is bringing some new and improved features to its hardware lineup as part of the June Pixel feature rollout. The update will begin rolling out today to all supported Pixel phones, tablets, and smartwatches.
First, Google is expanding access to its . Until now, it has only been present on the Pixel 8 Pro. Initially, the model will be available as a developer option on the Pixel 8 and 8a and this can be enabled through the device settings.
The Recorder app is also getting an ai-powered boost. Google says you'll get more detailed summaries of recordings on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a compared to previous versions of the app. If you have a Pixel 6 or later, there is the option to export transcripts to text files and Google Docs.
Conveniently, you'll now be able to connect a Pixel 8a, Pixel 8, or Pixel 8 Pro to an external display via USB-C to view videos and photos on a larger screen. On Pixel Fold and Pro Pixels 6th generation and later, you'll be able to choose which lens to use while taking photos.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 6 and newer models will support reverse phone number lookup directly from the call log. Those devices and the Pixel tablet will also be able to “automatically identify the best moment of your HDR+ photo with just a press of the shutter,” Google says, which will apparently make it easier to take a photo of your smiling face when it's in focus. .
The Pixel Watch will also receive some updates, including car accident detection on the second-generation model. If your wearable device detects that you may have been in a serious car accident, it will ask you if you are okay. If you are unresponsive or need help, emergency services can be contacted for you. The feature will also notify your contacts and provide them with your real-time location. Other updates include improvements to fall detection and access to PayPal through Google Wallet on both generations of Pixel Watch.
Google says there will also be easier access to the Google Home app on devices running Wear OS 3 and higher. You'll be able to access and control a smart home device from your watch face, for example, and access your favorite devices with a swipe of your finger. The Google Home Favorites widget is coming to phones and tablets running Android 12 and later.
Last but not least, when a Pixel tablet is docked in hub mode, you can receive richer notifications from a Nest doorbell. You'll be able to see who's at the door, chat with them using two-way conversation, or send a quick reply.
