Google is finally making its Gemini Nano AI model available to Pixel 8 and 8a users after teasing it in March. With the June Pixel drop, users will have access to the model as a developer option. Apart from that, the feature drop includes support for Display Port connectivity for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a, reverse phone number lookup for unknown numbers, drop and crash detection for Pixel Watch 2, and doorbell notifications on the Pixel tablet.
Pixel phone updates
The Gemini Nano model enables detailed summaries of transcripts in the Recorder app. In addition, the company did not elaborate on what kind of functions the AI model would enable.
The recorder app now supports speaker name detection and the ability to export transcripts to text files or Google Docs on Pixel 6 or newer.
Other useful updates in this Pixel drop include support for the Display Port standard via the device's USB-C port, allowing you to view content on a larger screen. The update also brings reverse phone number lookup, allowing you to search for an unknown number in the call log. It is not clear whether Google uses this Caller ID database or other third party database. Notably, apps like Truecaller already offer reverse lookup and can also integrate with dialer to display live caller ID.
On Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a, the Find My Device feature now works even when your phone is out of battery. The company said the app can locate a disabled device for at least 23 hours.
The update brings manual in-camera lens selection to the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro and Pixel Fold. The feature was already available on the Pixel 8 Pro. When this setting is disabled, the camera automatically chooses a lens based on in-focus objects in the frame.
Google is updating support for HDR+ photos on the Pixel 6 and newer devices, so it automatically detects the best shot when you press the shutter button.
Pixel watch
The latest Pixel drop brings car crash detection to the Pixel Watch 2. If the watch understands that you're involved in a serious accident, it will notify your emergency contacts with your location information through the Emergency Share feature. In addition, the update also detects falls from bicycles.
Google is also introducing a redesigned Home app on Wear OS for all watches running Wear OS 3 or newer. The app allows you to access your favorite smart devices with just one swipe. When you tap the device icon to open the Home app, you can adjust the temperature in your home or dim the lights from your watch.
Plus, you can add your most used devices directly to the Wear OS watch face. With the update you can also adjust the rotation of your blinds or control the fan speed.
Other updates
The Pixel tablet gets an updated doorbell notification with a snapshot of who's at the door. You can talk to them or send a quick response directly from the notification.
Google is also adding the Google Home Favorites widget to all devices running Android 12 or later. The widget allows you to access and control your smart home devices with just a few taps.
