It's been an eventful day, as far as Google updates are concerned. The company has announced a suite of new features rolling out for Android devices in general, but as usual, Pixel devices get some extra perks with the rollout of feature drops. Today's feature drop is packed with features that enhance communication, safety, and creativity, and will be available for all supported Pixel phones, tablets, and smartwatches starting today.
For Pixel phones
1. AI-powered Scam Protection: This feature uses on-device AI to detect conversation patterns commonly used by scammers in real-time, notifying users during calls and text messaging if the person on the other end may be a potential scammer. This feature is available on Pixel 9 in the US for calls and on Pixel 6 and newer for text messages, and you can learn more details about it here.
Scam Detection on a Pixel 9 Pro. | Image credit — Google
2. Stream like a pro: Users can now connect their Pixel phone with a GoPro or other Pixel phone camera to use with streaming apps to display different angles. This should make for more immersive videos that look more professionally done. This feature is available on Pixel 9 phones.
Connected camera on a Pixel 9 Pro. | Image credit — Google
3. Create stickers and images of people in Pixel Studio: Pixel Studio now allows users to create stickers and images of people using text-to-image prompts. Simply type a description of a person or scene, or choose a style like "video game" or "3D cartoon," and watch as Pixel Studio brings it to life. This feature is available on Pixel 9 phones.
Pixel Studio can now process text-to-image prompts to recreate people. | Image credit — Google
4. More Google AI features in more countries: Google is expanding its AI features, such as Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, Pixel AI weather reports, Pollen tracker, and AI-powered summaries in the Recorder app, to Japan and Germany. Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel AI weather reports in the Weather app will be available on Pixel 9 phones in Germany. Japan will get all the aforementioned, plus the pollen tracker in the Weather app and AI-powered summaries in the Recorder app, on Pixel 9 phones and select Pixel 8 Pro phones.
5. Satellite SOS and messaging expansion: The Satellite SOS feature is expanding to EMEA, Canada, and other regions, allowing users to connect to emergency services via satellite when cellular or Wi-Fi is unavailable. Additionally, Verizon and T-Mobile users will be able to send text messages over satellite. These features are available on all Pixel 9 series phones.
6. Find my family and friends: The Find My Device app now lets users share their location and receive the location of their friends and family. This feature is available on all Android devices and Pixel 6 and newer.
7. Pixel Fold features:Pixel Fold users will enjoy new photo and video tools, including Dual Screen support for video recording and the Add Me feature to ensure everyone is in the shot.
Pixel Fold dual screen video recording support. | Image credit — Google
8. Pixel Screenshots updates: The Pixel Screenshots app will now automatically suggest which screenshots should be added to collections for easier discoverability. Additionally, the app is now available on work profiles on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Pixel Screenshots app is getting some new updates as well. | Images credit — Google
9. Gboard voice toolbar: Gboard is getting a new Voice Toolbar for easier dictation. This feature is available on all Android phones and foldables.
Recommended Stories
10. Improvements to Pixel modes: You can now personalize your Pixel's modes and activate them more easily by swiping down from the top of your screen. You can also customize existing modes such as the ones for driving, bedtime or do not disturb. This will be available on all Pixel phones.
Pixel Modes customization. | Image credit — Google
11. Gemini Live upgrade: Gemini Live is also getting a huge upgrade with improved understanding and multilingual conversation support. Users can speak to Gemini Live in any combination of over 45 languages without changing their settings. Multimodal capabilities are rolling out to all Pixel 6 and newer devices, allowing users to add images, files, and YouTube videos to their conversations.
Additionally, Google has announced that Gemini Life will be getting an update in the coming weeks that will allow you to interact with it through live video and screen sharing. This will surely be something very interesting to try.
For Pixel Watch
1. Loss of pulse detection: Pixel Watch users will benefit from FDA-cleared Loss of Pulse Detection, which can detect when a user has experienced a loss of pulse and automatically prompt a call to emergency services. This feature is available on Pixel Watch 3.
2. Menstrual tracking: Pixel Watch 3 also adds on-device menstrual tracking to aid in predicting the next period.
The Pixel Watch 3 will now be able to predict your next period. | Image credit — Google
3. Improved step tracking: All Pixel Watch devices now track steps with greater precision and accuracy.
4. Auto Bedtime Mode: Auto Bedtime Mode, which automatically detects when you fall asleep and turns off your watch face and notifications, is now available on Pixel Watch 2, in addition to the Pixel Watch 3.
5. Audio control: New actions on Pixel Watch allow users to manage their audio content, including fast-forward, rewind, adjust playback speed, and control playback queue. This feature is available on all Pixel Watch devices.
For the entire Pixel portfolio
1. Auto Transcribe in the Recorder app: Pixel devices can now transfer audio recordings from previous phones or Pixel Watches and automatically transcribe them and save them to the Recorder app. This feature is available on Pixel 6 and newer phones, Pixel Watches, and Pixel Tablet.
Auto Transcribe from any device available in the Recorder app. | Image credit — Google
This update seems to be a significant step forward for Pixel devices, offering a range of features that cater to various needs and interests. I'm particularly interested in the AI-powered scam protection and the expanded Satellite SOS feature, as well as trying out Gemini Live with live video and screen sharing.
Create a free account and join our vibrant community
Register to enjoy the full PhoneArena experience. Here’s what you get with your PhoneArena account:
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and official member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: