If you’re a Pixel Phone owner, you know that Google has big plans to start bringing more artificial intelligence to these devices. Well, the wait is almost over as the next feature drop includes a variety of AI conveniences.
Related article: The best Google Pixel smartphones (including Pixel 8 Pro)
Of course, Feature Drop will include some new features as well as the usual bug fixes and security patches. Follow my usual advice and apply this update as soon as it becomes available. In today’s world of constant cybersecurity attacks, you don’t want to delay applying security patches. Otherwise, your data may fall into the wrong hands.
But what about those new features?
measure body temperature
The Pixel smartphone series already has a thermometer app compatible with Android 14. However, the app did not have the ability to measure one’s body temperature. You can measure food and organic materials, beverages and water, cast iron, ceramics and glass, metals, plastics and rubber, fabrics, wood, walls and windows.
Related article: How to get accurate temperature readings using the Pixel 8 Pro thermometer
However, there was no option to measure human body temperature. With the new Feature Drop, you’ll be able to select this option and use your phone to scan your forehead (or someone else’s forehead) to get an accurate measurement. With this update, you can now save the results to his Fitbit profile to better understand his health.
Search by circle
The new Feature Drop includes a convenient AI-driven search method that lets you simply draw a circle around an image, text, or video and Google will automatically perform the search for you. That means you don’t have to switch between apps to perform a search, and you don’t have to type anything to use Google Search.
Also: Google’s Smart Search is now showing up on more Android phones
photomoji
For those who like to respond with emojis, this new update lets you turn your favorite photos into reactions that you can use in Messages and other apps. This feature leverages on-device AI, so it should work quickly and seamlessly.
magic compose
Google Messages has received a major AI boost with the help of Magic Compose. This is where the AI rubber really meets. Google wants to help you craft responses to your messages thanks to generative AI. The idea behind this is to add a “sparkle of personality” to the conversation. Magic Compose suggests replies based on the context of your message and also transforms your writing into a variety of styles (including Shakespeare).
Magic Compose was released in beta last year and is already available to those who participate. Message Beta Program. The mechanism is simple. Type your message and tap the pen icon. Choose the style you want for your message and choose the options you want to send. I tried it and it’s pretty fun.
Use Billy Shakes to test the beta Magic Compose feature in Messages.
Screenshot by Jack Warren/ZDNET
New Pixel 8 colorways
If you haven’t bought a Pixel 8 smartphone yet, Google will be releasing a new mint colorway for both phones. pixel 8 and pixel 8 pro.
Related article: Why Google’s cheap Pixel 8 is the real star of the Android smartphone lineup
Future feature drops should be coming soon. Be sure to keep an eye out and apply as soon as they become available. Even if you’re not excited about these new features, at least you’ll get the latest security patches and app updates.
