December Pixel Feature Drop
The December Feature Drop has finally arrived, featuring a list of new features and improvements to take the Pixel series to the next level: Pixel phones, Pixel Watches, and the Pixel Tablet. Whether you use the latest Pixel 9 series or another model from several generations back, you have a reason to feel special. Be it smarter ways of handling calls to improved recording tools, here is the round-up of the important updates that you can get.
The update will also be available for older Pixel models, starting with the Pixel 6 onwards. If a call gets automatically screened, for instance, users can now review the exchange between the caller and Google's AI to help determine whether a potentially screened call is really spam or not.
Clear Voice Mode for Pixel Recorder
Another major update for the Pixel 9 owners is the new Clear Voice Mode in the Pixel Recorder app. It isolates voices when recording, dampening background noise, and makes speech clear. Clear Voice Mode will make what was said distinctly heard and followed-be it in interviews, lectures, or casual conversations.
New Features in Pixel Screenshots App
The Pixel Screenshots app also sees some handy upgrades with this drop. It is now easier to save parts of your screen highlighted using the Circle to Search feature for easy revisiting later, instead of going through your entire gallery for those searches and captures.
Moreover, it is now possible to add screenshots of things like tickets, boarding passes, and event details directly to Google Wallet. This feature is very handy for storing and organizing important documents quickly. Plus, Gboard will now suggest text based on your screenshot content, like album names or event details, when you're searching in apps like Spotify or Google Maps.
Ultra HDR Photos on Instagram for Pixel 9
The Instagram app now supports taking Ultra HDR photos directly within the app for Pixel 9 users. Though Instagram has supported HDR photo uploads for a while now, the feature allows Pixel 9 owners to capture higher-quality, more vibrant images before posting. Merging the camera capability of Pixel 9 with the Instagram app will ensure your photos stand out with rich color and detail.
Pixel Watch and Tablet Get New Features
Meanwhile, Pixel Watch users are also getting some cool new features. The Cardio Load metric, which measures how hard your heart works throughout the day, is now available on Pixel Watch 1 and 2, as well as select Fitbit models. This feature helps you track your heart's workload and set fitness goals around it. Live streaming from Nest cameras to the Pixel Watch has now been extended to the Pixel Watch 2, where previously it was only available on the Pixel Watch 3.
For Pixel Tablet owners, the lock screen widgets feature, which was part of the Android 15 QPR beta, is now widely available. These widgets let you quickly access apps and information from your tablet's lock screen for an additional layer of convenience when you're on the go. Also, the Google VPN feature, earlier available on the Pixel Tablet, gets more prominence in this update.
Security and Accessibility Improvements
Google also introduces some minor but important features concerning security and accessibility. The new feature called Identity Check-on beta-will always request that a user re-authenticate for his or her screen lock upon making some specific device settings changes, mostly when it detects that the phone's current location is different. This adds further security to your device from unauthorized adjustment.
Additionally, a new Simple View option increases your phone's font size and touch sensitivity, making the device more accessible for users with limited dexterity or vision. This is great for users who need extra support in navigating their device.
Lastly, Now Playing, which recognizes songs around you, finally supports album art for its history tabbing, a long overdue but highly appreciated development that makes using the track identifier a prettier prospect.
The December Pixel Feature Drop carries a big bunch of minor or major fixes to Pixel Phones, Wear OF Watches and their accompanying tabs. From AI-powered Call Screen suggestions to clearer audio recordings, to enhanced media capture tools, the list of updates goes on and on to make Google's devices even more powerful and user-friendly. Whether on the latest Pixel 9 series or an older model, there is a lot to be excited about in this update. And as always, Google continues to refine the Pixel experience with new features that improve productivity and day-to-day convenience.