Google is bringing new features to Pixel smartphones and watches

Every three months, Google releases its so-called pixel feature drops, which give in-house products such as smartphones and watches new functions. This time, Google is also giving the Fitbit products some new features.

The following innovations will be introduced with the feature drop in smartphones, watches and Fitbit products.

With the update, you can start a so-called emergency release or plan a security check for Pixel smartphones (for Pixel 4a and newer).

You can use the function, which you activate with the Google Assistant with the command “Hey Google, start a security check in 30 minutes”, for example when you go jogging at dusk or in the dark.

If you don’t respond to the security check within the time you specify, your emergency contacts will be notified and your real-time location shared with them. The feature is vaguely reminiscent of the check-in function that Apple announced with iOS 17.

In addition, Google is expanding the camera functions with the update. The macro focus of the Pixel 7 Pro (test) now also supports videos, so that “you can shoot larger-than-life videos of the smallest details like fluttering butterflies or flowers swaying in the wind,” according to Google.

In addition, the Pixel 6 (test) and newer photos can be taken with a self-timer in the future, simply by raising your palm to trigger the timer after it has been set for three or ten seconds.

The new wallpapers announced for Google I/O 2023 are also part of the update. On Pixel 6 and newer, “Favorite memories of friends and family can come to life with Pixel’s new 3D wallpapers.”

For this purpose, the pixel smartphones use artificial intelligence (AI) to transform 2D images into dynamic 3D scenes.

Also, the emoji wallpapers also announced in May are landing on Pixel phones. According to Google, this feature allows you to combine over 4,000 emoji with different patterns and colors to create live wallpapers.

The possibility of accessing the Google Home app directly from the Pixel lock screen (for Pixel 4a and newer) on your own smart home devices has been expanded. According to Google, this includes a redesigned control panel “to turn off lights, control the temperature, see your cameras and much more”.

The vibration motors on the Pixel 6a (test) and Pixel 7a (test) models are also getting an update with “adaptive haptics” that “reduces the vibration intensity when it detects that the device is lying on a hard, flat surface such as a table “.

In addition, the “Adaptive charging” function should now extend the life of the pixel battery using AI. “When you plug in your smartphone, it can calculate a longer charge based on your previous charging habits and slowly charge to 100 percent an hour before expected use,” the company explains.

Pixel watches are finally getting the ability to measure oxygen saturation (SpO2) and help detect changes in blood oxygen levels during sleep that could negatively impact sleep quality.

Furthermore, by observing SpO2 developments over time, changes related to activities, altitude and general well-being could be detected.

The SPO2 measurement was originally mentioned as one of the features when the Pixel Watch (test) was announced. Later it turned out that she was not on board after all.

When asked in October, we were simply told, “We hope to expand the use of this sensor to share more data with users in the future, including SpO2 data.” Now it’s here, which meaningfully expands the range of functions of the watch.

In addition, Pixel Watch wearers will be able to send a notification when the heart rate is abnormally high or low in the future, as this could be an indicator of general health and possible emerging problems, according to Google.

In addition, the Google Assistant of the Pixel Watch will support additional languages: Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Polish and Spanish will now be supported.

The Pixel Feature Drop brings three new tiles for Spotify to your wrist to start a Spotify session, listen to podcasts, and see what “you’ve got on loop”.

The function that automatically pauses the timer during running, walking or cycling training if “you stop at a traffic light or want to take a short breather” is pleasing. When you resume the activity, the exercise recording will automatically resume.

Last but not least, Google now has the metal bracelets for the Pixel Watch announced in October 2022 for sale. They cost 199 euros each in brushed silver or matt black.

Google now seems to be pulling the software development of its subsidiary Fitbit closer to itself. At least the group is announcing fresh features for Fitbit trackers in addition to the updates for the Pixel devices.

With the update, the Charge 5, Luxe, and Inspire 3 models get a full list of workout modes in the workout menu. It shows recent workout modes at the top without having to open the Fitbit app.

In addition, the daily form index ends up on the wrist for all trackers and watches. This reveals “whether your body is ready for training again – or whether you should rather rest”. This feature requires a premium account.

The new software also brings a cycle tracker to the Sense 2 and Versa 4, according to Google. This function records the period if desired. If desired, the data can be viewed or adjusted directly on the wrist.

With new support for global characters and right-to-left text, the Sense 2, Versa 4, Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3 models can read incoming notifications in even more languages. “Get a message in Hindi, see caller ID in Arabic, check your calendar in Vietnamese and more,” writes Google.

New watch faces to choose from on Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3 in the Fitbit App Gallery. “Choose between elegant and sporty designs, where you can also see your health data and keep an eye on your progress at all times.”

The new functions will be distributed as an update to all compatible devices over the next few days.