Google’s first Pixel characteristic drop of 2023 is official. Here is what’s new

June Wan/ZDNET

Google on Monday introduced that its first Pixel characteristic drop of 2023 is beginning to roll out for Pixel telephones and the Pixel Watch. 

Google’s Pixel cellphone line is benefiting probably the most from the characteristic drop, with the Android maker bringing a handful of options to older Pixel fashions which were unique to newer Pixel fashions. For instance, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional can have the identical improved velocity of the Pixel 7’s Night time Sight low-light digital camera mode. 

Additionally: Is your Pixel cellphone battery draining quicker than it ought to? This characteristic can assist

Google already introduced its Magic Eraser characteristic — which you need to use to take away undesirable objects or individuals from a photograph — is increasing to Google One subscribers, no matter which cellphone they’re utilizing. A part of that very same announcement was that Google has made Magic Eraser accessible to all Pixel customers, with or and not using a One subscription. 

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Direct My Name, a characteristic that helps you navigate cellphone timber when calling toll-free numbers, is now accessible on the Pixel 4a or newer. You will additionally start to see any timers you’ve got set on Pixel gadget present up throughout your entire Pixel units. As an illustration, for those who set a timer on a Nest Hub, it will present up in your Pixel cellphone, as effectively. 

Additionally: The 4 finest Pixel telephones 

Moreover, Well being Join, Google’s app that can assist you handle your personal knowledge with appropriate well being and health apps, is included with the newest Pixel replace. Beforehand the app was in beta and needed to be downloaded by itself. 

The characteristic drop is a part of Google’s March Pixel replace, so you will have to obtain and set up the newest system replace, and replace your apps within the Play Retailer so as to entry the brand new options and capabilities. 

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Technically, the Pixel Watch replace that features Fall Detection began to roll out on the finish of February. Nonetheless, Google is contemplating that replace as a part of a broader characteristic drop for your entire Pixel {hardware} line. Fall Detection on the Pixel Watch will monitor for laborious falls, and when one is detected, ask for those who’re OK. If there isn’t any response, otherwise you point out you need assistance, the watch will name emergency companies for you. 

Additionally: Google’s Pixel Watch can now detect for those who fall: Tips on how to flip it on

In an effort to have entry to Fall Detection, ensure your Pixel Watch is updated by opening the Settings app on the watch itself, then System > System updates. You will need to have your watch on its charger so as to full the replace. Moreover, you will need to ensure all the apps put in in your watch are up to date — you are able to do this by opening the Play Retailer app on the watch and managing your apps. 

Whereas not a part of the characteristic drop, Google’s high-end wi-fi earbuds, the Pixel Buds Professional, just lately obtained a firmware replace to allow Spatial Audio — a characteristic that provides motion and depth to audio, comparable to when watching a film or TV present or listening to appropriate songs. 

Overview: Google Pixel Buds Professional: AirPods Professional, however for Android

The replace began to roll out in early March to Pixel Bud Professional homeowners who’ve a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 cellphone. You will have to replace your Buds Professional to firmware model 4.3 earlier than Spatial Audio and head monitoring is accessible.