Pixel 7 Just Got a “Search Circle”
In a blog post this week, Google outlined all the upcoming Pixel phone and watch features that Pixel phone and watch users can expect to see in the March Pixel Feature Drop, which will be available for download on March 11th. The biggest news for Pixel 7 owners is the arrival of the company’s nifty new Circle to Search feature on these 7 devices.
Once this feature is installed, Pixel 7 owners will be able to long press the Pixel’s Home button or navigation bar and then trace or write on an image, text, or video to get more information about what’s inside the circle. It’s pretty cool.
Call screen coming to all Pixel devices
Another big addition to all Pixel phones is the improved Call Screen feature. Designed to reduce spam calls, this system is already one of the standout features of the Pixel 8 Pro , and the rest of the lineup is poised to follow suit. All Pixel users will soon be able to use Google Assistant to answer calls in a variety of ways, including asking to put the caller on hold. It will even allow you to receive a chip when the caller doesn’t answer.
Upload large videos and photos to Instagram
Google also now allows Pixel phones to record and upload 10-bit HDR videos directly to Instagram Reels, and you’ll also be able to upload your Ultra HDR photos directly to your Instagram feed. Samsung recently introduced this option on its latest Galaxy devices, so it’s great to see Pixel phones getting it too.
Updates for the original Pixel Watch
This month’s Pixel Feature Drop will also show owners of the original Pixel Watch some love. Starting this week, Pixel Watch owners will be able to take advantage of additional workout tracking features first introduced on the Pixel Watch 2 . The Pixel Watch will also get a heart training feature and the ability to automatically pause or automatically start and stop a workout. These devices will also have access to the Fitbit Relax app, as well as the ability to search for public transportation directions right in Google Maps on your wrist.
Other features coming with the March Pixel Feature Drop will let you choose exactly what you want to share when sharing your screen on your PIxel tablet, Pixel Fold or Pixel 5a with 5G and newer phones. Google is also introducing markup to Google Docs, which will let you add handwritten notes with a stylus or finger, and the Pixel Tablet will get a new voice-activated Gboard toolbar to free up screen real estate.