Pixel Feature Drop Archives

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Your Android phone will run Debian Linux soon (like some Pixels already can)

Qualcomm claims that its Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU outperforms Intel's Core Ultra 288V chip. Google has introduced a native Linux Terminal application in its March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, available exclusively on the latest Pixel devices running Android 15. This Linux Terminal operates on a Debian Linux virtual machine and allows users to run desktop Linux applications directly from their devices. Users must enable Developer Mode to access the app, which requires downloading a 500MB Debian package. Graphical user interface applications are not yet supported, but enhancements in Android 16 are expected to improve compatibility with traditional PC input methods and display options. There is speculation about a potential merger between Android and Chrome OS, aiming for a seamless integration between smartphone and desktop experiences. The integration of Linux into Android devices may lead to large Android phones and tablets replacing traditional laptops for some users.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out a quick March security patch to join its big Pixel update

In March 2025, Google began rolling out a security update for eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet. The update versions are BP1A.250305.019 for Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Fold, and BP1A.250305.020 for Pixel 9 series and Tablet. The update addresses various issues, enhancing display stability and performance, and includes fixes for camera and WebView stability. An audio issue with Bluetooth call volume is resolved, except for the Pixel 6 series. The changelog includes fixes for launcher theme misalignment, transparent home screen icons, app-switching issues with third-party launchers, and themed icon display problems. The update also introduces nine high-severity framework fixes and 21 system fixes for security, including two notable vulnerabilities. The rollout started on March 4, following a Pixel feature drop that added functionalities like Loss of Pulse detection and scam detection alerts.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

How to enable and use Simple View on a Pixel phone

The Simple View feature was launched with the December Pixel Feature Drop as part of Android 15 for Google Pixel phones. It enhances accessibility by allowing users to modify multiple settings simultaneously, including larger text and icon sizes, a simplified home screen layout, simplified 3-button navigation, higher touch sensitivity, shortcuts for Contacts, Clock, and Weather apps, high-contrast wallpaper, an increased app grid to a 4x4 display, and locked suggested apps. Certain features are only available during the initial setup of the device. Users can enable Simple View by factory resetting their Pixel device or through the Settings app after setup, though some changes may not take effect afterward. Simple View is not available for the Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or Pixel Tablet.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Google spruces up Android with 6 new features improving Gemini, accessibility, and sharing

Google has introduced new features for Android, effective immediately, focusing on accessibility, sharing capabilities, and document management. Key updates include: - Expressive Captions for improved audio caption reading, available system-wide. - Enhanced image description capabilities in the Gemini platform, with vocalized descriptions and follow-up questions. - Emoji Kitchen for creating unique emojis by combining two default ones, integrated into Gboard. - Revamped Quick Share functionality allowing QR code generation for sharing content. - Higher quality document scans with automatic enhancements in Google Drive. - New Gemini Extensions for Spotify and Home, expanding features available to users.

AppWizard

November 27, 2024

Google could make lock screen notifications less obtrusive in Android 15 QPR2

Android 15 has introduced various notification management options, including viewing notifications through app icons, banners, and on the lock screen. Lock screen notifications in Android 15 are currently intrusive and take up significant space. The Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 has introduced a "Lock screen minimalism" option that reduces the visual footprint of notifications by displaying fewer notifications as small icons instead of full-size banners. This feature condenses notifications into a pill-shaped icon beneath the clock, allowing users to tap it to view the notification details. The feature can be toggled on or off in the settings but is still in development, with no confirmed release timeline or guarantee of inclusion in the official version of Android 15 QPR 2. There is speculation that it may appear in a future Pixel Feature Drop or Android 16.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

I just updated to Android 15: Here are 9 features you should check out

Android 15 was launched alongside Google's latest flagship smartphones, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - One-tap Passkey: Simplifies login to Passkey-enabled accounts with a single tap. - Manually Enable Astrophotography: Users can now manually activate Astrophotography mode for better night sky photography. - Home Controls on the Lock Screen: Provides easy access to Google Home toggles and customizable smart home management. - Pin the Taskbar: Allows users of tablets and foldable phones to pin the Taskbar for improved multitasking. - Go from the Big Screen to the Small Screen: Enables seamless transitions between the inner and cover screens of foldable devices. - Keeping Apps Together: Introduces App Pairs for running two apps side-by-side and saving app combinations. - More Gemini Improvements: Enhances integration between apps, allowing questions about items in the Pixel Screenshots app. - Quickly Switch Between Bluetooth Devices: Updates Quick Settings for easier selection of Bluetooth devices.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 is now available for Pixels

Android 15 has started rolling out to Pixel devices, featuring new privacy options, security improvements, and enhancements for foldable phones and tablets. The update includes a "private space" functionality for discreet app usage, allowing apps to remain hidden from recent apps, notifications, and settings, with additional authentication required for access. For foldable devices and tablets, users can pin and unpin the taskbar and create app pairings for easier access. A Theft Detection Lock feature uses AI to lock the device if theft is suspected, and a Remote Lock option allows users to secure their phones from another Android device. These features are expected to be available on devices running Android 10 and newer. Additionally, a new Pixel feature drop for October will enhance Night Sight for Instagram and introduce media transfer capabilities between Pixel devices.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 now makes Pixel phones a fortress against thieves and fraudsters

Android 15 has launched for Pixel phone users, following the release of its source code. Key features include one-touch passkeys for easier app access, enhanced theft protection with Theft Detection Lock, refined multitasking for larger screens, and the ability to pin or unpin the taskbar on foldable devices and tablets. It also improves access to Google Photos and Gmail, introduces single-tap passkeys with autofill, upgrades the Low Light Boost feature for in-app camera controls, and allows carrier messaging apps to connect via satellite. This update coincides with the October Pixel Feature Drop, adding further enhancements.