Everything New in the June 2021 Pixel Drop Update
Google is rolling out the latest Pixel Drop as part of the June 2021 Android security update. For those who don’t know, Pixel Drops are released year-round and add Pixel features along with the usual security patches that all Android phones receive.
Pixel users will get a few useful features this month, such as locked folders in Google Photos, the new Night Sight video mode, and several new Pride Month-themed wallpapers (which you can check out here ).
All variants of Pixel 5, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 3, and 3a smartphones can download the update, but as with past Pixel Drops, some features are only available for certain Pixel devices. Below we take a look at all the new features in the Pixel Drop in June 2021 and note which phones can use them.
Night Sight is ideal for shooting videos with astrophotography [Pixel 4 and newer]
If you have a Pixel 4 or newer, your phone’s camera can now turn your Night Sight photos into videos, allowing you to capture long exposure photos and night sky videos at the same time. Shooting with a night sight can last up to four minutes; Your phone will speed up your footage and turn it into slow motion footage of stars moving across the sky.
How to shoot a Night Sight video:
- Open the Camera app.
- Select “Night Sight” from the slider menu at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the shutter to take a photo. (For best results, secure your phone with something secure, such as a tripod or stand.)
- Wait for the photo exposure to complete.
- When done, click to view a preview.
- Swipe right on the photo to watch the video.
Place images that are just for your eyes in a locked folder in Google Photos
Google Photos now allows you to create a password-protected locked folder to store “sensitive photos and videos,” as Google calls them. We know what you really mean, Google.
A locked folder is protected with a password or biometric lock (like your face or fingerprint), and everything in the folder is stored locally – nothing is sent to the cloud or accessed remotely.
How to set up a locked Google Photos folder
- Open Google Photos
- Go to Library> Utilities> Locked Folder.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
You can save new photos and videos directly to a locked folder after taking them, or move content from your Google Photos library to a folder as follows:
- Open a photo or video in Google Photos.
- Tap the three-dot icon and select Move to Locked Folder.
- Click “Move” to confirm.
Google Assistant answers your phone call [Pixel 4 and newer]
Now when your phone rings, you can ask Google Assistant to accept or reject an incoming call hands-free:
- Say “Ok Google, answer the call” to answer the call.
- Say “Ok Google, reject the call” to send it to voicemail.
These commands work for Pixel 5, 4, 4a, and 4a 5G devices that have Google Assistant configured.
Hear the Heads Up Reminder
Reminder “Attention!” is a digital wellness feature that aims to keep you informed about your surroundings while you look at your phone.
If this feature is enabled, your phone will recognize when you are walking and looking at the screen and will periodically send reminders to look at and check what is happening around you.
You can enable and configure Heads Up reminders for your Pixel device in Settings> Digital Wellness> Heads Up.
Copying text in Gboard just got smarter
The standard Pixel Gboard keyboard can now recognize links, contact information, and other information from a block of selected text and prompt you to paste that information into any applicable apps, clipboard, or other destinations.
Earlier updates have spread to new regions
Some older features, including call checking , vehicle crash detection , and the Recorder app, are also expanding in other regions.
- Call verification feature is now available in Japan.
- Crash detection is now available in Spain, Ireland and Singapore. (Does not support Pixel 3a devices.)
- Recorder now recognizes four additional dialects of English: Australian, British, Irish, and Singaporean.
How to Download June 2021 Pixel Drop
Again, June 2021 Pixel Drop is rolling out across all Pixel 5, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 3 and 3a Pixel devices, including XL models. To download the update, go to Settings> System> Advanced> System Update to see if it’s waiting for you. Please note that some features may require additional app updates, so not everything will be available right away.