Pixel 7 New Features: What Changed This Month

Your Google Pixel just gained seven new capabilities it didn’t have last month, thanks to a fresh Feature Drop and the latest Android security update. These additions range from smarter call screening to enhanced photo editing tools, and they’re rolling out to Pixel 5 and newer devices. In this article, we’ll break down each new feature, explain how they work, and answer common questions about the update.

What’s New in This Month’s Feature Drop

Google’s monthly Feature Drops are a staple of the Pixel experience, bringing new capabilities and refinements to older devices. The June 2024 drop is particularly substantial, adding seven notable features that we’ll detail below. These are not just minor tweaks; they include significant upgrades to core apps and system functions.

1. Enhanced Call Screening with AI

The most impactful addition is the upgraded Call Screen, now powered by on-device AI. This feature can now understand the context of a call better than before. For example, if a caller says “I’m calling about a delivery,” the AI will present you with options like “Ask about delivery time” or “Mark as spam.” It can also handle multi-turn conversations more naturally, asking follow-up questions on your behalf. This is a major step up from the previous version, which only offered generic responses.

2. Magic Editor for All Pixel Users

Previously exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, Magic Editor is now available on all Pixel devices running the latest update. This AI-powered photo editing tool lets you do things like reposition subjects, resize objects, and even change the sky in a photo. For instance, you can take a picture of a friend standing to the left and move them to the center, or you can replace a dull gray sky with a vibrant sunset. The tool works by analyzing the image’s depth and generating new pixels to fill gaps, making it a powerful creative tool for any Pixel owner.

3. Recorder App: Speaker Labels and Video Support

The Recorder app has received two significant upgrades. First, it now automatically labels speakers in your transcriptions, distinguishing between different people in a meeting or interview. This makes it much easier to follow who said what. Second, the app now supports video recording alongside audio, which is perfect for lectures or presentations where you need to see the speaker’s slides. The video is synced with the audio and transcription, so you can tap on a word and jump to that exact moment in the video.

4. At a Glance Widget: More Contextual Info

The At a Glance widget, a staple on the home screen, is now smarter. It can now show you package delivery alerts, live sports scores, and even when your favorite band’s new album drops, all without opening any apps. The widget uses your Google account data to pull this information, and you can customize what types of updates you want to see. For example, if you’re waiting for a package from Amazon, the widget will show a progress bar and estimated delivery time right on your home screen.

5. Security Update: New Theft Protection Features

The June 2024 security patch introduces a new suite of theft protection features, though they are rolling out gradually. The key feature is “Theft Detection Lock,” which uses the phone’s sensors to detect if it’s been snatched out of your hand. If it detects a sudden, forceful movement, it will automatically lock the screen to prevent thieves from accessing your data. There’s also an “Offline Device Lock” that kicks in if the phone is disconnected from the network for a prolonged period, and a “Remote Lock” that lets you lock your device using just your phone number and a security check, even if Find My Device isn’t set up.

6. Quick Tap: New Actions and Customization

Quick Tap, the gesture that lets you double-tap the back of your phone, now supports more actions. You can now set it to open the notification shade, toggle the flashlight, or even launch a specific app. This is in addition to the existing options like taking a screenshot or opening Google Assistant. The customization is deeper too, allowing you to set different actions for a double-tap versus a triple-tap, though the triple-tap is still in beta.

7. Adaptive Charging Improvements

Adaptive Charging, which slows down charging overnight to preserve battery health, now works with more third-party chargers and has a new notification that tells you when it’s active. Previously, it only worked with certain chargers, but now it can detect and work with any USB-PD charger. The new notification appears on the lock screen, showing a progress bar and an estimated time when charging will be complete, so you know exactly when your phone will be at 100%.

How to Get the Update

To receive these features, you need to install the June 2024 Feature Drop and the associated security patch. Here’s how to check for it:

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel.
2. Scroll down and tap System.
3. Tap System update.
4. Tap Check for update.

If an update is available, download and install it. Your phone will restart, and the new features will be active. If you don’t see the update immediately, be patient—Google rolls out updates in waves, and it can take a few days to reach all devices.

Compatibility and Availability

Most of these features are available on Pixel 5 and newer, but some are exclusive to newer models. For example, Magic Editor is available on all Pixel devices, but the AI-powered Call Screen is only on Pixel 6 and newer. Theft Detection Lock is available on all devices with the June security patch. Check Google’s official support page for a full breakdown of which features work on which devices.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

After installing the update, some users may experience issues. Here are a few common problems and their fixes:

• Battery drain: If you notice increased battery drain after the update, it’s often due to background re-indexing. Give it a day or two to settle. If it persists, try restarting your phone or clearing the cache for the Google app.
• Magic Editor not working: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as some processing is done in the cloud. Also, make sure the photo is in a supported format (JPEG, PNG, etc.).
• Call Screen not showing AI options: This feature is rolling out gradually. Check the Phone app’s settings to ensure it’s enabled, and make sure your Google app is updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these features come to older Pixels like the Pixel 4?

No, the June 2024 Feature Drop is only available for Pixel 5 and newer devices. Google typically supports Pixel devices with major updates for three years and security updates for five years from launch. The Pixel 4 is no longer supported.

Do I need to pay for any of these features?

No, all the features in the Feature Drop are free. There are no subscription fees or in-app purchases required. Magic Editor is included with the Google Photos app, though it does use some cloud processing.

How do I use Magic Editor on my Pixel?

Open a photo in Google Photos, tap the “Edit” button, and look for the “Magic Editor” icon (a magic wand). From there, you can tap on a subject to select it, then drag to move or resize it. You can also use the “Sky” button to change the sky in a photo. The tool will generate new pixels to fill in the gaps.

Is Theft Detection Lock available on all Pixel phones?

Yes, Theft Detection Lock is available on all Pixel devices that receive the June 2024 security patch, including the Pixel 5 and newer. It uses the phone’s sensors to detect sudden movement and locks the screen automatically.

Can I turn off the new At a Glance widget updates?

Yes, you can customize the At a Glance widget. Long-press the widget, tap “Customize,” and then toggle off the types of updates you don’t want to see, such as package delivery or sports scores.

Why haven’t I gotten the update yet?

Google rolls out updates in phases, so it may take up to a week for the update to reach your device. You can manually check by going to Settings > System > System update > Check for update. If it’s not available, wait a few days and try again.

Related

• Simple Folding Techniques for Saving Drawer Space
• Sony VAIO: The Most Beautiful Sony Laptops Ever?
• Raspberry Pi’s Reign Quietly Ending?

in t | Feature Drop version | - | 2024.06 | 0 | 999
out features | New features count | - | 7 | 2