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Google drops updates for its own Pixel phones, which are referred to as “Pixel Feature Drops,” and offers some new features and sometimes some enhancements. This used to be a quarterly update, but it’s apparently much more frequent now. Not just for new phones but also for old ones. Which is really nice of Google to do. A lot of smartphone makers want you to buy a new phone to get these features.
Here, we’re going to go over every single new feature that comes in these Pixel Feature Drops. So you can see what’s new and take advantage of these new features.
What is a Pixel Feature Drop?
Google started the Pixel Feature Drop a few years ago as a way to roll out some new features about four times a year without making everyone wait on a new version of Android – which really only comes once a year now. It was likely done to get people to update their phones more often instead of skipping some of these monthly security updates.
The first feature drop for Pixel came back in December 2019, and they’ve been going strong ever since. These Feature Drops are rolled into the security updates, so it looks like a larger update than it actually is. Which can be a good thing.
What devices are eligible for a Pixel Feature Drop?
This is a list of the current Pixel devices that are eligible to get these updates:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
Older devices are no longer receiving security updates or Android updates, and thus won’t get this feature drop, unfortunately.
When are they released?
These are quarterly updates from Google. So they released about once every three months. Google typically releases them in March, June, September, and December of each year. Sometimes, these may get moved around due to features not getting ready and such. But those are the months they aim for.
Typically, the first Monday of those months (March, June, September, and December) is when you can expect a Feature Drop.
Update: These are no longer quarterly, Google instead releases them “when they are ready”. In the first quarter of 2024, Google released a feature drop each month. I wouldn’t expect that to continue, however.
What’s new in the June 2024 Pixel Feature Drop?
For the June Pixel Feature Drop, Google is bringing in a whole host of new features for the Pixel phones, watches, and tablets.
Gemini lands on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a as a developer option
Google heard the backlash and is bringing Gemini to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a as a developer option with this feature drop. The reason for this is that Google doesn’t feel like the performance is on par to make it a standout feature. So if you really want to use it, you can.
Display Port is finally here
After many years, Google is finally adding Display Port support to the Pixel. This is going to allow you to plug in your phone to a second monitor and display it, over the phone’s USB-C port. It’s a simple feature, and also one that many likely won’t use, but it is here.
Reverse Phone Number Lookup
Ever wondered what that unknown number was that called you? Now, you can do a reverse phone number lookup straight from the Phone app. It really doesn’t get any simpler than that. And you can tell if you need to call them back or continue ignoring them.
Recorder app gains a new “Summarize” feature
Google’s very impressive Recorder app is also getting a new summarize feature, which is able to provide detailed summaries for your recordings, and even identify different speakers.
Find My Device now works when the phone is powered off
Another popular feature that Android users have been waiting for: Find My Device now works when your phone is powered off. This is only available for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, however.
Pixel Watch and Tablet get additional features
With this update to the Pixel ecosystem, the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 are getting Car Crash Detection and Bicycle Fall Detection. This feature is going to make sure that the user is okay and call emergency services and emergency contacts if needed. Google says that Fall Detection has also been updated to better detect falls from bicycles.
Pixel Watch is also going to be able to make payments from PayPal. And it’s getting the Google Home app finally. Which does include a new Wear OS tile, and watch face complications.
With the Pixel Tablet, Google says that users will now get more detailed doorbell notifications, including a snapshot of who is at your front door. This, however, does only work when the tablet is docked in hub mode.
What’s new in the March 2024 Pixel Feature Drop?
Google is yet again rolling out another Feature Drop this month, which actually includes quite a few new features. Here’s every single new feature.
10-bit HDR video and Ultra HDR Photos on Instagram
Instagram will now support 10-bit HDR video and Ultra HDR Photos from the Pixel 8 series. Ultra HDR Photos is a new picture format that was introduced in Android 14 last year, and it essentially is able to “store more information about the intensity of light, resulting in more detailed highlights and shadows, and more intense colors.”
Next Gen Call Screen improvements
Next Gen Call Screen is also getting some improvements. For instance, if you are call screening and the caller doesn’t respond, there’s a new “hello” chip that will appear, and you can tap on that to get the call started. Google is also going to tell the caller to wait a bit longer if you’re not available right now.
And more
That’s not all that’s coming to the Pixel this time around. Here are a few more features for the Pixel portfolio:
- Circle to Search with Google expands to Pixel 7
- Google Pixel Watch gaines Public Transit Directions, Auto Workout Mode (for original Pixel Watch), Pace Training, Heart Zome Training and a new Relax App from Fitbit.
- Partial screen sharing is sharing a certain app instead of the entire screen.
- Fast Pair will let you access previously set-up Bluetooth accessories on a new phone or tablet.
- Doc Markup arrives. Allowing you to markup up Google Docs with handwritten annotations, using your finger or a stylus.
- Gboard Voice Toolbar for Tablets arrives, allowing you to minimize the keyboard when using voice input.
What’s new in the January 2024 Pixel Feature Drop?
Google shocked us by dropping a new Feature Drop for the Pixels in late January – typically these were every three months and this was expected in March. But this Pixel Feature Drop did bring in some really nice features to the Pixel series.
Circle to Search
This debuted on the Galaxy S24 Ultra a few weeks earlier, and it’s a super useful feature. Essentially, with Circle to Search, you’re able to long-press on the gesture bar or home button and then circle what you want to search. Whether that’s text, a picture, or something specific in the picture, it can do it all, and it’s powered by Google. This is done without even leaving the app you’re currently in.
Magic Compose
Google is adding Magic Compose to the Pixel 8 series this time around, which will let you use AI (Google Gemini, actually) to rewrite your texts, social media messages, and much more. It’s very similar to Chat Assist on the Galaxy S24 series.
Thermometer
On the Pixel 8 Pro, Google added a thermometer to the back. Which seemed cool but turned out to be more of a gimmick. Well, with this feature drop, it’s much more of a feature than a gimmick. It can now be used to take the temperature of humans, and you can save the readings to your Fitbit profile as well.
Photomoji
The last major feature coming in this update is Photomoji, which is coming to the Pixel 3a and later. Basically, it lets you transform your favorite photos into reactions with the help of on-device Google AI.
What’s new in the October 2023 Pixel Feature Drop?
The September Pixel Feature Drop got delayed a month, along with Android 14, and launched in October. Along with Android 14, it does bring a good amount of new features to the Pixel. Here’s what’s new this month.
New Camera app
Google is rolling out a new camera app with the Pixel Feature Drop this month. The biggest change is that there is now a toggle at the bottom to switch from photo to video. You’ll also get easy access to modes like Night Sight, Portrait and Slow Motion. This seems like a good way to make it easier to switch modes, without making the camera app unintuitive. But it will take some time to get used to.
Custom clock and Wallpaper collections
Also part of this update this month, there’s new custom clock and wallpaper collections. You will be able to tweak your lock screen and use some different clocks there. Which is a nice change.
Dual Screen Interpreter Mode
This is only for the Pixel Fold. It was announced back at Google I/O in May, but this feature will let you interact with someone that speaks another language, all on your Pixel Fold. It works on both screens simultaneously. So you can type something on the larger screen and show the person the translated sentence(s) on the other side. It’s really neat and will be fun to play around with.
New charging notifications
With this feature drop, Google is adding a new charging notification that will appear if there is an issue with the charging accessory, cable or wall adapter. So you won’t just plug in your phone and leave it, only to find out it didn’t charge, or barely charged.
What’s new in the June 2023 Pixel Feature Drop?
For the June 2023 feature drop, the update is actually fairly small. This makes sense, as the next Feature Drop will coincide with the stable version of Android 14 dropping. So here’s what’s new for June 2023.
Cinematic wallpapers
With this feature drop, Google is rolling out Cinematic Wallpapers. According to Google, this is being powered by Google AI, and allows the Pixel to transform 2D wallpaper photos into dynamic 3D scenes. Giving you a pretty magical look for your home screen and lock screen.
Daily Readiness on Fitbit
Google is also rolling out a slew of Fitbit features with this feature drop. Including Daily Readiness onto your Fitbit. It was previously only available in the Fitbit app, now it’s available on your wrist. Daily Readiness helps you see how ready you are for the day, and for doing any type of workout.
Recorder Speaker Labels
First announced at the Pixel 7 event last October, Recorder Speaker Labels are finally rolling out in this Feature Drop. That’s going to make it easier to export your recordings to Google Drive. As it is able to label who is speaking and when.
Macro Focus Video
For the Pixel 7 Pro only, Macro Focus Video is rolling out. This allows you to use the macro focus feature while you are recording video as well.
And more
There’s a few more features coming in this feature drop, here’s the full changelog:
Pixel Phones
- Safety Check + Emergency Sharing: Google Assistant is giving you extra peace of mind by making it easier to start emergency sharing, or schedule a safety check if you’re feeling unsafe, all with just your voice.
- Car Crash Detection + Emergency Sharing: In addition to contacting emergency services, Car Crash Detection just got even more helpful – it can now share your real-time location and call status with your emergency contacts.
- Macro Focus Video (Pixel 7 Pro): Now you can capture incredible detail on video with Pixel 7 Pro’s impressive Macro Focus feature.
- Emoji Wallpapers: Mix and match over 4,000 of your favorite emojis with different patterns and colors to create a unique live wallpaper that fits your personality and mood.
- Recorder Speaker Labels: Pixel’s Recorder just got smarter. It now lets you export transcripts into Google Docs, generate speaker-labeled video clips, and search for speakers within recordings.
- Palm Timer (Pixel 6 and newer): You can take self-timed photos by simply raising your palm to trigger the timer with Pixel 6 and newer devices.
Pixel Watch
- Blood Oxygen Tracking: Pixel Watch can now check your nighttime oxygen saturation (SpO2) and help you identify changes in blood oxygen levels while you’re sleeping.
- High & Low Heart Rate Notifications: Your Pixel Watch can also track your heart rate and let you know if it falls outside of your normal thresholds.
Expanding existing features to more regions, languages and devices
- For Pixel Phones:
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- Multi-Device Controls: Quick access to smart home controls.
- Smart Features: Reduced rattling in vibration mode, Adaptive Charging and Magic Compose.
- Google Assistant: Now more personalized and relatable with an array of voice options.
- Android Spotlight Features: Unknown Tracker Alerts and Find My Device.
- For Pixel Watch:
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- Google Assistant Expansion: Google Assistant in new languages and locales for Pixel Watch.
- Wear OS Expansion: New tiles for Spotify and WhatsApp on your wrist.
- Elevate Your Style: New Metal Links bands are coming to the online Google Store and in Google retail locations starting June 16, 2023 – choose from Brushed Silver and Matte Black – for $199.99.
- Pixel Updates:
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- Cinematic Wallpapers: Thanks to the power of Google AI, Pixel can transform your 2D wallpaper photos into dynamic 3D scenes for a truly magical look.
- Pixel Watch Updates:
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- Auto-pause: Pixel Watch will automatically pause your run, walk or bike exercise If you need to stop at a light or take a quick breather – and automatically resume tracking your workout once you start again.
- Fitbit Updates (coming week of June 12):
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- Notifications in more languages: Support for more global characters and right-to-left text on your device (Available on Sense 2 and Versa 4, Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3)
- Daily Readiness: Daily Readiness Score on your wrist (Available on all Fitbit smartwatches and trackers).
- Menstrual Health tile: Manage menstrual health from your smartwatch (Available on Sense 2 and Versa 4).
- Switch styles: Pick a new clock face right from your smartwatch (Available on Sense 2 and Versa 4).
- Get your exercise mode just right: Choose from a full list of exercise modes on your tracker (Available on Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3).
- More designs for your tracker: Four new clock faces are now available in the Fitbit app gallery (Available on Charge 5, Luxe and Inspire 3).
What’s new in the March 2023 Pixel Feature Drop?
This time around, the feature drop is mostly aimed at older Pixel devices. Bringing Pixel 7 features to older devices. Which is definitely nice to see from Google. But here’s what’s new.
Faster Night Sight
Google has improved and added some new algorithms to the Tensor chip, which has made Night Sight faster on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. So you’re able to get low-light photos a whole lot faster now.
Magic Eraser
Magic Eraser debuted on the Pixel 6 in 2021, but now it is moving to older Pixels. If you have a Pixel 4a or later, you’ll be able to take advantage of Magic Eraser. Meaning that more people will be able to get rid of those photo bombers in your photos. As well as other distractions on your photos.
Direct My Call+
Google is also expanding Direct My Call+ to older Pixels, bringing it to the Pixel 4a or later. So now more Pixel users will be able to see call menu options before they’ve even been spoken to them.
Health Connect
Health Connect is an app that Google created last year, and was in beta for quite some time. Now it’s out of beta and available on Pixel devices. So you can use Health Connect to sync your health and fitness data across platforms. So far, this works with Fitbit and Samsung Health. So you can switch from the Pixel Watch to the Galaxy Watch 5 without losing any data.
What’s new in the December 2022 Pixel Feature Drop?
The December 2022 Pixel Feature Drop was released on Monday, December 5, 2022. And it’s the first big feature drop since the Pixel 7 series was released in October. So quite a few features here were already announced in October as “coming soon”.
VPN by Google One
Announced in October with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, the VPN by Google One is now rolling out to all those users in the December 2022 update. This is a free feature, which you previously, needed to subscribe to Google One and be paying for at least 2TB to be able to enjoy.
For Pixel 7 users, this feature is going to be free for the next five years. It’ll likely last longer than your Pixel 7, to be quite honest.
Clear Calling
Clear Calling is another feature that was announced in October and will remain exclusive to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, at least for now. But basically, this feature is able to reduce the background noise and enhance the sound of the voice. So that others’ are able to hear you better in loud environments like a bar or club.
The demos we experienced of this feature at the Made by Google event in October were pretty incredible. So we’re expecting this to be mind blowing.
Recorder Speaker Labels
The last feature in this feature drop which is limited to the new Pixel 7 series is, Recorder Speaker Labels. The Recorder app debuted a few years ago on the Pixel 4 and has been pretty incredible. But Google continues to improve it, and now, it can label individual speakers that are being recorded. It can also add in line breaks, making it easier to follow along.
Spatial Audio
This feature won’t be fully available until January 2023, but Spatial Audio is coming to the Pixel Buds Pro (only). Spatial Audio will allow you to feel more immersed when listening to movies and shows through your Pixel Buds Pro. It’s a feature that Apple has had for quite some time, and is now finally coming over to Android.
Security and Privacy Settings
Security and privacy is always a big deal for Google, and it is continuing to provide updates to the new unified hub for security and privacy settings in this new unified hub. It includes some new action cards that notify you of any safety risks and provide easy steps to enhance your privacy and security.
Pixel Wallpapers
As always, Google is including some new wallpapers with this update. So you’ll have a refresh in the Curated Culture section of the Wallpaper app. There are a few new wallpapers here to help celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.
Fitbit Sleep Profile
Google is finally rolling out the new Fitbit Sleep Profile that was announced back in November. This is going to help you get deeper sleep insights through Fitbit’s Premium Sleep Profile feature, on your Google Pixel Watch. It provides users with a monthly sleep animal and longitudinal analysis of your sleep. This is going to help you find ways to improve your sleep over time. If you wore your Watch to bed for 14 nights in November, you will see your animal today.
New Wear Tiles
Google is also bringing in a few new Wear OS tiles for the Pixel Watch. These include a new Contacts Tile, as well as an additional Weather Tile. This new Weather Tile will give you easy access to see things like when is Sunset or Sunrise, among other things. The Contacts Tile will give you quick access to calling and/or texting your favorite contacts, on your wrist.
Fall Detection
Google is adding Fall Detection to the Google Pixel Watch in 2023. This is already available on Pixel smartphones. Fall Detection will contact emergency services if the Pixel Watch senses that you’ve taken a hard fall and are unresponsive.
Other odds & ends
There’s a few more updates here for the December 2022 feature drop, which includes expanding a few features to more regions and in new languages. Like Cough and Snore Detection, as well as Live Chat Translate.