Google has released the June 2024 Pixel Feature Drop, bringing a host of new features and improvements to Pixel devices. Let’s dive into the details for Pixel Phones, Pixel Watches and Pixel Tablets.
Pixel Phones
- Pixel 8 and 8a get a taste of the future with Gemini Nano (developer option): This AI model is currently in early stages but has the potential to enhance on-device features.
- Smarter Recorder app on Pixel 8 series: The Recorder app now leverages Gemini Nano to create more detailed transcripts, including speaker identification. You can also export transcripts for easier management.
- Expanded display options: Pixel 8, 8a and 8 Pro can now connect to external displays via USB-C, perfect for presentations or watching videos on a bigger screen.
- Never lose your Pixel again: Find My Device can now locate your phone even if it’s powered off or the battery is dead. Google assures user privacy with encrypted location data.
- Pixel Camera gets smarter: The camera can now automatically select the best moment in HDR+ photos, ensuring you capture clear, well-lit faces.
- Identify unknown callers with ease: A new reverse phone number lookup feature in the call log helps you identify those pesky unknown numbers.
- Google Wallet expands to India: Indian Pixel users can now store boarding passes, loyalty cards, tickets and more in Google Wallet.
- More control over your shots: Pixel’s camera now allows you to manually select the lens you want to use for photos.
Pixel Watch 2
- Enhanced safety with Car Crash Detection: Pixel Watch 2 can now detect car crashes and automatically call emergency services if needed. It also integrates with Emergency Sharing to notify your contacts.
- Improved Fall Detection: Fall Detection gets better at recognizing falls, especially those that happen while cycling.
- Pay with ease using PayPal: Link your PayPal account to Google Wallet on your Pixel Watch for contactless payments.
Pixel Tablet
- Richer doorbell notifications in hub mode: When docked, your Pixel Tablet will now display who is at the door with doorbell notifications, allowing for two-way talk or quick replies.
- Smart Home Favorites Widget: A new widget provides quick access to frequently used smart home controls on your Pixel Tablet’s home screen.
Availability
The Feature Drop is rolling out to all supported Pixel devices running Android 14 starting today. Carrier software updates will follow next week in the US, with a phased rollout for other regions depending on carrier and device.