Google releases first Feature Drop of 2023 for Pixel phones and Pixel Watch
Previous generation Pixel phones get updates and other features spread around the world
One thing you can always count on with Google hardware is software updates and feature releases for a few years. Sometimes products really need these updates since we live in a world where we are all beta testers for a period of time after products are released to the public.
The updates in the Google announcement will be rolling out to devices in the next few weeks with some updates available now.
Pixel Watch updates
A couple of weeks ago Google announced an update for the Pixel Watch that brought fall detection and I can confirm that my review unit now has the ability for me to enable this function.
New sound and display settings options will soon be coming to the Pixel Watch. These options are being provided to help people enjoy the watch with customized audio and visual experiences.
Night Sight improvements
Google launched a more responsive Night Sight experience on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro with the latest Google Tensor processor. An update provides a faster Night Sight experience for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones too, thanks to new algorithms.
Magic Eraser
The ability to remove unwanted subjects from your photos with Magic Eraser in Google Photos is now available on all Pixel phones. In addition, Google One subscribers can use Magic Eraser on other phones, including the iPhone.
Health Connect
Google previously had an application in beta called Health Connect. It is now rolling out of the beta phase for people to install and use on their Android phones. Health Connect stores your health and fitness data in a centralized location and then it can be used across various apps in read and write formats.
Looking at the plethora of health and fitness apps I have installed on my Pixel 7 Pro, only Fitbit and Oura are shown as available apps supporting Health Connect. In the settings it looks like Samsung Health, Google Fit, Peloton, and others are supported.
While you download an app in the Google Play Store and setup which apps have permission, there is not Health Connect interface so I’ll have to explore this a bit more.
Timers across Google devices
Sometimes it is the little things that matter and in my opinion this is one reason that I enjoy using Pixel devices. Google now provides the ability to see timers set on your various Nest devices appear in the At a Glance view so you can disable the timer or even add another minute if you need to.
Other updates
The useful Hold for Me capability will now be available in Japan. This features is also currently supported in the US, Australia, and Canada.
The Direct My Call feature will now be available on Pixel 4a and newer Pixel phones. This cool function works on most toll-free numbers in the US and helps you get to the right extension faster.