All the Exciting New Pixel Features to Try
It’s time to drop the feature! Google hit us with news on Monday December 6th by announcing several exciting new features for the Pixel line of devices. Although not all features are available on all of the pixels, there is – something new for everyone, as long as you have a pixel 3 or newer. However, there are no updates for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro yet; Google says these users will see the update sometime next week.
Quick press to snap
This catchy name represents a feature for any avid Snapchat user on the Pixel. With this latest update, you can now launch Snapchat directly from your lock screen by setting Snapchat as a Quick Tap action. This feature is available for Pixel 4a with 5G and newer.
Digital car key
The day will soon come when you can truly leave the house with just your smartphone. Google is bringing Pixel users one step closer to this reality with its first release of digital car keys. Exclusive to select BMW 2020-2022 models (in their respective countries), this feature allows you to lock and unlock your car door simply by pressing the handle of your phone, and to start the car using the Pixel like a key fob.
This feature is exclusive to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Ultra-wideband is finally here
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have ultra-wideband capabilities, but Google disabled this feature at launch. With this latest update, UWB is finally here; The biggest sale is Nearby Share, which lets you send photos, videos, files, and other types of data to other UWB-enabled devices.
Updates for Now Playing
“Now Playing” is a great feature; If you want to know the name of a song playing in your space, just take a look at your Pixel’s lock screen. If your phone can identify it, you will see the song title at the bottom of the display. However, if your Pixel doesn’t automatically detect a song in your area, you can hit the new search button to get things moving (Pixel 4 and newer). If you want to save the song as a favorite for later listening, just tap the musical note next to the title.
Configure Google Assistant Activation with Power Button
You can now choose how long or how long you want to hold down the Pixel’s power button before launching the Assistant.
Talk mode (beta)
This feature, still in beta testing , helps you focus on the current conversation and mute background noise when using in-ear or headphones. All of the processing that goes into this feature takes place on the device, so Google never sees any data generated by your conversations.
New wallpaper
Google has added three new wallpapers for World Disability Day. The new work has been created by artist Dana Kirley and can be found in the Curated Culture section.
Expanding Automotive Accident Detection
Accident Detection is a terrific feature already introduced in Spain, Ireland, Japan, UK, Australia, Singapore and the US, now available in Taiwan, Italy and France for Pixel 3 and newer.
Recording application extension
Likewise, the Recorder application has now expanded its language library. You will now see transcriptions in Japanese, French, German and Pixel 3 and newer.
Bonus: Pixel Buds A-Series Gets Base Buff
It’s not a Pixel feature, but Google has highlighted it, and so have we. On any phone with Android 6.0 and up, you can use the Pixel Buds app to boost the bass from -1 to +4. That’s double the Buds, according to Google.
You can see a video announcing many of these new features from Google here:
[ 9to5Google ]
This article was updated on Tuesday December 7th to clarify the changes to Now Playing.