Pixel Feature Drop adds Adaptive Sound, new Google Photos suggestions, and more

The bad news is today is Monday. The good news is Google has announced a new Pixel feature drop, which brings some newer features to older Pixel phones and introduces what the company describes as a “few new surprises.”

Some of the more interesting new features adapt your Pixel device to you. One of them is called Adaptive Sound. Google says the feature can improve the sound quality of your phone speaker based on your surroundings.

“It uses the microphone to assess the acoustics near you, then adjusts the sound equalizer settings in certain apps,” Google said. “Bringing your Pixel form the bedroom to the bathroom while you’re getting ready in the morning? Your audio will sound great wherever you are.”

The Pixel feature drop also includes “content-aware battery features,” with improvements to Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Charge, the latter of which helps preserve battery health over time by dynamically controlling how quickly a Pixel device charges. Google has also introduced Adaptive Connectivity, which will automatically switch the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G from 5G to 4G based on the app you’re using. For things like browsing the web or sending a text, it’ll choose 4G. When you’re watching a movie or downloading large files, it’ll switch to 5G.

Google said GPS on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) is also now more accurate when you’re on foot, making it easier for a ride share service to find your location. The improved GPS isn’t available at launch in all countries or locations, and requires an internet connection and Android 8.0 or later.

Pixel owners will also have more personalization options at their disposal thanks to the Pixel feature drop. You can choose new icons for your Home Screen, grid views, and app shapes. You can also choose custom wallpapers of famous artworks provided by cultural institutions from around the world on Google Arts & Culture. Google also said Pixel 3 and newer devices can customize their Home Screen with original new Mandalorian wallpapers.

The last update expands the Now Playing music recognition feature. In your Now Play history, you can select the songs you saved and export them to a playlist in YouTube Music.

Meanwhile, Google said it’s rolling out some Pixel 5 features to Pixel 3 and newer devices. One of the features is Hold for Me, which helps users save time when they’re put on hold by a business; the feature is available in the U.S. in English. Google is also rolling out Extreme Battery Saver, Duo screen sharing in group calls, and a more helpful editor in Google Photos, which includes new suggestions powered by machine learning.

Google has dropped new features for Pixel devices throughout the year, recently introducing Recorder and Docs integration with Assistant over the summer. These latest updates are rolling out to Pixel devices beginning today.

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