After teasing it back in March, Google is finally bringing the Gemini Nano AI model to Pixel 8 and 8a users. Users will have access to the model as a developer option in the June Pixel drop. Other additions in the feature drop include Display Port connection support for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a, reverse phone number lookup for unknown numbers, fall and collision detection for Pixel Watch 2, and doorbell notifications for Pixel tablets.
Pixel smartphone updates
The Gemini Nano model will allow for detailed summaries of transcriptions in the Recorder app, and beyond this, the company did not elaborate on what features its AI model will enable.
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The Recorder app now supports speaker name detection on Pixel 6 and above, as well as the ability to export transcripts to a text file or Google Docs.
Other useful updates in this Pixel drop include support for the Display Port standard over the device's USB-C port, allowing you to watch content on a larger screen. The update also introduces reverse phone number lookup, allowing you to search for unknown numbers in your call history. It's unclear whether Google is using its own caller ID database or another third-party database. Notably, apps like Truecaller already offer reverse phone number lookup and can also integrate with their dialer to show live caller ID.
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Find My Device now works on the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a even when your phone's battery is dead, and the company claims the app can locate a powered-off device for at least 23 hours.
The update brings the ability to manually select a lens on the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro, and Pixel Fold cameras. The feature was already available on the Pixel 8 Pro. When you turn this setting off, the camera will automatically select a lens based on the focused object in the frame.
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Google is updating its HDR+ photography support on Pixel 6 and newer devices, allowing it to automatically detect the best shot when you press the shutter button.
Pixel Watch
The latest Pixel drop adds car crash detection to the Pixel Watch 2. If your watch recognizes that you've been involved in a serious accident, it will notify your emergency contacts with location details via the Emergency Share feature. Additionally, the update will also detect falls from bikes.
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Google is also bringing a redesigned Home app to Wear OS for all watches with Wear OS 3 or later. The app puts your favorite smart devices within reach of just a swipe. Tap the device icon to open the Home app, where you can adjust the temperature in your home or dim the lights right from your watch.
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Plus, you can add the devices you access most frequently directly to your watch face on Wear OS. With this update, you can also adjust the rotation of your blinds and control the speed of your fans.
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Other Updates
You'll get an updated doorbell notification on your Pixel tablet with a snapshot of who's at the door, and you can talk to them or send a quick response right from the notification.
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Google is also adding a Google Home Favorites widget to all devices running Android 12 and above, which lets you access and control your smart home devices with just a few taps.