Video by Google
AI is taking center stage on Pixel phones
Google has just made an announcement outlining the exciting features coming to Pixel phones, and it seems the phones will be much more proactive with the latest update. For the fashionistas out there, Google is introducing a huge upgrade to the “Circle to Search” feature called “Find the Look.” So, if you circle a picture of someone’s outfit, the AI will not only show you where you can get the outfit but also break down each piece into where you can purchase each one individually. And if you want to try it on virtually, you can do that too.
Here’s what else is coming to Pixel phones with the March Pixel Drop
- Magic Cue: When you’re chatting with a friend about plans for dinner, the AI-powered Gemini will proactively suggest restaurant suggestions based on the conversation.
- Custom AI Icons: You can create a totally unique set of home screen icons using AI.
- Scam Detection expansion: The clever AI listening for “scammer” speech patterns during phone calls is expanding to Mexico and Japan.
- One-Handed Watch Gestures: Pixel Watch 3 owners will be able to answer calls or pause a workout with a flick of the wrist or a double pinch on the screen.
- Satellite SOS expansion: Safety is going global with Satellite SOS, which is coming to Europe, Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska on Pixel Watch 4, enabling you to access emergency services even when off the grid.
- Offload tasks to Gemini: You can offload tasks such as ordering groceries or booking a ride using Gemini. It will perform the task in the background and keep you updated on the task.
- Now Playing app: You will now have a dedicated app that shows you all the songs your Pixel has identified.
- Updated “At a Glance”: Your home and lock screens will be updated with the latest information. You will get real-time information on the commute, scores for your favorite teams, and a snapshot of your finances at the end of the day.
- Left Behind Alerts: Your Pixel Watch will alert you if you leave your phone behind at a restaurant or a friend’s home.
- Phone Lock & Identity Check: Your Pixel Watch will automatically lock your phone if you leave it behind, and your phone’s identity check will be faster with the latest mobile trusted locations.
- Express Pay: You no longer need to open the Wallet app on your phone and then pay at a retail outlet using your Pixel Watch. Simply turn and tap your Pixel Watch on the retail outlet.
- Desktop Experience: If you have a Pixel 8 or higher, you can now connect your phone to a monitor to view a full desktop experience in a multi-window mode.
Why these updates are important to the Pixel line
Google is clearly trying to prove that buying a Pixel is an investment that will continue to grow and improve over time. By making features like a “Now Playing” history and “Connected Camera” support available to older devices like the Pixel 6, they’re not forcing everyone to upgrade their devices in order to receive new features. It’s also a strong indication of a much deeper integration of their Gemini Nano AI, which is controlling features like “Call Notes” and “Notification Summaries” without ever having to send data to the cloud.Safety features are also getting a much-needed boost, too, especially for Pixel Watch 2 and higher users, who will now receive earthquake alerts directly on their watch, in addition to the ability to remind you if you leave your phone behind. These types of features help to further solidify the Pixel ecosystem as a whole.
What I think about the March Pixel Drop
The one feature that stands out to me is the new “Desktop Experience.” We’ve all seen companies do this right in the past, such as Samsung’s use of DeX, but it’s huge that it’s now available on Pixel devices. This allows users to connect their devices to a desktop screen using USB-C in a native Android desktop mode.I’m also impressed with the “One-Handed Gestures” that the Watch offers. We all find ourselves in a situation where our hands are full, and our watch is buzzing because we have an incoming call. The ability to double-pinch to answer the call is a great use of the hardware.Overall, this is one of the strongest Feature Drops we’ve seen in a while, and it definitely makes me feel good about having a Pixel in my bag.
