Skip to main content

Google releases a Pixel Feature Drop (March 2021)


Alongside the March Security Patch Google released a Feature Drop for Pixel devices today. This is probably my favorite thing about owning a Pixel phone. If you didn't know Feature Drops are released once a quarter and include some pretty handy features exclusive to Pixels. The last Pixel Feature Drop was in December 2020. Pixel Feature Drops are a way for Google to update our devices to some cool new features without waiting for the next major OS update. Check out what's included in today's Pixel Feature Drop below.


A more shareable Recorder.

You can now share links to your Recorder files, allowing anyone to hear recordings and see transcripts at recorder.google.com, even if they don’t have a Pixel*[2]. You can also back up recordings to your Google Account to help keep them safe*[3].



Take your Pixel under the sea.

Your Pixel now supports the Universal Smart Phone Housing for scuba diving by Kraken Sports*[4]. Get access to your Pixel’s camera features, like Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and video, directly through Pixel’s Camera app for high-quality images of you and your underwater friends. 



Messaging just got easier and more efficient.

Smart Compose is now available for select messaging apps on your Pixel*[5]. It uses machine learning to help you complete your sentences as you type, so sending and replying to messages is easier than ever.



Wallpapers for cultural moments.

Introducing a new wallpaper collection that will celebrate different cultural moments throughout the year. The wallpapers will feature work from diverse artists around the world.



A more seamless bedtime schedule.

Now when you use the bedtime features in Clock with your Pixel Stand, you’ll see a new and improved bedtime screen, along with redesigned notifications to help you ease into a great night’s sleep*[6].


Summary of Availability per Device:



Link(s)

Google


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

YT Music is my new go to Podcast player | The case to make it your podcast app

Believe it or not but YouTube Music did not always have podcasts. As a matter of fact YT Music was not the home for music for Google. That was once Google Play Music but in December of 2020 YT Music took over the music duties for the company. In 2023 YT Music absorbed podcasts from Google Podcasts which brings us to where we are now. For the sake of time I am only going to mention the podcast function within the app/service. What does YouTube Music offer? YT Music is a real basic podcast player that has got the essentials right. The service offers podcasts that are available on the service and the option to add podcasts via an RSS feed. Podcasts can also be downloaded, playback speed can be adjusted, audio/video switching (YT Music podcasts only), sleep timer, trim silence (new), and background play without the need for a YT Music subscription.  There is also library support to manage your collection of podcasts, a dedicated podcast section and search and recommendation for podcast...

Are we set to see new entry level Pixel Buds at Google I/O?

  I'm not one to start a Google rumor but I have to do it this time. Looking at the Google Store website this evening I noticed that the Pixel Buds A series are all but out of stock except for the Sea color way. This lines up perfectly with Google I/O being just around the corner. The Pixel Buds A are coming up on their four year anniversary in June so a refresh is definitely needed.  I'm actually hoping Google gets rid of the A series line and make a slightly more premium version with features similar to the Pixel Buds Pro 2s. Of course Google will save some features just for the pros, however, they can add multi point and better battery life just to name a couple of much needed upgrades. I guess we will have to wait and see what Google's plans really are.

I attended a Pixel Superfans event at the new Google Store in Santa Monica, CA

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a Pixel Superfans event at the new Google Store in Santa Monica. It was a soft launch of the store and a good way to meet like minded people. The staff were very nice and helpful. While I was at the store I was able to finally check out the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and wow that device is extremely impressive. Outside of that, I was able to look around the store and check out other Google products which there are quite a bit to see. I'm looking forward to my next visit to the new Google Store. Take a look at the pictures below including one of some swag I got from Google at the event.