
Google is rolling out the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop today, alongside Android 15 QPR1. This update brings a variety of exciting new features to Pixel devices, from Pixel phones to tablets and foldables.
The December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop is packed with useful new features for all Pixel devices, from enhanced apps and new features for Pixel phones to foldables, tablets, and more. Whether you’re using a Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, Pixel 6+, or the Pixel Tablet, you’ll enjoy improvements that make your device more functional.
For Pixel 9 Series:
The Pixel 9 series is getting a significant update to the Screenshot feature. This update integrates the Screenshots app with Gboard, Circle to Search, and Google Wallet. There are also new filters that automatically categorize your screenshots, making them easier to manage. The design of the app is also getting some tweaks to improve usability. Another new addition is that stickers you create in Pixel Studio can now be used in Gboard (currently available in English).
The Recorder app on the Pixel 9 series is also getting an upgrade. There is now a “Clear voice” toggle on the recording screen that helps reduce background noise, making recordings clearer.
For those who love social media, the built-in Instagram camera app on the Pixel 9 series now supports Ultra HDR, allowing you to capture better quality images and videos. This feature is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Lastly, the Pixel 9 series is introducing Call Screen with contextual replies powered by Gemini Nano. This feature suggests automated responses based on the conversation. For instance, if a delivery person calls, the Call Screen might suggest responses like “In the lobby,” “Inside,” or “Not outside” if they’re asking where to leave a package.
For All Pixel Phones:
Pixel 6+ users in the US (English) now have access to a live transcript during automatic Call Screen sessions. This means you can view the transcription of the call and choose to answer or decline it at any time.
The Pixel 6+ is also getting a new Simple View, which increases the font size and touch sensitivity. This makes it easier for people with visual impairments or those who prefer larger text to navigate their phones.
Now Playing, a feature that helps identify music playing around you, is getting a small update. It can now show album artwork along with the song name. Additionally, Google Search is being used to identify songs that your device might not recognize. Both of these changes can be enabled through the “Enhance Now Playing” setting in the Sound & Vibration section of the settings app.
For users who enjoy the Gemini AI assistant, several new Gemini extensions are now available for the Pixel 6+. These include integrations with apps like Messages, Phone, Spotify, and Utilities. Gemini Live is also expanding to more languages, and the Saved Info feature is now available for Advanced subscribers. Additionally, Google is working on making it possible for users to control their smart home devices through Gemini, but this feature will be available in the future through the Public Preview program.
Another important feature coming to the Pixel 6+ is Identity Check (currently in beta). This requires face or fingerprint authentication when you try to change sensitive settings, such as Theft Protection or your device passcode. It also adds an extra layer of security when accessing passwords and passkeys in new locations that are not trusted places.
For those who live in Germany, Car Crash Detection is now available on the Pixel 4a. This feature detects if you’ve been in a car crash and alerts emergency services.
Snapchat is also making use of Google’s cloud Photo Picker, which allows you to pick photos from the cloud for sharing directly within the app.
One of the most exciting new features is Expressive Captions, which is rolling out to the Pixel 6+ in the US (English) on Android 14 and later. This feature takes the existing Live Captions and improves them by describing the “intensity and emotion” of the speech in videos.
For example, it will add descriptions like [gasps], [sighs], [cheers], or [groaning] alongside captions. This feature is available in most video content, including livestreams, sports, Google Photos, and social media posts. The captions can also be fully capitalized when appropriate.
Finally, Quick Share is getting a handy update that allows you to transfer images, videos, and documents to others by simply having them scan a QR code displayed on your device. This makes it easier and faster to share files with friends and family.
For Pixel Foldables:
The Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are getting a new feature in the Camera app. When using Portrait Mode, you can now enable a Dual Screen feature. This allows both you and the subject to preview the shot, ensuring everyone is happy with the photo before you take it.
Made You Look, a fun feature that adds animated effects to photos, is coming to the original Pixel Fold. However, only this year’s foldable device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is getting a new character from the movie Inside Out. This new character is called Joy and adds a playful touch to your photos.
For Pixel Tablet:
The Pixel Tablet is also receiving some cool updates. With Android 15 QPR1, the tablet now supports lockscreen widgets. This feature allows you to add widgets to your lockscreen for quick access to important information. Additionally, Google is officially bringing its VPN service to the Pixel Tablet, offering users more privacy and security.
Via – 9to5Google