Google Pixel 8 Series January Feature Drop is Here: Circle to search, Photomoji & more included،
Google launched the Pixel 8 smartphone series in India in October 2023. The series included Google Pixel 8 And GooglePixel 8 Pro and came with not only new features, but also different and unique colorways. Usually, Google releases new features every quarter and the first feature drop for the Pixel 8 was in December 2023, which means the next release was scheduled for March 2024. However, Google was in the mood to surprise its users when the brand announced a feature in January. Drop which includes 6 new features. This is most likely the effect of Samsung's recent Galaxy AI announcement.
Not only did Google announce a feature removal, but also a new color for its Pixel 8 devices. Keep reading to find out more.
ALSO READ: Google Pixel 8a retail box images reveal phone's black color
Google Pixel 8 series: feature removal in January
1. Temperature sensor now works
When Google announced the Pixel 8 Series in October it announced a temperature sensor that now works. The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a temperature sensor that can measure your body temperature by inverting it. It can take anyone's body temperature and the measurements can be saved in the Fitbit app.
To do this, you have to place the camera bar near the center of your forehead and touch the screen. You will feel a vibration which means you will need to move the device across your forehead to your temple. This should be done in a few seconds and another vibration will confirm the successful measurement.
2. Circle to search
After the Galaxy S24 series, Google also announced Circle to Search for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This is one of the coolest new features and lets you harness the power of Google Search with Google AI from any screen, at any time to find the information you need . The feature allows you to extract information from a video, image, text or anything else. It is now available for the Pixel 8 series.
To use the feature, long press the home button or gesture navigation bar, which will bring up the Google search bar and a purple animation indicating that you can now hover over anything to get more information on this subject.
3. Photomoji
Photomoji lets you react to a text message using an emoji you just created. In Google Messages, long-press a message to respond to it. Then choose the photo to make an emoji for and your pixel will do it before sending it as a reaction. There is also a separate Photomoji tab where you will find past creations and stickers. The Pixel 3a+ comes with Photomoji.
4. Magic composition
Magic Compose will allow the Gemini Nano model on the device to suggest answers and remix others in different styles: Remix, Excited, Chill, Lyrical, Short, Shakespeare, etc. Google also announced Magic Compose in the past, but now is when the device has become fully functional. It's available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro and allows AI to create and suggest responses to a conversation.
5. All New Quick Share
Google has renamed Quick Share with a new icon and user interface. The brand has partnered with Samsung to create the Quick Share Android nearby sharing tool.
6. Seamless audio switching
Seamless audio switching is available for Google Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. Previously, it was available on Pixel tablets and Pixel smartphones. This allows you to quickly connect and listen to music on your mobile. This will also include switching music from your tab to your phone for a call without doing it manually. Support is also available on the Pixel 5A+.
Note: All of these features started rolling out immediately, so there is no wait time.
For those of you who need a recap, Google discontinued the following features in December 2023:
- Summarize in recorder
- Smart Reply in Gboard
- Video boost with Night Sight
- Time-lapse night view
- Portrait Light in Google Photos
- Remove Blur from Photos for Pets
- Pixel phone as webcam
- Clean image functionality
- Pixel Fold dual-screen preview
- Repair mode
- Access keys in a password manager
- Call screen responses
- Pixel Watch Phone Unlock
- Pixel Tablet Clear Calling, spatial audio
- New Recorder app languages
- Direct my call and wait for me
- Improved clock and weather
New Year, new pixel color
Google has been talking about a new color for the Pixel 8 series for a while. The new shade has finally been announced and it is 'Mint'. It's described as inspired by the vibrant hue found in nature and is more subdued than the berry blue version of the Pixel 8 Pro.
The Mint color joined the existing Obsidian, Hazel and Rose shades for the Pixel 8 and the Obsidian, Bay and Porcelain shades for the Pixel 8 Pro.
However, this color model has a slight drawback. If you wish, you will have to limit it to a 128 GB storage version. Indeed, the mint color is currently only sold at retail for the 128 GB models.
For India, Google has also started shipping Mint Color. In fact, the Google India store is currently showing a mint shade for the Pixel 8. It is expected to come to the Pixel 8 Pro soon. Since Google is currently selling its Pixels through Flipkart, the mint-colored Pixel 8 series is expected to be available soon, with the base variant retailing at Rs. 9,999. 75,999.
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