Google announced Thursday that it is rolling out multiple updates to Pixel and Android devices as part of its December feature rollout. These features include the new Gemini extension, updated Pixel Screenshots app, expressive captions, and accessibility improvements.
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Google is introducing new Gemini extensions for Spotify, Messaging, Calling, Smart Home, and more. This allows users to explore songs and playlists through Gemini. You can also use Gemini to send messages and make calls through your default messaging and calling apps. The company said that users will soon be able to control their smart home devices through Gemini.
The company is using this opportunity to update Gemini Advance to remember your preferences and interests. For example, you can save your food preferences and Gemini will suggest recipes accordingly.
Additionally, the company is adding Gemini 1.5 to its Lookout app for image Q&A for the visually impaired. This feature has evolved over the years with the ability to ask questions about images through voice and AI-generated image captions.
Android also adds new expressive captioning features that bring the emotion of your content to the screen. This feature describes expressions such as: [whispering], [cheers and applause]and [groaning].
Google Drive is being upgraded to improve Google Drive's automated features. This feature automatically edits document snaps by adjusting white balance and contrast.
The company is also adding QR codes to the photo and video share sheets and new sticker combinations to the emoji drawer on the Gboard keyboard.
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Google is adding new modes that are easier to navigate by increasing font size and touch sensitivity for better visibility and access. The company is also rolling out an anti-theft update that requires users to biometrically unlock their phones when changing sensitive settings in a new location.
Image credit: Google
Additionally, Snap has added a new photo picker, so you can see all your folders, favorites,
Photo of clouds. The Share Sheet has also been improved to display album art for songs detected through the Now Playing feature. The call screening feature has also been upgraded, allowing users to peek into the conversation between the AI agent and the caller. You can also answer or decline calls.
All these features are available on all Pixel devices starting with Pixel 6.
Specifically, on Pixel 9 devices, Gemini Nano gets more contextual smart replies during calls to answer callers without picking up the phone.
The Pixel Screenshots app launched on Pixel 9 series phones now automatically categorizes your screenshots and makes them visible through search filters. Additionally, you can use circles to save searched items to the Screenshot app. Additionally, if you have saved screenshots of your tickets or passes, you can instantly add them to Google Wallet using the app. The app can also suggest actions like adding an invite to your calendar.
Image credit: Google
The Screenshots app also has a new Suggestions feature that shows you movie, music, and product suggestions from screenshots from other apps.
Google said its new Pixel 9 series phones will be able to post and capture HDR photos directly to Instagram. The update also introduces a clearer audio recording mode in the Recorder app, and stickers created in Pixel Studio will appear on Gboard.
On the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the company is introducing a dual-screen portrait mode so photo subjects can preview the framing before taking the image. Google is also extending its “Made You Look” feature to the original Pixel Fold, which captures the attention of toddlers and pets through screen animations.
Image credit: Google
Updates for Pixel Watch and Pixel Tablet
Pixel Watch 2 has integrated doorbell notifications for Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell. See who's at your door. Google has announced that it will expand pulse loss detection for Pixel Watch 3 users in Germany and Portugal, which notifies people of close contact if the person wearing the Pixel Watch does not have a heartbeat.
The company is adding support for fitness metrics such as aerobic exercise load and target aerobic load to Pixel Watch 1, Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, Sense, Sense 2, Versa 2, Versa 3, Versa 4, Charge 5, We're expanding to multiple watches, including the Charge 6. , Inspire 2, Inspire 3, Luxe.
Additionally, Pixel tablets get support for VPN features and support for lock screen widgets. Well, it was tough, but I think I understood all the important new features.