Google's Pixel 9 and 10 phones now support AI Notification Summaries, which condense long conversations from messaging apps like Google Messages and WhatsApp into brief overviews, accessible via the notification shade. The feature, enabled through Settings, is rolling out gradually and is powered by Android System Intelligence and on-device Gemini Nano. It is limited to certain message types, disabled in Battery Saver mode, and can be customized to exclude specific apps. Additional notification organization features are expected in December.
Leaked images suggest that the upcoming November update for Google Pixel devices will introduce new features including theme packs, animation support in Pixel Studio, and enhanced VIP notifications, potentially arriving earlier than expected.
Microsoft is testing a major Windows 11 update that includes a redesigned, more customizable Start menu, improvements to the Taskbar such as a new battery icon and animations, and new features for File Explorer, with a rollout expected soon for general users.
Microsoft is preparing a major Windows 11 update set for September, introducing improvements like enhanced search, customizable lock screen widgets, a redesigned Windows Hello, and updates to Copilot+ features such as Recall and Click To Do. Additional features like a new Start menu and system-wide dark mode are expected later in the year, along with ongoing fixes and quality of life improvements.
Google has released Pixel Camera 9.9 with the removal of Social Share functionality and visual tweaks to the Timer icons, along with the delayed rollout of the education hub feature for Pixel 6 and newer devices, now available via the Play Store.
Google's new Instant Hotspot feature, which allows easy connection of Android tablets and Chromebooks to a phone's hotspot, will not be available on Samsung devices. This feature, part of the latest Android Feature Drop, is similar to Chrome OS's Instant Tethering but extends to Android tablets. Samsung devices will continue to use their own Auto Hotspot feature and can still connect to Chromebooks via Instant Tethering.
The March Pixel Feature Drop has begun rolling out to US users, including those on AT&T, Google Fi, and T-Mobile, with a staggered release. The update brings new features such as Circle To Search, Ultra HDR photo sharing, updated Call Screening, Partial Screen recording, improvements to Fast Pair, and the March Android security patch.
Google has released the March 2024 Pixel Feature Drop, bringing the latest Android security patches to Pixel devices, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. The update includes critical security fixes and is also being rolled out to supported non-Pixel devices according to each manufacturer's update policy. Additionally, the Pixel Watch is receiving the update, although the security bulletin for it lacks details on the vulnerabilities addressed.
Google Pixel devices will soon support uploading and viewing Ultra HDR photos on Instagram as part of the March feature drop, along with the ability to capture and share 10-bit HDR videos to Instagram Reels. The update will also bring Circle to Search and expanded call-screening features, including a tool for silent callers and new health-tracking features for the original Pixel Watch.
Google announces a new Pixel Feature Drop with various new features for Pixel phones, tablets, and watches, including Ultra HDR photo and 10-bit HDR video support in Instagram, Call Screen improvements, Circle to Search for Pixel 7, Partial Screen Sharing, Fast Pair improvements, Docs Markup, GBoard Voice Toolbar, public transit directions, Auto Workout mode, Pace Training, Heart Zone Training, and Fitbit Relax App.
Google released a Pixel Feature Drop in January, introducing new features such as a thermometer app for the Pixel 8 Pro and Circle to Search for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The decision to release the Feature Drop in January may have been influenced by the need to stay competitive with external forces, such as the Samsung S24 launch. The release also raises questions about the 2024 Feature Drop cycle and the timing of the Quarterly Platform Reason launch. Additionally, there are speculations about potential changes in the Android release schedule.
Google's latest Feature Drop for Pixel smartphones introduces new features such as temperature scanning, Circle to Search, Magic Compose in Google Messages, Photomoji reactions, Quick Share, and Audio Switch on Pixel Watch. Additionally, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are now available in a new mint green color.
Google's January Pixel Feature Drop only includes app updates from the Play Store, with no accompanying Android system update. The update brings new features to apps like Pixel Thermometer and Fitbit, while also introducing a special version of the Google app for Circle to Search. Additionally, Google has started emailing 20% off coupon codes for the Mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, available in various countries. A regular February software update for Pixel users is expected to roll out in early February, but it's unclear whether it will be Android 14 QPR2.
Google's latest feature drop for the Pixel 8 series introduces Circle to Search, a built-in thermometer for the Pixel 8 Pro, Magic Compose for message drafting, Quick Share rebranding, and automatic audio switching for the Pixel Watch. The update also brings "Photomoji" to the Messages app, allowing users to transform photos into reactions. These features will roll out to Pixel owners over the next few weeks.
Google has released the June 2023 Android 13 Pixel Feature Drop, which includes new features and bug fixes for Pixel smartphones, Pixel Watch, and Fitbit devices. The update includes emergency sharing and safety check features, crash detection, new camera app updates, cinematic wallpapers, and smarter Adaptive Charging. The Pixel Watch can now monitor oxygen saturation and automatically pause workouts, while Fitbit devices have improvements to exercise mode and female health tracking. The update is rolling out over-the-air in phases throughout the week.
