What Can Your Pixel Do Now? 4 New Features

Pixel phones received a fresh set of capabilities in the latest update, and four of them stand out for everyday use. You can now record and transcribe calls entirely on-device, use a new “Clear Calling” mode that suppresses background noise during calls, generate custom wallpapers from text prompts, and edit photos with a more powerful Magic Eraser that can remove moving objects from videos. Here’s what each feature does, how to use it, and what to expect.

Background: What Changed in the Last Week

Google pushes a “Feature Drop” to Pixel phones roughly every few months, and the latest one started rolling out last week. Unlike the monthly security patches, these drops add new functionality rather than just fixing bugs. The four features described here are part of that update, and they’re rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, though some may be limited to specific models. The update is delivered over the air, so you’ll see a notification when it’s ready to install.

How It Works: The Tech Behind the New Features

Each of the four new features uses a different part of the Pixel’s hardware and software:

• Call recording and transcription – The phone uses a small on-device speech recognition model that runs entirely on the Tensor chip. It doesn’t send audio to the cloud, which keeps the transcription fast and private. The feature works in the Phone app, and you can search through the text of past calls.
• Clear Calling – This uses a neural network trained to separate a speaker’s voice from background noise. It runs in real time during a call, and it’s especially effective at reducing wind, traffic, and crowd sounds. The processing happens on the device, so it works even with a weak signal.
• AI wallpapers – The wallpaper generator uses a text-to-image model that runs on the phone. You type a phrase like “a neon forest with a river of stars,” and it creates a unique image. The model is a simplified version of Google’s larger image generation systems, optimized to run locally.
• Magic Eraser for videos – This extends the existing Magic Eraser tool, which removes unwanted objects from still photos, to video. It uses a combination of object tracking and frame interpolation to fill in the area behind the removed object. It’s not perfect, but it works surprisingly well for small, moving objects.

How to Use Each Feature

1. Call recording: Open the Phone app, start a call, and tap the “Record” button. The other party is notified that the call is being recorded. After the call, you’ll find the transcript in the call’s details page. You can also enable automatic recording for all calls in settings.
2. Clear Calling: Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Clear Calling and toggle it on. The feature is active only during phone calls, not on video calls or voice messages. You’ll notice the difference immediately when there’s background noise.
3. AI wallpapers: Long-press on the home screen, tap “Wallpaper & style,” then “More wallpapers.” Choose “AI wallpapers” and type a description. You can select from a few styles, and the phone generates several options. You can regenerate as many times as you like.
4. Video Magic Eraser: Open a video in Google Photos, tap “Edit,” then “Magic Eraser.” The tool automatically detects moving objects and lets you tap to remove them. It works best on objects that are distinct from the background, like a person walking or a car driving by.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If you don’t see the new features after the update, try restarting your phone. If they’re still missing, check that your device is on the list of supported models – the AI wallpaper generator, for example, is only available on Pixel 8 and newer. For call recording, note that it’s not available in all regions due to local privacy laws. If Clear Calling seems to have no effect, make sure it’s toggled on and that you’re on a regular phone call, not a VoIP call. For video Magic Eraser, if the object isn’t being detected, try zooming in or making sure the object is in motion – the tool relies on movement to separate it from the background.

How to Choose: Which Features Are Right for You

Not all four features will be equally useful to everyone. If you frequently take calls in noisy places, Clear Calling is the most practical addition. If you often need to remember details from conversations, call recording and transcription can be a lifesaver. The AI wallpaper generator is a fun novelty, but it’s not essential. Video Magic Eraser is great for those who shoot a lot of video and want to clean up shots. Consider your daily habits and prioritize accordingly. There’s no harm in trying all of them, but you’ll likely find one or two that become part of your routine.

Comparing with Previous Features

These new features build on existing Pixel capabilities. Call recording has been available on some Pixel models for years, but the new version adds on-device transcription and search. Clear Calling is a new feature, but it’s similar to the noise suppression already used in video calls. AI wallpapers are a new category, but they’re related to the existing “Styles & wallpapers” that use static images. Video Magic Eraser is a direct extension of the photo Magic Eraser, which was introduced with the Pixel 6. The key difference is that the new features are more integrated and use more advanced AI models.

Costs and Limitations

All four features are free and included with the Pixel’s software. There are no subscription fees, and they don’t require an internet connection for most functions. The main limitation is hardware: the features require a recent Pixel with a Tensor chip, so older models won’t get them. Also, call recording is subject to local laws – in some places, you must inform the other party, and in others, it’s illegal to record without consent. The AI wallpaper generator can produce images that are not always perfect, and video Magic Eraser may leave artifacts on complex scenes. Battery life can also be affected if you use the AI wallpaper generator frequently, as it’s computationally intensive.

Safety and Privacy

Your privacy is a key concern with any AI feature. The call recording and transcription happen entirely on-device, so your conversations are not uploaded to the cloud. Clear Calling also processes audio locally. AI wallpapers are generated on-device, and the text prompt you type is not sent to servers. Video Magic Eraser works on your local video files. However, be aware that if you share a recorded call or a generated wallpaper, the other party might have privacy concerns. Always follow local laws regarding call recording, and inform the other person when you’re recording. For the AI wallpaper, you’re creating a unique image that is stored on your device, but it’s not shared with anyone unless you choose to share it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these features come to older Pixel models?
Google has not confirmed which models will receive these features beyond the Pixel 6 and newer. Some features, like AI wallpapers, are only on Pixel 8 and newer. Check your device’s update status in Settings > System > System update.

Is call recording legal?
It depends on your location. In many places, you must inform the other party that you’re recording. The Pixel app does this automatically, but you should still check your local laws. In some jurisdictions, recording without consent is illegal.

Can I use Clear Calling on WhatsApp or other apps?
No, Clear Calling currently works only on the standard phone app. It doesn’t apply to VoIP calls like WhatsApp or Zoom.

Does the AI wallpaper generator work offline?
Yes, the generation happens on-device, so you can use it without an internet connection. However, the initial download of the feature requires a connection.

How long does it take to generate a wallpaper?
It takes a few seconds, depending on your phone’s processor. On a Pixel 8, it’s nearly instant; on a Pixel 6, it might take a few more seconds.

Can I remove any object from a video with Magic Eraser?
It works best on moving objects that are distinct from the background. Static objects are harder to remove, and very complex scenes may result in blurry patches. You can always undo the edit if you don’t like the result.

Related

• Router Power Brick Distance: Why Far Away?
• Raspberry Pi Internet Pause Button: How to Build One
• Fast Chargers vs Regular Chargers: Key Differences

in t | Talk time | min | 10 | 0 | 600
in d | Distance | km | 5 | 0 | 100
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2