As a rule, Google ships its large new Pixel smartphones with new versions of Android. This was not the case with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro (test) this year. They were launched with Android 14. A full two months later, Google is finally delivering the big update to Android 15 and giving the Pixel devices a number of additional functions with the so-called Pixel Drop.
These new features are available for owners of a Pixel 6 and newer.
Android 15 brings new functions not only to Google smartphones
Since the Google I/O 2024 in May, it has been clear which functions will be available on the Pixel 6 (test) and newer Google devices with the big update to Android 15. The update includes, among other things, a kind of data safe and AI-supported theft protection. The latter is also already distributed via Google Play Services on devices with Android 10 and later and is not exclusive to Pixel.
We have already created an overview of relevant functions for you that will be introduced with Android 15. These should also be made available on smartphones from Samsung, Oneplus, Motorola, Xiaomi and others with appropriate updates from the manufacturers.
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Android 15 and feature drop for Pixel devices
Aside from the Android 15 functions for everyone, Google is equipping its Pixel smartphones with further tricks:
With the “Magic Audio Eraser” users will be able to reduce future annoying noises in videos, such as strong winds or loud crowds, according to Google. In addition, thanks to new editing functions, certain sounds can be made louder or quieter or the volume of individual voices can be changed independently. This feature is available on the Pixel 8 and newer models.
The October Pixel Drop gives Google’s smartphones camera optimizations. (Image: Google)
The October pixel drop is also intended to improve the astrophotography function that has been integrated for years. It will soon be directly accessible with a slider in Night Vision mode. To do this you have to select the night vision symbol. Then you have five seconds to hold the smartphone towards the sky.
Pixel Drop: Night mode lands in the Instagram app. (Image: Google)
You should also be able to access the night vision function directly in the Instagram app. However, Meta may have to provide an update to the Instagram app for this.
According to Google, underwater shots will also be improved with the update by making colors stand out better.
Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro: Measure temperatures in more detail – weather app with pollen warning
The thermometer integrated into the camera element of the Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro should be able to measure more precisely with the update. The camera viewfinder is used to focus on what is to be measured. The app also saves the results so that you can access them later.
In the future, Pixel owners will always have an overview of the pollen count via the weather app. (Image: Google)
There is also an update for the Pixel Weather app, which allergy sufferers will certainly be happy about: Google is introducing a pollen tracker that displays current pollen index values, pollen types and forecasts. The Pixel weather app is also set to land on other Pixel smartphones.
It will also be easier to find widgets in the future: After a long press on the home screen, recommendations for widget categories such as “Social” or “Entertainment” and a preview of what they would look like on the home screen will appear.
For Pixel smartphones, the update brings automatic adjustment of the vibration intensity of ringtones, notifications and alerts. This is intended to ensure that the devices are noticed in noisy environments and do not disturb quiet rooms such as libraries or offices.
Talk to Gemini via Pixel Buds
The function of talking to the AI chatbot Gemini, which was promised when the Pixel Buds Pro 2 was announced (our test), is being expanded to other Pixel Buds. According to Google, all pixels are now
Buds models supported. In addition to the Buds Pro, Pixel Buds of the A series, there are even the first Pixel Buds from 2017 on board.
With Gemini, you can use the earbuds to give directions or find information from emails. A conversation with Gemini Live is also possible. According to Google, the latter function is available free of charge to all Pixel users – and has also been available in German for a few days.
Pixel Drop brings even more – also for Pixel Watch and the tablet
The release contains additional functions that are intended to improve not only Pixel smartphones, but also Pixel Watches and the Pixel Tablet.
All three generations of Pixel Watches get new contact tiles for the three most frequently used contacts. According to Google, Quick Actions allow you to call a contact with the tap of a finger. In the same way you can send him a message or open the overview for more details. In the future, you will also be able to acknowledge receipt of emails directly from the Pixel Watch with emoji reactions such as a thumbs up or a smiley.
With a new Cast feature, which Google says will be “available in the next few weeks,” you can cast media content from the Pixel tablet to a Pixel smartphone. To do this, the phone just needs to be close to the tablet. This means: Songs or videos from Spotify or YouTube continue to play seamlessly on your smartphone without you having to press the cast button.
What’s also pleasing is that incoming notifications are better managed across devices: If you close a notification on one device, it also disappears from all other devices. In order to use this function, you must activate the function in the settings and the devices must be connected to the WLAN.
The Pixel Tablet gets a new home panel screensaver. (Image: Google)
A new “Home Panel Screensaver” for the tablet brings quick access to controls for compatible smart home devices and camera feeds.
According to the manufacturer, the distribution of Android 15 and the Pixel Drop for Google smartphones starts immediately. It could take a while until all functions are available to everyone. Some features could even already be available, such as the new AI anti-theft system.
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