On Monday, December 6, Google broke the news to us, introducing a slew of new capabilities for the Pixel series of smartphones. While not all features are available on every Pixel, there is something new for everyone who owns a Pixel 3 or later. However, the update isn’t currently available for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users; Google claims they’ll get it next week.
This article will give a brief overview of the new Pixel features.
- Reader App Upgraded
The Recorder app’s language collection has now been increased. Transcriptions are now available in Japanese, French, and German for Pixel 3 and later devices.
- Quick Tap to Snap
This snappy term refers to a feature available to each Pixel Snapchat user. You can now access Snapchat right from the lock screen by setting Snapchat as a Quick Tap action in the newest version. This functionality is only accessible on Pixel 4a 5G and subsequent models.
- Car Crash Detection
Car collision detection, which is previously available in Spain, Ireland, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and the United States, is also available in Taiwan, Italy, and France for Pixel 3 and newer devices.
- Digital Car Key
Soon, you’ll be able to leave your house with nothing but your smartphone in your hand. With its initial deployment of digital vehicle keys, Google is bringing Pixel owners one step closer to that reality. This function, which is only available in certain 2020–2022 BMW models in certain countries, allows you to lock and unlock your car door by merely tapping your phone on the handle, as well as start the car by treating the Pixel like a key fob. For the time being, this function is only available on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
- Brand New Wallpapers
For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Google has released three new wallpapers. Artist Dana Kearly created the new works, which can be accessed in the Curated Culture area.
- Ultra-Wideband
Although the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have ultra-wideband capabilities, Google deactivated them at launch. UWB is finally here with this latest version; the most popular feature is Nearby Share, which allows you to share SMS, photographs, movies, files, and other forms of data to other UWB-enabled devices.
- Conversation Mode
When utilizing earbuds or headphones, this function, which is currently in development, helps you focus on the topic at hand and shut out background noise. Google never sees any of the data created by your interactions since all of the processing takes place on the device.
- Now Playing Updated
Now Playing is a fantastic feature; if you want to know the name of a song playing in your area, simply check at the lock screen of your Pixel. If your phone recognizes it, the title of the music will appear at the bottom of the screen. If your Pixel 4 or newer isn’t immediately detecting a song in your vicinity, you may use the new search button to get things rolling. Simply tap the music note next to the title to store the song as a favorite for subsequent listening.
These are all the updates, for now, we cant wait to see what else Google has in store for the next year.