While current Pixel phone owners may be fluttering their eyelids at the new Pixel 8 series, there’s plenty in store for existing handset owners too.
Google has announced the latest of its much-loved Pixel Feature Drops and, for the first time, Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet owners can join in the fun.
Some of the items list feel a little disengenuous from Google as they’re Android 14 features rolling out from today. However, here are the five best features coming to Pixel devices this autumn.
Pixel Fold Dual Translator
No more turning the phone around to overcome the language barrier. The Pixel Fold’s dual display now allows the translated phrase to appear on the outer display (main image), while the device owner types on the internal display. It makes these conversations feel a little more natural and face-to-face.
New Pixel Camera experience
Android 14 debuts a brand new UI for the Pixel’s Camera app. The update makes it easier to switch between preferred image modes. It’s also easier to switch between capturing photos and videos.
A better charging experience
If you have a Pixel 6 or higher, or the Pixel Tablet, the device will now notify you if your USB-C charging cable is on the blink, charging slowly, or flat-out broken. The update will encourage users to check the charging accessory. This is handy for those times you leave the phone charging for hours only to return to find it hasn’t done the job. Battery Saver has also been refined to enable uses to select essentials to run even when you’re trying to conserve juice.
Android goes monochrome
With Android 14, Google is introducing some new themes for the times when the world becomes a little too colourful for comfort. This goes along with the new lock/homescreen customisation tools that arrive with Android 14.
App streaming to ChromeOS
Because the app streaming feature is now live on ChromeOS, Google says Pixel owners can start using an app on their phone and pick up the same experience on their Chromebook. “You can even send and respond to messages, check on your food delivery and more — right from your laptop,” Google says.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
