Google has announced the Pixel Feature Drop for June 2023 and it’s one of the biggest to date.
On the side of the Pixel Phones, you can now use Macro Focus for video, there’s now an easier option for timed photos where you can use a gesture and there’s new cinematic wallpapers that allow you to turn 2D photos into 3D dynamic wallpapers.
On the Pixel Watch side, there’s now an oxygen saturation (SpO2) measure which was missing from the device at launch, and the Watch will send you a notification if your heart rate is unusually high or low.
ALL OF JUNE’S GOOGLE PIXEL PHONE/WATCH UPDATES
GOOGLE PIXEL PHONE
Peace of mind from Google Assistant
Use your voice to ask Google Assistant on your Pixel phone to start emergency sharing or to schedule a safety check for some extra peace of mind. If you’re out for a night run, just say, “Hey Google, start a safety check for 30 minutes.” If you don’t respond to your safety check in the set duration, your emergency contacts will be notified and your real-time location will be shared.
Added safety on the road
Car crash detection on Pixel has helped keep drivers safe since launching in 2019, and now it can even keep loved ones in the loop if you’ve been in a severe crash. In addition to contacting emergency services, it can share your real-time location and call status with your emergency contacts.
Stunning videos, down to the smallest detail
Pixel 7 Pro’s Macro Focus is now available for video, so you can create larger-than-life videos of the smallest details, like butterflies fluttering or flowers waving in the wind.
Easier hands-free photos
Pixel 6 and newer phones will now let you take self-timed photos by simply raising your palm to trigger the timer after setting it for 3 or 10 seconds.
Express yourself with wallpapers that wow
Now on Pixel 6 and newer phones, you can bring your favorite memories of friends and family to life with Pixel’s new cinematic wallpapers. Pixel uses AI to transform your 2D wallpaper photos into dynamic 3D scenes for a truly magical look. And with new emoji wallpapers, you can also mix and match over 4,000 emoji with different patterns and colors to create live wallpapers that fit your personality and mood.
Recorder speaker labels are even better
Recorder makes transcribing recordings a breeze with speaker labels. Starting next week, users with Pixel 6 and newer phones will be able to export transcripts into Google Docs, generate speaker-labeled video clips and search for speakers within recordings.
Quick access to smart home controls
Quickly access your favorite smart home devices right from your Pixel lock screen when using the Google Home app. Use the redesigned home panel to turn off lights, adjust the temperature, see your cameras and more.
Smarter haptics
For Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a, Pixel’s adaptive haptics can now lower its vibration intensity when it detects that it’s on a hard, flat surface like a desk or table.
Charging that adapts to your habits
Adaptive Charging now uses Google AI to help extend the lifespan of your Pixel battery. When you plug in your phone, it can predict a long charging session based on your previous charging habits, and slowly charge to 100% one hour before it’s expected to be unplugged.
New Google Assistant voices
Google Assistant now sounds more natural and relatable to even more users with two new options to add to our diverse array of voices, totaling 12 in U.S. English.
GOOGLE PIXEL WATCH
Monitor your health with SpO2
Pixel Watch will now be able to check your oxygen saturation (SpO2) and help you identify changes in the level of oxygen in your blood while you’re sleeping, which could impact the quality of your sleep. Plus, tracking your SpO2 trends over time may help you spot any changes associated with your activity, altitude, and overall wellness
Keep a close eye on your heart rate
Pixel Watch continuously tracks your heart rate all day and night. Now, it will be able to send you a notification if your heart rate is unusually high or low, as it could be an indicator of your overall health and any potential issues on the horizon.
Google Assistant in more languages
Google Assistant is available for Wear OS in new languages and locales, so you’ll be able to get help in Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Polish and Spanish.
Spotify on your wrist
Quickly kick off a Spotify DJ session, listen to podcasts and check out what’s in your heavy rotation right from your wrist with three new tiles.
Auto-Pause your run
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.
