If you have a Pixel phone, Google’s Pixel Drops just improved it. The October 2024 update has added new AI features, including more ways to use Gemini and easier access to screenshots. Your Pixel phone’s camera also improves, with upgrades like clearer sound in videos, greater night sky photos, and underwater photography. Here’s more on what’s coming.
Gemini Takes Over Your Pixel Buds and screenshots
Gemini has grown into more than just the generative text AI we once knew it as. It’s now available for all Pixel Buds models, and not just the Pixel Buds Pro 2 introduced on August 13.
Thanks to the new October Pixel Drop, you can now use voice commands with Gemini to get walking directions, check your emails, or brainstorm ideas using the new Gemini Live feature. To start, just say, “Hey Google, let’s talk”.
Gemini Live is free for all Pixel users and is expanding to more languages, including German and Portuguese, allowing more people to use it for real-time and realistic conversations.
Google has also launched Pixel Screenshots, an app exclusive to Pixel phones that helps you manage your screenshots more easily. It uses advanced AI to automatically save, organize, and recall information from your screenshots.
When you take one, the app processes the content, creates a title and summary, and can even suggest certain actions like setting reminders. Then you can ask the app questions about your saved screenshots in a conversational way.
For example, if you saved a restaurant recommendation or a shopping list, you can easily find that information later without scrolling through countless images. The app works quickly and efficiently, even without an internet connection. It’s available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold phones.
Enjoy features from noise control to temperature checks
Besides the aforementioned Pixel drops, the following are more smart features to hit your phone:
- Audio Magic Eraser: Reduces background noise in videos and lets you change sound levels on Pixel 8 and newer phones.
- Underwater Photography: Nicer underwater photos on the Pixel 9 phone series with any waterproof case.
- Astrophotography Update: Easier star photos with a new slider in Night Sight and support in Instagram on Pixel 6 and newer phones.
- Thermometer App: Use the camera on Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro (including Pro XL) phones to see live temperature readings.
- Weather App: Tracks pollen levels to help manage your allergies. Available on Pixel 6 and newer phones, including Pixel tablets.
- Widget Recommendations: It’s easier to find and add widgets for your home screen on Pixel 6 and newer phones.
- Call Screen Enhancements: Improved transcription and voice interactions for calls in the UK and Japan.
- Theft Protection: New tools to lock your Pixel 6 and newer phone models if they’re stolen, and enable remote locking.
- Private App Space: Create a safe space for sensitive apps with a separate PIN. Available on Pixel 6 and newer phones.
- Vibration Adjustments: Automatically changes vibration strength based on your surroundings. Available on Pixel 7 and newer phones.
Sync, control, and share on Pixel phones & tablets
Your Pixel Watches and Tablets aren’t left out of the latest Pixel drops. On watches running Wear OS 3 or higher versions, you can now easily reach your favorite contacts with a new contact tile, allowing you to call or message them with just one tap.
There’s also a fun addition that lets you send emoji reactions to emails directly from your watch. Plus, the Loss of Pulse Detection feature is now available in more countries, helping to alert emergency services if someone’s heart stops beating.
Meanwhile, your Pixel Tablet can transfer music or videos to your Pixel phone just by bringing them close together and without tapping any buttons. This synchronization update also affects notifications for the better. If you dismiss a notification on one device, it will disappear from the other too.
Also, while your tablet is charging, you can access controls for smart home devices and camera feeds with the new home panel screensaver. You can share photos directly from the digital photo frame and choose from stylish new clock designs. These features will start rolling out today with the October Drop and Android 15.
