Several Pixel devices are getting new features as part of Google's June Feature Drop. Some introduce long-awaited artificial intelligence technology, while others could potentially save your life.
Starting with the first, Gemini Nano is finally on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a after months of waiting. It will be the driving force behind various on-device tools, such as Summarize in Recorder. Thanks to the update, the app can now create “more detailed summaries” than before. It will even include the names of the speakers, so you'll know who's speaking when you look back at the transcript. However, there is an important distinction to make with the Gemini Nano on these two Pixel 8 models.
According to the blog post, it will only be available as a “developer option.” This means that you will have to activate the AI functionality yourself, as it will not be activated by default. Instructions on how to enable Gemini Nano on Pixel 8 devices can be found on the company's Pixel Phone support website. There's more to the drop than just AI, however, as these smartphones are gaining an interesting collection of features.
What caught our attention was that Google allowed all Pixel 8 models in the series to “display content on a larger screen.” To do this, you'll need to connect a USB-C to DisplayPort cable and connect the phone to, for example, a computer monitor.
Additionally, several Pixel phones will allow you to perform a “reverse phone number lookup directly from your call log.” This allows you to know who called you if you don't recognize the number easily. The tool is rolling out to Pixel Fold, Pixel 6, and newer models.
Pixel Watch update
Moving on to the Pixel Watch 2, the wearable is getting car crash detection. Google explains that if you are ever in a serious car accident, the tool activates and causes a timer to appear on the screen.
If you touch the button on the watch face, Pixel Watch 2 knows you're okay. However, if you do not respond, the wearable device will automatically contact emergency services to help you. It will also inform your emergency contacts and give them your location in real time.
The latest new feature allows users to connect their PayPal account to Google Wallet on the wearable device.
The rest of June's decline is nothing new. In fact, we first saw them appear during Google Home's Spring 2024 update last month. We won't go into details, but they include the introduction of the Google Home Favorites widget on Pixel smartphones, plus simpler smart home controls on your wearable device.
The Pixel tablet will also receive its own patch in the form of “more comprehensive ring notifications.” Through this update, homeowners can see who is at their door via direct video from a Nest doorbell. They, in turn, can talk to the other person by sending a Quick Reply.
These are all the main features shown in the June drop, although other changes are being implemented as well. For example, Find My Device now works even if your phone's battery is dead.
While we have it, be sure to check out TechRadar's roundup of the best Pixel phones for 2024.
