Pixel Drop December 2024: Google brings new features to Pixel phones

Google has released the Pixel Drop December 2024 update to all eligible Pixel phones worldwide.

It brings several improvements to Pixel Screenshot, the Gemini AI app, and new features including Simple View, Identity Check, Dual Screen and more.

With the new update, Pixel Screenshot will become more organised and intelligent. Every time a user takes a screenshot, the app automatically places them in different categories so they can be found easily in fewer steps than before.

It also lets users add tickets or credit cards they've screenshot to Google Wallet. This gives them quick access to things like driver’s license, boarding passes and more in one convenient spot.

On the Gboard keyboard, the Pixel phone will show movies, music, products and other text suggestions from the screenshots while searching in relevant apps.

The Gemini AI app will get a new option Saved Info. This new feature lets the user ask Gemini to remember the interests and preferences so it can provide more helpful and relevant responses, tailored to the user's goals and needs.

For instance, if you tell Gemini that you are a vegetarian, it will remember your food habits. And, whenever you ask for food recipe recommendations, it will only churn out vegetarian dishes.

Pixel Drop update brings improvements to Pixel Screenshot feature.

For the first time, Gemini AI will now be able to integrate with third-party apps including Spotify and WhatsApp. With this, users will be able to operate the apps with just voice commands on Gemini to send messages or make calls on WhatsApp.

Also, users will be able to play songs on Spotify with just voice on Pixel phones.

Pixel Drop December 2024 update brings Simple View. This feature increases your phone’s font size and touch sensitivity, making it easier to see and use controls, apps and widgets.

The new update also introduced Photo Picker, which can integrate with social media platforms like Snapchat. It offers access to all the folders, favourites and cloud photos in one place.

December update brings exclusive camera feature - Dual Screen-- to Pixel Fold series phones. It will help users to preview every shot before capturing a photo from the primary camera.

Google Gboard gets access to pictures created on Pixel Studio app.

Google Gboard Keyboard will now be able to offer access to pictures and emojis created using the Pixel Studio app.

And, the most important security feature coming with the December update is the Identity Check.

Identity Check feature.

This comes in handy when travelling to exotic places. The phone will know that it is far away from your home location and will automatically become vigilant and ask the owner to mandatorily ask for face or fingerprint authentication before any changes to sensitive settings can be made on your phone.

This gives extra protection against anyone who might try to steal the phone and access the passwords, change the PIN or turn off theft protection features.

List of Pixel phones eligible for December 2024 Drop update:

Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

How to install Pixel December Drop update on Pixel phones:

Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.

Step 2: Tap System and then Software Update.

Step 3: You'll find your update status. Follow any steps on the screen.

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