Pixel phones are the Android OS's favorite child in that they're direct products of Google. They receive major updates ahead of Samsung and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) running the custom software version. Non-Pixel users are often envious of its quarterly feature drop. While they're nothing mindblowing, some stand out and bring useful functionality.
This month, Google has improved your call screen and Instagram video upload quality and expanded health features for the first-generation Pixel Watch, among other features. In the coming weeks, you should receive them, and here's what to expect.
Get callers talking and receive calls that matter
Not everyone likes phone calls — or worse, meaningless phone calls. Knowing what someone wanted from you before you agreed to talk would be nice. Google Pixel phones have had the call screening feature for a while, allowing you to bypass spammers and unnecessary conversations.
Sometimes, the line goes quiet, and callers don't respond to the screening process. The Google Assistant provides transcripts of your calls, yet it doesn't give you clues on what's really happening on their end.
Now, there's an improvement through a “Hello?” button. Press it, and the assistant prompts them again to say why they're reaching out. The assistant then transcribes their message for you, and you decide whether to speak to them. There are other interactive buttons, such as “I'll be right there” and “Leave it by the door.”
Availability: Pixel 6 and newer phones. USA-exclusive to the Pixel Fold in English.
Record stunning HDR reels on Instagram
Instagram generally limits uploaded video resolution to 1080p. Even if the original Pixel recording is of higher quality, say 4K, the platform will compress it to fit the requirements. It's bad news because there'll be significant detail loss and inconsistencies across your content, especially if you're a professional creator.
But Google has a solution. Now, your Pixel phone can directly shoot videos in 10-bit HDR resolution on Instagram Reels. When sharing your videos with followers, you'll enjoy brighter intensity and higher contrasts.
Availability: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel Fold. Availability may vary across different regions.
Circle to Search rolls out to the Pixel 7 series
Earlier this year, we saw the collaborative efforts of Google and Samsung giving life to Circle to Search. The brilliant AI-powered feature helps you find results when highlighting or scribbling on on-screen content. It reduces the time you spend typing the search keywords or switching between apps.
The feature was initially limited to the latest Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 series. Google has extended it to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro phones.
Availability: Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro.
Pixel phones aren't the only ones receiving feature drops
Coming to the first generation Pixel Watch are familiar features on the Pixel 2 watch. Pace Training allows you to set goal paces during workouts with haptic and voice cues for adjustments when you pair the watch with the Pixel Buds Pro. Meanwhile, Heart Zone Training monitors time spent in personal heart rate zones with haptic and voice alerts for transitions.
The redesigned workouts UI offers clearer stats for pace and heart rate. Additionally, auto-start and auto-stop features cancel the need to manually begin or end workouts, automatically detecting running, walking, cycling, and other activities.
The Fitbit Relax app also guides you through on-wrist breathing exercises, while Google Maps on Wear OS guides you through your area.
Availability: Haptic and voice cues require the Pixel Buds Pro. Auto-start and stop features are on the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch (first gen) globally. Public transit directions are exclusive to watches with Wear OS 3 or higher versions.
Portfolio-wide changes are on the way
The Pixel portfolio encompasses every device Google has created, from the phones, Chromebooks, and earbuds to the tablets and watches. New features coming to these devices include select screen sharing on the Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 5a with 5G, and newer phones.
You decide what to show people on a video call instead of sharing the full screen. They don't have to see the multiple dating apps or embarrassing search tabs you have open in the background.
Fast Pair also makes connecting your old Bluetooth accessories and other devices to a brand-new Pixel phone or tablet much easier. Now, you don't have to experience the hassle of searching and pairing them from scratch.
With your stylus or fingers, you may add handwritten annotations to documents in Google Docs directly from your Pixel device. You'll have access to different pen colors and highlighters.
There's a new Gboard voice toolbar on Pixel tablets that minimizes the keyboard when you use voice input. This way, you have more screen space to work with.
Availability: Select screen sharing and fast pairing features are available on Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 5a with 5G, and newer phones. The Gboard voice toolbar is on Android Tablets with Gboard 13.9 or higher versions.
Google’s latest feature drop has commenced rolling out
Effective on March 4, 2024, the aforementioned features are rolling out to Google Pixel devices and will continue until the next few weeks. If you haven't received them yet, don't worry. Updates usually take them to reach users, especially while they're spread out in different regions worldwide.
