Pixel Smartphones and Watch Receive Feature-Packed Updates
The company regularly releases software updates for its branded smartphones, introducing various useful functionalities. The latest major update brings improvements not only to the Pixel 7 series smartphones but also expands the capabilities of the Pixel Watch smartwatch.
New Features for Pixel Phones:
- Circle to Search: Similar to the current flagship, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro now have the “Circle to Search” function. Users can press and hold the navigation bar or home button, then circle, write, or tap on an image, text, or video to get information about it directly.
- Enhanced Social Media Capabilities: Owners of Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, and Fold can now record 10-bit HDR video for uploading to Instagram. Additionally, they can upload photos in the Ultra HDR format to their social media feeds.
- Improved Call Screen (US users only): Users in the US with Pixel 6 and newer devices can now leverage the Call Screen tool. This allows them to ask Google Assistant to answer an incoming call, with the entire conversation presented as a written transcript on the screen.
- App Screen Sharing: Pixel Tablet, Fold, 5a 5G, and newer devices now benefit from the App Screen Sharing feature. This allows users to share only the desired application window during video calls, maintaining privacy by not revealing the entire device screen.
- Additional Features: The update also introduces a “Connected devices” function for easier Bluetooth accessory connection, and handwriting input support in Google Docs. On the Pixel Tablet, voice input activation now automatically collapses the Gboard keyboard into a toolbar, improving multitasking efficiency.
Pixel Watch (2022) Updates:
The Pixel Watch (2022) receives several valuable features:
- Pace Training: This feature allows users to set a target pace during workouts.
- Improved Heart Rate Monitoring: The “Heart Zone” feature offers more precise heart rate tracking.
- Enhanced Training Interface: The training interface undergoes a complete redesign, featuring auto-pause, and auto-start/stop capabilities for specific workout segments (running, walking, elliptical training, cycling, treadmill, rowing).
- Additional Utilities: The watch also gains access to “Fitbit Relax” for breathing exercises and “Google Maps” for directly viewing public transportation routes on the device.
