Google has released its first Pixel feature drop for the year, bringing three highly sought-after features for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, as well as some of Google’s older devices, smartwatches, and tablets.
Circle to search, which was introduced during the Galaxy S24 series launch, is officially confirmed to arrive on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro on January 31. This feature allows users to search for information on the screen by holding down the home button/nav bar.
Magic Compose is now available in the Google Messages app for the Pixel 6 and newer devices. This feature offers generative AI responses based on conversations, with the option to select a writing style ranging from excited to Shakespearean. Pixel 8 Pro will handle the processing on-device, while other Pixels will use the cloud for assistance.
Magic Compose in action
Google is enhancing the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro, enabling it to take FDA-approved medical-grade body temperature measurements, which can be saved to a user’s FitBit profile.
Photomoji is a new feature in the Google Messages app that lets users create reaction stickers from their photos. Additionally, Nearby Share has been rebranded to Quick Share and now works on any Android phone running version 6 and up. Seamless Audio switching is also coming to Pixel phones, Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel tablet, allowing for automatic switching between paired devices with the Pixel Buds Pro.
