Google is now rolling out the December Android 12 Pixel features to the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices. The fresh update also brings other useful features like digital car key support, a new Quick Tap to Snap feature and extra improvements. These features are also being extended to older Pixel phones.
Google via a Blog Post made the announcement of the new update rollout. The latest functionalities will be released over the next few weeks, starting today with relevant updates coming to Pixel 3a through Pixel 5a (5G) devices – see g.co/pixel/updates for details. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices will begin receiving their updates next week.
When you use Quick Tap, you can already customise the actions your Pixel performs, from taking a screenshot to playing music. You can access Snapchat directly from your lock screen with Quick Tap to Snap, making Pixel the fastest phone to make a Snap. All Pixel 4a with 5G or newer Pixel phones can use Quick Tap to Snap. Plus, starting this month, you’ll be able to add a new Pixel-only Lens to your Snaps: Pixel Face.
For the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google has teamed up with BMW to enable digital car keys. You can now unlock and lock your car by tapping your phone on the door handle, and you can start your car by placing your Pixel on the interior key reader and pressing the engine start button on select 2020-2022 BMW models in certain countries.
The Pixel 6 Pro now has ultra-wideband capability. This technology enhances Nearby Share, allowing you to send files, videos, map locations, and more to other ultra-wideband devices in close proximity in a quick and secure manner.
In addition to this, the Conversation mode, a beta version of the Sound Amplifier app’s early-stage accessibility feature, is now available on Pixel. This feature employs on-device machine learning to aid anyone in hearing conversations in noisy environments by focusing on their conversation partner while filtering out background noise. While Google Research continues to work on conversation mode, you can get a sneak peek and help make it better for everyone by volunteering to be an early tester.
Pixel’s Now Playing experience has been updated to make it easier for you to find your next favourite song. Automatic recognition in Now Playing is done entirely on-device, as it always is. Turn on the new search button and tap to let Pixel find a song for you if Now Playing hasn’t automatically identified one playing nearby (available on Pixel 4 or newer Pixel phones). If you really like it, you can save it as a favourite by pressing the music note icon next to the track’s recognition on your lock screen.
December Android 12 Pixel update also brings improved bass-level control for the Pixel Buds A-Series. With any Android 6.0+ device, you can now open the Pixel Buds app and use a slider to adjust the bass from -1 to +4, giving you twice the bass range you currently have.
In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the tech giant has collaborated with Dana Kearly, a disabled multidisciplinary artist from Vancouver B.C., to create three beautiful new wallpapers for the Curated Culture collection.
Last but not least December Android 12 Pixel features also include Car crash detection which is now supported in Taiwan, Italy and France, in addition to Spain, Ireland, Japan, the U.K., Australia, Singapore and the U.S. Newest and the older Pixel devices can help detect if you’ve been in a serious car accident when car crash detection is turned on in the Personal Safety app. If your phone detects a crash, it will contact you to see if you’re okay. Pixel can share your location and other relevant details with emergency responders if there is no response. (This feature is dependent on network connectivity and other factors, and it may not be reliable or available in all areas for emergency communications.)
In addition to this, the Recorder app now supports new languages for transcription. On Pixel 3 and newer Pixel phones, these include Japanese, French, and German.
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