Pixel Feature Drop Archives

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.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Pixel Wallpaper app gets a revamped UI on Android 15 QPR1 beta

Google has released the Android 15 QPR1 beta, which is the first test phase for the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop update. The update includes user interface enhancements and new animations, particularly for the Pixel Wallpaper app, which has a redesigned appearance. This new interface is not yet available by default but can be activated by users. The revamped design allows for easier navigation between lock screen and home screen customization through swiping, and it consolidates lock screen clock styles into a bottom sheet for easier access. Additionally, the customization section for UI color accents has been improved with two rows of options and enhanced previews for color palettes and light/dark modes. The first stable build of Android 15 may not include these updates, with the initial Feature Drop expected in December. A video comparing the current and new designs of the Pixel Wallpaper app is available for viewing.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 brings predictive back to keyboard apps

The first stable build of Android 15 is anticipated among users of the Pixel 9 series and other eligible Pixel devices, with Google offering the Android 15 QPR1 Beta that includes new features. A notable feature in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta is the predictive back gesture, which now provides a preview of the app or section users will return to after executing the back gesture. This feature, initially introduced in Android 14, is being integrated into keyboards, causing them to fade away when the back gesture is performed. Several applications, including Gmail, support this feature, enhancing navigation. Additionally, Android 15 QPR1 is expected to introduce new animations for Quick Settings tiles and reboot processes.

AppWizard

June 15, 2024

Google Phone’s new Lookup tool will help you evade scammers

Google's latest Pixel Feature Drop for June 2024 includes a new feature called Lookup in the Phone app, which simplifies the process of reverse-searching phone numbers. Lookup helps users determine whether missed calls are worth calling back by providing information about the origin of the call. This feature is currently available in the Phone by Google app beta and will be expanding to all users soon. Lookup can help users avoid phone scams and save time by verifying the legitimacy of unknown numbers before returning calls.

AppWizard

June 14, 2024

Google makes its brilliant Recorder app even better in the latest Pixel Feature Drop

AppWizard

June 12, 2024

Google Phone app already getting “Lookup” reverse number search

The latest Pixel Feature Drop update brought new features to Pixel devices, including the new "Lookup" option in the Google Phone app. This option allows users to quickly start a Google search for unknown numbers from received calls, saving time and providing immediate information about the origin of the call. The "Lookup" option is a shortcut in the call history of the Google Phone app and is being implemented on Pixel devices on the server side.