Google announced on Thursday that, as part of its December feature update, it will introduce a range of new features for Pixel and Android devices. These enhancements include Gemini extensions, upgrades to the Pixel screenshot app, expressive captions, and improvements to accessibility functionalities.
On the Android platform, Google has launched new Gemini extensions, encompassing Spotify, messaging, calling, and smart home capabilities. Users can now explore songs and playlists through Gemini, as well as send messages or make calls via the default messaging and calling apps. Google revealed that future updates will enable users to control smart home devices through Gemini.
Additionally, Gemini Advance has been updated to remember user preferences and interests. For instance, if a user saves dietary preferences, Gemini will recommend recipes accordingly.
For visually impaired users, Google has added Gemini 1.5 to the Lookout app for image Q&A. This feature allows users to ask questions via voice and receive AI-generated image captions in response.
Android has also introduced expressive captions aimed at conveying the emotions of on-screen content. This feature can describe expressions such as "whispering," "cheering and applause," and "sighing."
Google Drive has been upgraded with superior auto-enhance capabilities, which automatically adjust the white balance and contrast of document snapshots.
In photo and video sharing, Google has added a QR code option, and the Gboard keyboard's emoji drawer now includes sticker packs.
For Pixel devices, Google has introduced a new mode that enhances visibility and accessibility by increasing font sizes and touch sensitivity. Additionally, an anti-theft protection update requires users to use biometric authentication to unlock their phones when changing sensitive settings from a new location.
The photo picker on Pixel devices has also been updated, allowing users to view all folders, favorites, and cloud photos. The sharing interface has been improved to display album covers of songs detected by the "Now Playing" feature. The call screening functionality has been upgraded, enabling users to view conversations between AI agents and callers and choose to accept or reject calls.
These features are available on Pixel devices from Pixel 6 onwards. The Pixel 9 devices receive additional specific updates, such as Gemini Nano providing more contextual smart reply options during calls, allowing users to respond to callers without answering the phone.
The Pixel screenshot app bundled with the Pixel 9 series can now automatically categorize screenshots and display them through search filters. Users can also save items found using circular searches within the screenshot app. Additionally, if users save screenshots of tickets or passes, the app allows them to quickly add them to Google Wallet and suggests actions like adding calendar invites.
The Pixel 9 series also supports posting and capturing HDR photos directly on Instagram. The Clear Recording mode in the Recorder app has been improved, and stickers created in Pixel Studio can now be used in Gboard.
For Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google has introduced a dual-screen portrait mode that allows subjects to preview composition before taking photos. Furthermore, the "Attract Your Attention" feature has been extended to the first-generation Pixel Fold, using screen animations to grab the attention of children or pets.
The Pixel Watch 2 can now integrate with Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell notifications, enabling users to view who is at their door. Google also announced extended support for pulse loss detection features for Pixel Watch 3 users in Germany and Portugal.
Moreover, Google has expanded support for multiple fitness metrics, such as heart load and target heart load, covering a range of watches including Pixel Watch 1, Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, Sense, Sense 2, Versa 2, Versa 3, Versa 4, Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 2, Inspire 3, and Luxe.
The Pixel Tablet has also received support for VPN functionalities and lock screen widgets.
