Pixel phone 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 19, 2024

How to cast just one app from your Pixel phone to a larger screen (for better privacy)

To cast a single app from an Android device to a larger screen, ensure both the Android device and the receiving device (such as a smart TV or smart speaker) are connected to the same wireless network. It is essential to have an updated version of Android, with the demonstration using Android 15 on a Pixel 9 Pro. Navigate to the app you wish to cast, ideally with the media already playing, to maintain privacy and avoid exposing sensitive information.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

How to use the Pixel Watch Recorder app

Google's Recorder app is now available on the Google Pixel Watch, allowing users to record audio directly from the watch. This feature debuted with the Google Pixel Watch 3 and is accessible on both first and second-generation Pixel Watches. Users can transcribe recordings by pairing the watch with a Google Pixel phone, where they can select the recording, tap the Transcript button, and choose the language for accurate transcription. The Recorder app can function with any Android phone, but synchronization of recordings is exclusive to Pixel devices.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Android 15 QPR2 confirms Google is adding a Linux Terminal app, finally

The latest beta release of Android 15 QPR2 includes a Terminal app that allows developers to run Linux applications within a virtual machine. This feature can be activated through a developer setting under Settings > System > Developer options by toggling the “Linux development environment” setting. The Terminal app is designed to download, configure, and run an instance of Debian within a virtual machine environment, utilizing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). The Terminal app currently faces stability issues, crashing upon launch. The introduction of this app indicates Google's intention to enhance productivity on Android devices and suggests a strategic push to enable developers to leverage Linux applications on mobile devices.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Google is readying ‘AI Replies’ for Call Screen in Pixel Phone app

Google is enhancing the Call Screen feature in the Pixel Phone app with 'AI Replies.' This feature will allow users to respond to calls without answering, using AI-generated smart replies based on the caller's responses. Code strings related to AI Replies were discovered in the latest beta version of the Phone app, indicating that Google may utilize its Gemini Nano technology for this functionality. Users will have the option to enable or disable AI Replies. Details on how these AI responses will differ from current options and the timeline for public release are not yet available.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

How to Make Your Windows 11 PC Look Like Pixel UI [Easily]

Windows 11's user interface can be customized to resemble the minimalist Pixel phone interface using Rainmeter and the MD3 skin package. To achieve this, users need to install Rainmeter, download the MD3 Basic version from GitHub, and follow specific steps to extract and install the skin. Customization includes adjusting the Taskbar settings, enabling auto-hide, hiding desktop icons, and selecting styles for the Taskbar and widgets. The MD3 skin allows for the addition of various widgets like Clock, Date, Weather, and Music, enhancing the desktop experience with a Pixel-inspired aesthetic.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

How to use Android 15’s App Freeze feature to clear space on your phone

The Pixel line of smartphones now includes a feature called App Freeze, which helps users manage storage by archiving infrequently used applications and their data. When an app is archived, it becomes temporarily unavailable until reactivated, freeing up storage space and retaining only minimal data. Archived apps are marked with a cloud icon in the App Drawer or home screen. The feature is enabled by default on new Pixel devices running Android 15, and users can find it under "Manage app if unused" in the settings menu. Users can choose to allow automatic archiving after a period of inactivity or manually archive apps. To enable archiving, users must ensure the "Manage app if unused" setting is turned on. Tapping an archived app restores it to its previous state.

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.