Pixel Feature Drop Archives

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.

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.