Google Pixel is Getting Loads of New Features — What You Need to Know

Google Pixel is Getting Loads of New Features — What You Need to Know

Google's Pixel series already has a great feature set, but there is always room to add more. Today is the day that the latest "feature drop" comes to Pixel devices.

Google's software-driven approach means this will happen more often. Among the new features this month are the ability to share recorded audio, an underwater photography option, and a new Pixel Stand feature; improvements to AR performance are also planned; and the Pixel Stand will be able to take advantage of the new Pixel Stand feature, which will allow users to take a photo of the Pixel device with their phone.

The Pixel's Recorder app is one of the best features available on a Google phone, as it records and automatically transcribes conversations. Thankfully, Google has realized that people want to share these recordings, or at least back them up. All recordings are automatically backed up to Google Drive and can be accessed on multiple devices via a dedicated Recorder web page.

In addition, links to the files can be shared so anyone can hear what happened. Even if they don't have a Pixel phone.

Underwater photography is more of a partnership than a new feature. Google has partnered with Kraken Sports to make their universal smartphone housing available for the Pixel. This is because even though it is IP68 waterproof, it is not a good idea to take your phone underwater for extended periods of time, especially in saltwater.

The idea here is that while you can use all of the Pixel's camera features, the phone itself is safely stored inside a Kraken diving case. This case costs $325, so I wouldn't call it an impulse buy.

Other features include Gboard's Smart Compose. This uses machine learning to help you complete sentences as you write them. There is also Google Fit heart and breath monitoring and special wallpaper for International Women's Day

Pixel Stand will also be upgraded. This feature is not available on the Pixel 3a or Pixel 4a.

Although not currently rolled out, Android Police also discovered that Google has updated its augmented reality SDK for Pixel devices. The changelog includes "Dual camera stereo depth on supported devices," suggesting that some devices will utilize two camera lenses for better AR support.

This update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, but will only apply to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL; the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a may be supported in the near future, but their cameras are ultra-wide angle lenses, not telephoto lenses, so it may not be as effective might not be as effective.

It's a very good time to be a Pixel owner.

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