Google is putting more attention into its Pixel phones, and their software is a reason why many users choose Pixel phones over other Android phones. As Google makes Android, Pixel phones are first-in-line for new Android updates and feature smooth, stable software, something that’s really hard to come by in the Android ecosystem. The very first Feature Drop for 2024 is here, bringing more features to your Pixel phone, as well as a new colorway for the Pixel 8 range if you don’t have one yet.
Google is rolling out its first Feature Drop of the year, adding a bunch of new features and additions for Pixel users. One notable addition is the fact that the Temperature app on the Pixel 8 Pro can now be used to not only measure the temperature of other objects, but also your own body’s temperature. All you need to do is use the Thermometer app on your forehead, and it will give you a reading of your body temperature. The results can be conveniently saved to your own Fitbit profile. You should probably still use an actual thermometer if, for example, you suspect that you might have fever.
The update also brings a unique feature called Circle to Search, enabling users to perform searches without switching between different apps. By drawing a circle around an image, text, or video with their finger, users can leverage Google AI to find relevant information seamlessly. We also have Magic Compose, a feature designed to enhance messaging. Magic Compose suggests stylized responses based on the context of messages, streamlining communication by offering relevant and personalized suggestions. If you want to spruce up your messaging, Photomoji also lets you generate message reactions based on pictures.
If you’ve seen some of these features before, that’s because not all of this is entirely new. Photomoji, for one, was first unveiled back in November. Some of it was announced, while others just quietly started appearing. Feature Drops are not always composed of completely new stuff, but they are usually an indicator that Pixel users should expect to see these new features more widely over the following weeks and days if they happen to not already have them.
What is actually new, however, is a new Pixel color addition. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are now available in a new Mint colorway. Given how the only “fun” color option was the blue Pixel 8 Pro, it’s certainly a refreshing colorway. It’s not the first time Google releases a Mint phone, as we also saw Google release the Pixel 5 in this colorway. We also saw Google launch the Pixel 7 in a pale green colorway that’s not quite “mint,” but fit the bill well enough. The new Mint colorway should become available for buyers sometime soon.
Source: Google
