Google is finally releasing its highly anticipated Gemini Nano AI model to Pixel 8 and 8a users this month, after teasing its arrival back in March. The June Pixel drop includes a range of new features, such as Display Port connectivity for the Pixel 8 and 8a, reverse phone number lookup, fall and crash detection for the Pixel Watch 2, and doorbell notifications for the Pixel tablet.
The Gemini Nano model will allow for detailed summaries of transcriptions in the Recorder app. However, Google has not yet revealed the full extent of its capabilities.
The Recorder app has also received updates, now supporting speaker name detection and the ability to export transcripts to text files or Google Docs for Pixel 6 or newer devices.
Among the useful updates in this Pixel drop is support for Display Port standard via the USB-C port, making it possible to watch content on a larger screen. The update also includes reverse phone number lookup, allowing users to search for unknown callers in their call log. It remains unclear whether Google is using its own Caller ID database or a third-party source. Popular apps like Truecaller already offer this feature and can even integrate with the dialer to show live caller ID.
The Find My Device feature on Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a devices has also been improved, now functioning even when the phone is turned off. Google claims that the feature can locate a switched-off device for at least 23 hours.
Camera updates come in the form of manual lens picking on Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro, and Pixel Fold devices. This feature was already available on the Pixel 8 Pro. When disabled, the camera will automatically select a lens based on what objects are in focus within the frame.
HDR+ photo support on Pixel 6 and newer devices has been upgraded to automatically detect the best shot when the shutter button is pressed.
Pixel Watch
The latest Pixel drop brings added safety features to the Pixel Watch 2. In the event of a car crash, the watch can detect it and notify emergency contacts with the user’s location using the Emergency Sharing feature. Additionally, the update includes bicycle fall detection.
The Home app on Wear OS is also getting a makeover for all watches with Wear OS 3 or newer. With a simple swipe, users can now access their favorite smart devices. When tapping on a device icon, the Home app allows for quick adjustments of the temperature and lighting directly from the watch.
Furthermore, users can now add frequently used devices directly to the watch face on Wear OS. The update also lets users adjust blinds and control the fan speed from their watch.
The Pixel tablet is also receiving an upgrade with a new doorbell notification feature that includes a snapshot of who is at the door. From the notification, users can either start a conversation with the visitor or send a quick response.
For devices with Android 12 or later, Google has added the Google Home Favorites widget, which allows for quick access and control of smart devices with just a few taps.
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