Newsletter
Ever since the new Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro were launched, there’s been speculation about some of the phones’ new features coming to older Pixels. Google is now offering some information on this.
Speaking to Android Authority, a Google spokesperson said, “As with all Pixel features, we aim to bring as many features as possible to older Pixels where technically possible — though it might take some time to develop and offer a different experience.”
“Some technologies will require additional technical investments, such as Live Translate, as our on-device language models are engineered to run on Pixel 6’s proprietary Tensor chip on TPU (which older Pixel models don’t have).”
This tells us that Google is still not clear on what features it wants to (or can) bring over from the Pixel 6. Some of the newer features are dependent on the new Google Tensor chip. This means that the company simply can’t port some features to older devices.
Features like Magic Eraser, Live Translate, and more are making their debuts with the Pixel 6
The Google representative also said there’s no fixed release date for the rollout of these features. Previously, the company has rolled features like Cinematic Pan, call screening, and the acclaimed astrophotography mode for older Pixels. Keeping this in mind, it was only fair for people to expect the same with the Pixel 6.
Some of the new features making their debut with the Pixel 6 are Live Translate, Motion Mode, Magic Eraser, and so on. While it now seems like some of these features may not make their way to older phones, we’re hoping Google finds a way.
Last week, we came across a nifty port of Google Camera v8.3 from the Pixel 6. However, this port requires a phone running on Android 9 or newer. It came through Android 12 Beta 4, so it’s likely packing some bugs as well.
The Pixel 6 also introduces an unlikely collaboration with Snapchat thanks to “Quick Tap to Snap.” This feature allows users to open up the Snapchat camera from the Pixel 6 lock screen with a tap on the back panel. For security reasons, the feature only allows taking videos or photos. Further options will require the user to unlock the device.
We’ll also have our Pixel 6 and 6 Pro reviews coming up soon. So keep an eye out for them in the near future.