What do you want to know
- Google has announced the latest Pixel feature drop for March 2023.
- Improved Night Sight is coming to the Pixel 6 series, and older Pixel phones will have access to improved Direct My Call.
- Google also highlights the arrival of Fall Detection on the Pixel Watch.
- Chromebooks started receiving Fast Pair support with the latest Chrome OS update.
After missing its window last week, Google is finally retailer the latest version of the Pixel feature that has started rolling out to multiple generations of Google smartphones. This feature drop brings new camera and calling features and more to current and older Pixel phones, with some features arriving in the coming weeks.
Pixel Smartphones
For the Pixel 6 series, Google is bringing the same Night Sight enhancements it launched alongside the Pixel 7. This means phones will capture and process low-light images faster, giving you more time to prepare for your next shot. This will be available for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, although it looks like the Pixel 6a will miss this improvement.
For owners of Nest speakers and displays, Google is syncing timers across Pixel phones. This way, your Pixel At a Glance widget will show a timer you’ve set from your Nest device, and you can easily turn it off with a tap.
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Additionally, older Pixel phones have access to one of Google’s new calling features. Direct my call comes to the Pixel 4a and newer, allowing users to view menu options during a call before they’re even spoken, allowing users to navigate automated menus faster.
Google is also expanding some features to new devices and regions. The company has already detailed how Magic Eraser expands see you Android phones, including older Pixel devices. While other devices require a Google One subscription, older Pixel phones will be able to access the feature without it.
Hold for me, which was available in the US, Australia, and Canada, is now expanding to Japan. And the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are also getting Dual SIM Dual Standby support so owners can use two eSIM profiles on their phones.
Finally, Google Health Connect app won’t come pre-installed on Pixel phones so users can better control their health data across apps.
Pixel Watch
When it comes to the Pixel Watch, Google is mostly highlighting features that were previously covered in the recent Removal of Android features. This includes the new fall detection feature that has already started rolling out to the smartwatch.
Another feature detailed in the Android feature dropdown is the new accessibility settings for display and audio. “In the coming weeks”, the owners of Wear OS 3 watches will be able to switch to mono-audio and activate new color correction and grayscale modes.
Other Features
After a long wait, Fast Pair is finally available on Chromebooks as part of Chrome OS 111. This will make it easier to pair compatible devices such as Pixel Buds Pro to your Chromebook simply by opening the charging case or turning on a Bluetooth device near the Chromebook.
Google is also pushing out new Gboard Emoji Kitchen mashups to celebrate the impending arrival of spring. You can also find new basketball-related mashups, like heart-shaped basketballs.
Finally, in the coming weeks, owners of compatible BMWs will be able to use their Pixels as digital car keys to unlock their car without taking their phone out of their pocket. With Ultra Wideband on the Pixel 6 Pro And Pixel 7 Prothe car also locks when you leave your car, giving you extra peace of mind if you often forget to lock your car.
Bug fixes
In addition to these new features, Google’s March 2023 Update brings lots of bug fixes for Pixel phones. The update starts rolling out today and will arrive over the next few weeks depending on device and carrier.
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