Google’s latest Pixel Feature Drop for 2023 has finally arrived, bringing a wave of exciting new features to Pixel smartphones and other Pixel ecosystem devices. This update is packed with innovative additions, especially in the realm of AI, with highlights like the integration of Google’s Gemini Nano AI model, which promises to make your Pixel experience even smarter and more intuitive. You’ll discover new ways to enhance your photos, videos, and even your calls, all powered by the latest AI technology. But the update doesn’t stop there – even older Pixel devices get a share of the love, with improvements to essential apps like Photos and a much-anticipated feature that enhances security when sending your device for repairs. Let’s dive into the details and explore what’s new in this December Feature Drop.
The Power of Gemini Nano AI: Transforming Your Pixel Experience
The December Feature Drop is a testament to Google’s commitment to integrating AI seamlessly into its products. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Gemini Nano AI, a powerful model that operates locally on your Pixel 8 Pro (currently). This means you can enjoy the benefits of advanced AI without relying on internet connectivity.
A Smarter Way to Capture and Share: New AI-Powered Features
- Enhanced Summarization: The Recorder app on the Pixel 8 Pro gains a new "Summarize" feature that leverages Gemini Nano AI to automatically extract key information from your recorded conversations. This eliminates the need for manual note-taking, making it easier to revisit important points.
- AI-Driven Smart Replies: The GBoard keyboard app now includes Smart Reply, powered by Gemini Nano AI. It’s currently in developer preview and works with select apps – including WhatsApp – where it can analyze ongoing conversations and suggest relevant replies automatically. This promotes efficient communication and reduces the time it takes to compose messages.
Enhancing Your Photographic Prowess: New Features for Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro users are in for a treat with some exciting new features that promise to elevate their photography and videography experience, all powered by the powerful Tensor G3 processor.
Making Your Videos Shine: Video Boost and More
- Video Boost: This new feature (available on the Pixel 8 Pro) takes video quality to the next level by leveraging Google’s computational photography capabilities. When enabled, the camera app will save a separate copy of your video in a different format. Once both videos are uploaded to the cloud, Google’s AI model will refine parameters such as color, lighting, stabilization, and graininess, resulting in noticeably enhanced videos. This feature is also compatible with Night Sight video, allowing you to capture stunning shots even in low-light conditions.
- Time-Lapse with Night Sight: Both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users can now capture breathtaking time-lapse videos with Night Sight, which uses enhanced dynamic range and clarity to produce captivating footage in low-light conditions.
Pixel Fold: Enhanced Dual Screen Preview
The Pixel Fold gets a unique addition to its dual-screen experience with Dual Screen Preview. This allows subjects to see themselves clearly in the second preview on the cover display when taking photos, ensuring they always look their best.
Bringing More to Older Pixel Devices: The December Feature Drop’s Broader Reach
It’s not just the newest Pixel phones that are getting a boost in this Feature Drop. Older devices, from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 6a, benefit from several exciting updates as well:
The Photos App Gets Smarter
- Portrait Light: This new tool lets you enhance the lighting in your photos, even those taken on non-Pixel devices. You can adjust the lighting to eliminate harsh shadows and create a more pleasing effect, bringing a new dimension to your memories.
- Photo Unblur: This feature, previously limited to images of people, now extends its capabilities to include photos of dogs and cats. With just a few taps, you can bring blurry images back to life, preserving those precious moments.
More Convenient Features Across the Pixel Ecosystem
- Pixel Phone as Webcam: Simply connect your Pixel phone to your computer via USB, and you can use it as a webcam. This feature is perfect for video calls or live-streaming, offering a convenient and high-quality solution.
- Scanned Document Cleanup: The "Clean" feature now helps you remove smudges, stains, and other imperfections from scanned documents, ensuring clarity and readability.
Password Manager – Your Key to Stronger Security
Google is pushing forward with passkeys and has made it easier to adopt this more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Password Manager can now automatically identify apps, services, or accounts that support passkeys, allowing you to seamlessly add them and enhance your digital security.
Pixel Watch: Expanding Functionality
The Pixel Watch gains two welcome features in this update:
- Call Screen: This feature, while not yet available in India, allows you to have your Pixel Watch screen incoming calls, giving you more control over your personal time.
- Automatic Device Unlock: Simply walk near your other Pixel devices, and your Pixel Watch will automatically unlock them for you, providing a seamless and convenient experience.
- Do Not Disturb & Bedtime Mode Syncing: First-gen Pixel Watch users can enjoy seamless syncing of their Do Not Disturb and Bedtime Modes across their Pixel devices, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Pixel Tablet Enhancements: AI-Powered Audio and More
The Pixel Tablet doesn’t get left behind:
- AI-Enhanced Clear Calling: Take advantage of AI-powered noise reduction for clearer calling experiences, ensuring that conversations are crisp and free from distractions.
- Spatial Audio with Head Tracking: When connected to Pixel Buds Pro, the Pixel Tablet now supports spatial audio with head tracking, enhancing your audio experience with immersive 3D sound.
The Long-Awaited Repair Mode: Protecting Your Data
Finally, the long-awaited Repair Mode arrives this December, providing much-needed security when you need to send your Pixel device in for repairs. This feature is designed to protect your personal data, eliminating the need for you to reformat or erase your device before handing it over. It’s a significant step towards simplifying the repair process while safeguarding your privacy.
Check What Features Are Available for You
To discover which features are compatible with your own Pixel device, head over to Google’s support page to explore the details of the December Feature Drop. The update is being rolled out gradually, so it may take a few weeks to reach all supported devices, but rest assured that these new features will be well worth the wait.
