Google Drops October Updates For Pixel

Google has released its latest ‘Pixel Drop,’ a comprehensive software update for Pixel phones, tablets and watches, featuring new AI capabilities, camera enhancements and safety features, alongside the rollout of Android 15.

The October Pixel Drop includes a variety of improvements targeted at improving the user experience across the Pixel ecosystem. One major change is increased access to Gemini, Google's AI assistant, which is now available on all Pixel Buds models, including the Pixel Buds Pro, A-Series and original versions.

Users may engage Gemini hands-free simply saying, ‘Hey Google, let's talk,’ which allows users to get directions, send emails or brainstorm ideas while on the go. Gemini Live is also now free for all Pixel users, with compatibility expanded to German and Portuguese, allowing for more widespread communication.

In terms of functionality, users may now use Gemini to find saved objects in Pixel Screenshots. By stating, ‘Find the brand of trainers I saved in Screenshots,’ Gemini will locate the necessary screenshot, making it easy to retrieve critical information.

The update makes major enhancements to photography, especially with the addition of Audio Magic Eraser for Pixel 8 and subsequent models. This tool allows users to remove annoying sounds in videos and alter specific audio aspects, resulting in improved overall clarity. Users may also shoot better underwater photographs and movies with richer colour reproduction using any waterproof case.

Furthermore, the Night Sight mode now features a dedicated astrophotography capability, allowing users to capture photographs of the night sky without difficulty. To use this function, simply tap the Night Sight symbol and slide to Astro. Night Sight for Instagram also allows users to snap clear, low-light images right within the app without the use of a flash.

The Thermometer app on the Pixel 8 Pro has also been improved to deliver real-time temperature readings of surfaces using the camera, resulting in a more precise measurement method. Meanwhile, the Pixel Weather app now has a pollen tracker, allowing users to check current pollen levels and forecasts, which is a useful feature for anyone concerned about seasonal allergies. This app is coming to more Pixel devices and now adds air quality and humidity updates.

Finding appropriate widgets for the home screen is now more natural, making it easier for users. When users long-press the home screen, recommendations for different widget categories show. In addition to this, call screening has been upgraded in the United Kingdom and Japan, with a more natural-sounding voice that interacts callers and shows real-time responses, assisting users in deciding whether to answer. These regions also offer faster response times for appointment confirmations and reservations.

On the safety front, new theft prevention features have been included. The Theft Detection Lock employs motion sensors to immediately lock the phone if it is stolen, while the Remote Lock function enables users to rapidly safeguard their phones from any device. Users can also create a separate location for important apps that is protected by a distinct PIN, which improves privacy and security.

The update for Pixel Watches includes a new contact tile, allowing users to instantly access their favourite contacts with a single tap. Users may now send and read emoji reactions to Gmail notifications directly from their watches. The Loss of Pulse Detection tool, which detects sudden heart failure and alerts emergency personnel, has been expanded to Belgium, Italy and Spain, improving emergency response capabilities.

Finally, the Pixel Tablets update includes a new casting feature that enables seamless media transmission between the tablet and phone by simply bringing them near together. Alerts may now be controlled across devices, ensuring that alerts dismissed on one device are likewise removed from others, resulting in a cleaner experience. The home panel screensaver provides quick access to smart home controls and video feeds while the tablet is idle, as well as new clock designs for customisation.

The October Pixel Drop and the Android 15 rollout will begin today, bringing these upgrades to Google's Pixel portfolio. This version focusses on practicality and usefulness to improve the user experience.