Google Pixel smartphones get new features with latest Feature Drop

Google has started to roll out new features to its Pixel smartphones with the latest Feature Drop. For those who don’t know, Feature Drops are updates that the tech giant releases specifically for Pixel smartphones outside of the usual Android OS updates. The last Feature Drop for the devices came in the form of Android 12. As per the company, the update will roll out to users over the next few weeks with relevant updates coming to Pixel 3a through Pixel 5a (5G) devices. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices will begin receiving their updates next week. Here are the features that the company has added with the latest Feature Drop.
Quick Tap to Snap
Quick Tap feature was already available on Pixel smartphones but with the latest update, Pixel gets Snapchat integration with the feature. With Quick Tap to Snap, users can access Snapchat directly from their lock screen. Quick Tap to Snap is available to all Pixel 4a with 5G or newer Pixel phones. Plus, starting this month, users will be able to add a new Pixel-exclusive Lens – Pixel Face – to their Snaps.
Conversation mode
Conversation mode, an early-stage accessibility feature in the Sound Amplifier app, is now available in beta first on Pixel. This feature uses on-device machine learning to help anyone better hear conversations in loud environments by tuning into their conversation partner and tuning out competing noise. While Google Research continues to work on conversation mode, Pixel users can get a sneak peek as an early tester.
Search button with Now Playing
With the latest update, Google has updated the Now Playing feature on Pixel smartphones.Now, If Now Playing hasn’t automatically identified a song playing nearby, users can turn on the new search button and tap to let Pixel find it for them. (available on Pixel 4 or newer Pixel phones). Users can tap on the music note icon next to the track’s recognition on their lock screen to save it as a favorite.
Car Crash detection and Recorder expanding in more regions and languages
When car crash detection is turned on in the Personal Safety app, Pixel 3, Pixel 4 or newer Pixel phones can help detect if users have been in a severe car accident. If a crash is detected, the phone checks in with users to see if they are OK. If there’s no response, Pixel can share their location and other relevant details with emergency responders. As of now, the feature was only available in Spain, Ireland, Japan, the UK, Australia, Singapore and the US. With the latest update, the feature is now also available in Taiwan, Italy and France.
Apart from this, the company is also enabling new languages for transcriptions in the Recorder app. These include Japanese, French and German on Pixel 3 and newer Pixel phones.