Google has announced the latest feature drop for its Pixel devices, which brings a number of new features and improvements to Pixel phones, watches, and tablets. The update is rolling out to supported devices starting today, except for the US, where it will arrive on March 11. Here are some of the highlights of the March feature drop.
Circle to Search comes to more Pixel phones
One of the new features that Google introduced with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro was Circle to Search, which allows users to search anything on their screen by drawing a circle around it. This feature uses Google Lens to provide relevant information and actions based on the content. Now, Google is expanding this feature to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, so more users can enjoy this convenient way of searching without switching apps.
Ultra HDR and 10-bit HDR support for Instagram
Pixel users who love to capture and share photos and videos on Instagram will be happy to know that Google has added Ultra HDR and 10-bit HDR support for the popular social media app. This means that Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, and Fold users can now upload and share Ultra HDR photos and 10-bit HDR videos directly to Instagram and Instagram Reels, without losing any quality or detail. These features take advantage of the Pixel’s powerful camera and Google Tensor G3 processor to deliver stunning visuals.
Call Screen gets smarter and more helpful
Call Screen is a handy feature that lets Google Assistant answer and screen calls for you, so you can avoid spam and unwanted calls. With the March feature drop, Call Screen is getting even smarter and more helpful. Now, if the caller is silent, you can tap a “hello” chip on the Call Screen to prompt them to speak, so you can understand why they are calling. If you are busy and can’t answer right away, Google Assistant will also let the caller know to wait a bit longer as they try to reach you.
Partial Screen Sharing for Pixel phones and tablets
If you want to share your screen with someone, whether it’s for casting, recording, or presenting in a video call, you usually have to share your entire screen. This can be inconvenient and risky, as you might expose some sensitive or personal information from other apps. That’s why Google has introduced Partial Screen Sharing, a new feature that lets you share only one app at a time, instead of the whole screen. This way, you can have more control and privacy over what you share. This feature is available on Pixel 5a with 5G and newer phones, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
Fast Pair makes Bluetooth pairing easier across devices
Fast Pair is a feature that makes Bluetooth pairing faster and easier across multiple devices, as your accessory syncs to your Google account. With the March feature drop, Fast Pair is getting even better, as you can now access and connect to previously paired accessories on a new Pixel device. You just need to go to the Connected Devices page and tap on the “Previously used with account” option to see and connect to your accessories. This feature works on Pixel 5a with 5G and newer phones, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
New features for first-gen Pixel Watch
Google has not forgotten about the first-gen Pixel Watch users, as it is bringing some of the advanced features from the Pixel Watch 2 to the older model. These include Pace Training, which lets you set a goal pace for your exercise and get haptic and voice cues when you are within or outside your target; Heart Zone Training, which lets you monitor and set personal targets for your heart rate zones during your workouts; and Auto Workout mode, which automatically detects and tracks certain activities like running, walking, cycling, and more.
