Multiple Pixel devices are getting new features as part of Google’s June Feature Drop. Some introduce long-awaited AI technology, while others could potentially save your life.
Starting with the first, after months of waiting, Gemini Nano has finally arrived on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. It will be the driving force behind several tools on the device, such as Summarize in Recorder. Thanks to the upgrade, the app can now create “more detailed… summaries” than before. It even includes the names of the speakers, so you’ll know who’s speaking when you review the transcript. However, there is an important distinction to be made with Gemini Nano on these two Pixel 8 models.
It will only be available as a “developer option”, according to the blog post. This means that you have to activate the AI functionality yourself, as it is not enabled by default. Instructions for enabling Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8 devices can be found on the company’s website Pixel Phone Help website. However, there is more going on besides AI as these smartphones will come with an interesting collection of features.
The thing that caught our attention was that Google made each Pixel 8 model in the series “display content on a larger screen.” To do this you will need to connect a USB-C to DisplayPort cable and connect the phone to something like a computer monitor.
Additionally, multiple Pixel phones allow you to “do a reverse phone number search directly from your call log.” This way you can find out who called you if you don’t easily recognize the number. The tool is rolling out to the Pixel Fold, Pixel 6 and newer models.
Pixel Watch update
Moving on to the Pixel Watch 2, the wearable gets car crash detection. Google explains that if you’re ever in a serious car accident, the tool will activate, causing a timer to appear on the screen.
Tapping the watch face button tells the Pixel Watch 2 that you’re doing well. However, if you do not respond, the wearable will automatically contact emergency services to assist you. It also informs your emergency contacts and gives them your real-time location.
The latest feature allows users to link their PayPal account on the wearable to Google Wallet.
The rest of the June decline is nothing new. We first saw them appear last month during the Spring 2024 Update for Google Home. We won’t go into detail, but they include the introduction of the Google Home Favorites widget on Pixel smartphones, plus easier smart home controls on your wearable.
The Pixel Tablet also gets its own patch in the form of ‘richer doorbell notifications’. This update allows homeowners to see who is at the door via a direct video feed from a Nest doorbell. They in turn can talk to the other person by sending a Quick Response.
Those are all the major features shown in the June release, although other changes are also being rolled out. For example, Find My Device now works even when the phone’s battery is dead.
While we’ve got you, check out Ny Breaking’s round-up of the best Pixel phones for 2024.