the app’s PiP settings, where you can enable or disable the feature.
Other UI changes: time is now on the left side and the search bar is now rounded. There is a new task manager/recent list that now shows a horizontal list instead of a vertical one and includes the split screen capabilities by pressing the app icon above the thumbnail. Dragging the split screen border will select the app you want in full screen
Notification UI changes: notifications now have rounded corners. It also supports inline images/stickers and distinguishes single/group conversations.
Dismissing notifications: Android Pie will now suggest a couple of actions to you for the type of notifications you usually dismiss. It will offer to turn off frequently dismissed notifications by asking you if you would like to stop seeing these notifications or keep showing them.
Notification bar: maximum of 4 visible notifications in the status bar before the list is truncated with a dot to indicate more unseen icons.
Manage notifications: a shortcut at the bottom of the cards in the notification shade that allows you to see a user-facing list of recent notification activity. If it’s something annoying, you can flip the toggle right there to disable unwanted notifications in the future.
Security enhancements: an alert tone will be heard when a call is being recorded to all parties. The pattern unlock also hides the swipe trail, instead of simply leaving the trail visible until the phone has fully unlocked. Better for security.
Data encryption: Android Pie will now perform client-side data encryption and/or decryption on the user’s phone: authentication is required (password, PIN, pattern), plus Google backs up all information to the cloud and hacker attacks become much more difficult.
DNS over TLS support: it creates a secure connection to the DNS server before DNS queries and responses happen. For example, someone monitoring the connection will have a harder time seeing what you’re doing.
HTTPs by default: all applications built for Android Pie onwards will send and receive data via HTTPS by default, ensuring your data is better protected as you communicate with the app’s servers, especially public Wi-Fi.
PPP29.118-17-1: Firmware Details
- Device Name: US Unlocked Moto G6 Play (jeter)
- Carrier: US unlocked carrier
- Region: USA
- Software Version: PPP29.118-17-1
- Security Patch Level: 01.06.2019
- Android OS: 9.0 Pie
Download Firmware
Here is the download link of the official firmware which packs the tasty Pie treat for your Moto G6 Play.
Steps to Install Moto G6 Play Android 9.0 Pie Update:
First of all, make sure to follow the pre-requisite before upgrading to Android 9.0 Pie Update on Moto G6 Play.
US Unlocked – PPP29.118-17-1: Download
At GetDroidTips, We will not be held responsible for any kind of damage occurred to your device while following this Guide. Do it at your own risk.
Pre-Requisites
- This Update is only for Moto G6 Play users.
- Make sure, your device is running on the latest Android Oreo.
- Take a complete backup of your phone and then proceed.
- You have to download and install Motorola USB Drivers
- Download ADB and Fastboot tools
Instructions to Install:
Here is the complete installation guide to help you flash the OTA firmware on your US Unlocked Moto G6 Play.
So, install the Android 9.0 Pie Update for US Unlocked Moto G6 Play and enjoy the features it brings. We hope this installation guide was helpful to you. If you have any queries do let us know in the comments section.
