Google Pixel Drop: New features for Pixel smartphones and heart loss detection for Pixel Watch 3 58 comments
With the December Pixel Drop, Google brings new functions, camera improvements and security updates to Pixel smartphones and also launches heart rate detection for the Pixel Watch 3 in Germany.
New sharing and photo features
With the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the update allows you to take Ultra HDR photos with high light intensity, higher contrast and more details and share them directly on the Instagram feed.
Sharing on Snapchat is also made easier by customizing the search for photos and videos. Instead of scrolling through photo albums on the Pixel, all folders, favorites, and cloud images are now displayed through the image picker.
On the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the dual screen can now be used in portrait mode to take portrait photos and view the subject before shooting the shutter.
The Eye Catcher feature is now available on the first generation Pixel Fold. It can be used to display animations on the external screen to attract the attention of the people being photographed. Pixel 9 Pro Fold users can now also select “Joy” in Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out in Eye Catcher mode.
The Emoji Kitchen navigation in Gboard, where you can create emoji mixes, has been updated. This should make it easier to create your own emojis.
Recorder app: better audio quality, less noise
The new recorder app update aims to automatically reduce background noise and distractions. The “Crystal Clear Voice” feature can now be activated in the app to focus on the speaker and minimize background noise.
Surface innovations
The operation of Pixel smartphones also receives new features with the update. With the new “Simple View”, the font can be enlarged and the sensitivity of the touch screen can be adjusted. This should make apps and widgets easier to see and use.
The Now Playing update now also displays album art for each song in the Now Playing history.
The main controls of the Pixel Tablet (test) are now accessible with a simple swipe to the right on the tablet’s lock screen. This allows you to display widgets to control smart home devices, timers, music and more.
More security in new places and with VPN
When you’re in a new location, such as on vacation, identity verification in beta now requires facial or fingerprint authentication before changing sensitive smartphone settings. This is intended to provide additional protection in the event of theft.
The free, integrated Google VPN can now also be used on the Pixel tablet, so that sensitive data remains encrypted even on a public WLAN.
You can now also access the live view of a Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell on the Pixel Watch 2 and use two-way communication to talk to people in front of the cameras via your wrist.
Loss of pulse detection for Pixel Watch 3
“Loss of pulse detection” is now also available for Pixel Watch 3 (test) users in Germany and Portugal. Loss of pulse detection is a new feature that can detect when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating, for example due to cardiac arrest, poisoning or respiratory failure, and then call emergency services for help.
Also new in Germany are fall detection for all generations of Pixel Watch and car accident detection for Pixel smartphones as well as Pixel Watch 2 and 3.
Pixel Watch 3 with 45mm
Improved daily form index for more devices
The improved Daily Fitness Index algorithms and new Cardio Load and Load Goal tools were initially introduced with the Pixel Watch 3. They will now also be available for other Pixel watches and Fitbit smartwatches and trackers that support daily fitness index starting December 9. These include Pixel Watch 1, Pixel Watch 2, Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit Versa 2, Fitbit Versa 3, Fitbit Versa 4, Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Charge 6, Fitbit Inspire 2, Fitbit Inspire 3 and Fitbit Luxe. On Fitbit devices, these metrics can be viewed in the Today tab of the Fitbit app.
Techconseil received information about this report from Google under NDA. The only requirement was the earliest possible release date.
Themes: Android Google Google Pixel Smartphones Smartwatches Wearables
Sarah tracks innovations in smartphones, evaluating their performance, design, and key features.
