Google distributes new feature drop for Pixel smartphones and the Watch

Google is in an update mood. It was only at the end of February, on the occasion of MWC 2023, that the company delivered new features for many Android and Wear OS devices, and the company’s own products are now being followed up.

According to Google, the focus of the first Pixel feature drop for 2023 is “faster camera features, editing, health functions and even more for your Pixel Watch and your Pixel”. According to Google, the updates are now being distributed for all pixel models starting with Pixel 4a (test) to Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro (test) and the Pixel Watch (test).

Owners of a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro (test) can be happy because their smartphones get a boost in night mode. According to Google, the camera is now even faster in poor light conditions in night vision mode thanks to new algorithms in both models. “It’s a better way to capture special moments, even if they’re not perfectly lit,” the company explains.

In addition, the “magic eraser” that started with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro lands on other Pixel models. The feature can remove distracting elements like trash cans, passers-by and more from photos with one tap. It is also possible to adjust the color and brightness of an object so that it fits better into the overall picture.

Google only made the eraser available to all Google One subscribers at the end of February.

With the pixel feature drop, Google is bringing its announcement to the Google I/O in May 2022 Health Connect app on Pixel devices. The app is used to merge and link activity data from various health services and fitness platforms such as Fitbit, Peloton, Oura, Samsung Health and others.

According to Google, the Health Connect data should only be stored on the device and not end up in the cloud.

This is the feature all Google Nest device owners have been waiting for: when you set a timer on a Nest Hub, the Google Assistant shows the countdown
now also available on your Pixel smartphone.

A push notification will also appear on the Pixel device when the timer expires, so you can dismiss it with a quick tap or add another minute.

Anyone who caught Google’s MWC announcement should already be familiar with the new feature for the Pixel Watch, as it’s rolling out to all smartwatches running Wear OS 3 and newer:

The smartwatch operating system gets new sound and display modes to optimize the watch’s accessibility. The “mono audio” feature can help reduce disorientation caused by “split audio,” while “color correction and grayscale modes offer more choices for the watch display,” Google explains.

Google is also rolling out some known features to Pixel devices in additional regions and languages:

• With the digital ultra-wideband car key (UWB), the smartphone can be left in your pocket or handbag. The vehicle can be locked or unlocked automatically when you approach or move away from the car.
• It is also possible to start the vehicle’s engine even when the smartphone is in your pocket. This feature should be available in the coming weeks, according to Google.
• From March 9th, the Fast Pair function should be available on the first Chromebooks. With this feature, the devices automatically recognize your Pixel Buds Pro (test) or other Bluetooth headphones. They can be paired with just a tap of your finger.

• New emoji combinations are now available in the Emoji Kitchen. You can mix them up and share them as stickers on Gboard.
• Also new is the option to use two eSIMs with dual SIM dual standby on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.