Google releases new Pixel feature drop, Circle to Search expands to Pixel 7

05 March 2024

Every three months Google drops some new features for its Pixel line of devices, and we're now at such a moment. The new Pixel feature drop brings Circle to Search to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, following the initial launch on Samsung's Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra and subsequent availability on Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro earlier this year.

This works exactly the same - long press the navigation bar or home button then circle, scribble, highlight or tap an image, text, or video to get all the information you need about it.

Next up, Instagram. If you own a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, or Pixel Fold, you can capture and share 10-bit HDR videos directly on Instagram Reels, and upload and share Ultra HDR photos on your feed.

In the US, Call Screen can now get a call started when the caller is silent. You'll see a "hello" chip when a caller isn't responding, and tapping it while screening a call will make Google Assistant prompt the caller to speak. If you can't answer a screened call immediately, Google Assistant will let the caller know there's a bit of a longer wait involved in reaching you. Call Screen works on Pixel 6 and newer.

App screen sharing lets you share only one app at a time when you cast, record, or present in a video call on your Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, or Pixel 5a 5G and newer phone. So you don't have to share your entire screen anymore, if you don't want to.

Previously used devices are now much easier to quickly pair in the Connected devices settings page, which is where you'll see previously set up Bluetooth accessories on your new phone or tablet and then you can use Fast Pair to connect.

With Google Docs markups you can add handwritten annotations to a document or assignment from your Pixel device using your finger or a stylus. You can choose different pen colors and highlighters.

On the Pixel Tablet, when voice input is activated, the Gboard keyboard will minimize into a toolbar, taking less screen space in order to make multitasking more of a breeze.

Finally, the original Pixel Watch from 2022 is getting a ton of new features which were initially introduced on its successor last year. You get Pace Training to set a goal pace during an exercise to know when you're within your target, Heart Zone Training to monitor how long you spend in each of your personal heart rate zones, based on your resting heart rate and fitness levels, a completely redesigned workouts interface, auto-pause, auto-start, as well as auto-stop for workouts (running, walking, elliptical, spinning, outdoor bike, treadmill, rowing).

The Fitbit Relax app is also available to guide you through breathing exercises, while Google Maps for Wear OS can now give you public transit directions on your Pixel Watch, with different transit options, real-time departure times, and a compass-enabled map view to guide you to where you need to go.

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