Joe Maring / Digital Trends
One of the great things about Google ’s Pixel earphone is how often the company sweetens the pot with its Pixel Feature Drops . Whilethey’re not always the most exciting update , every so often , we getsome pleasant surprises ; this calendar month ’s Feature Drop fits into that latter category with some raw goodies that will be of particular interest group to owner of headphone in the recentGoogle Pixel 7andGoogle Pixel 8lineups ( and of class theGoogle Pixel Fold ) .
That does n’t mean older Pixel earphone are entirely go out out of the party , though . There ’s at least one helpful enhancement here for thePixel 6and even some diminished improvements that go back to thePixel 5a . get ’s dig into everything that ’s young .
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
New features coming to Pixel phones
At the top of the list isCircle to Search by Google . While this made its debut a few weeks ago onSamsung ’s new Galaxy S24 lineup , it was manifest from the name thatit would n’t be a Samsung - exclusive feature for very long .
So , we were n’t too surprised when itlanded on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in Google ’s late January Pixel Feature Drop , and now thePixel 7 and Pixel 7 Proare being receive to play along , too . Sadly , there ’s no parole whether it ’s coming to the Pixel Fold yet , but considering it packs in the same Tensor G2 chip as the Pixel 7 , it would be surprising if it ’s not next in line .
Google says Circle to Search is “ make out soon ” to those models , so it may not be available as soon as the Feature Drop country , but it ’s respectable to hear it wo n’t be for the Pixel 8 only . Google also take note it will be uncommitted on “ other compatible non - Pixel devices , ” so it could finally spread beyond Google and Samsung .
This feature drop also take support for 10 - fleck HDR television recording and Ultra HDR picture to all Tensor G2- and G3 - fit Pixel model , with the ability to share 10 - bit HDR videos directly to Instagram Reels and post Ultra HDR photos on Instagram .
The Feature Drop also lend a small but useful tweak to Call Screen to help deal with caller who are confused by Google Assistant . A new “ hello ” chip will lease you inspire the company to mouth , and you ’ll also be able to steer Google Assistant to assure the telephoner to wait a bite longer if you ’re ineffective to serve the call correctly away . This “ Next Gen Call Screen ” will be available on the Pixel 6 and later model , include the Pixel Fold , but only in English in the U.S.
The Pixel Watch is getting updates, too
There ’s more to this latest Feature Drop than just Pixel phones . The originalPixel Watchis also gaining three new training and physical exertion modes single to last year’sPixel Watch 2 , including Pace Training , Heart Zone Training , and the ability to start and stop certain physical exertion automatically .
Google is also adding the Fitbit slack up app to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 . moot how many other Fitbit features Google ’s smartwatch include , the deficiency of the ventilation and mindfulness app was an odd omission that disappoint many Fitbit fans and caused some to hesitate to switch over .
Google ’s tardy Feature Drop also adds one more bonus for all Wear osmium 3 smartwatches with the comprehension of public transit guidance . Google announced this last workweek atMobile World Congress ( MWC ) 2024 , along with sustenance for passes from Google Wallet on your telephone — such as consequence tickets , boarding passes , and loyalty cards . While the Modern Wallet qualifying are n’t mention in this Feature Drop , at least the long - awaited transit directions are already roll out .
Other Pixel updates coming soon
The March Pixel Feature Drop also add App Screen Sharing to all supported Pixel gimmick , including theGoogle Pixel Tablet , Pixel Fold , and even the older Pixel 5a . This lets you portion out only a specific app when casting , transcription , or present in a video call rather than expose your total screen .
The same gadget will also get an improved Google FastPair experience by letting you rapidly re - add any Bluetooth devices previously used with your Google Account , even if they were never paired with the current gadget . This will also be coming to all supported Pixel gadget .
Lastly , Google is get handwritten annotations to Google Docs , using a stylus or your finger , on all Android tablets and telephone set running Android 8 or new , plus a redesign Gboard Voice Toolbar that gets the keyboard out of the way when voice input is active . This will be uncommitted on all Android tablets using Gboard 13.9 or later .
Google ’s March Pixel Feature Drop start roll out internationally today and will embark on roll out in the U.S. next Monday , March 11 .
