Google has released the December update for the Pixel series. This is the first big set of new Pixel features since Android 13 was released.
The December 2022 Pixel Feature Drop, among other things, introduces several significant new features and capabilities. India’s Airtel and Jio, on the other hand, don’t get a 5G option in the update.
Google One VPN
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro now come with Google’s free VPN, ensuring that your online activities are secure regardless of app or browser. Google One VPN ensures that your network traffic is not linked to your identity.
Google New unified security & privacy settings
Users can easily protect their phone, accounts, and passwords by analysing security and privacy settings, risk ratings, and other information in a single location. This includes new action cards that warn you about security threats and provide quick fixes to improve privacy and security.
Google Clear calling
The Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro now improves the sound of the other caller and reduces background noise, allowing you to hear them clearly even if they are in a noisy environment, thanks to the Tensor G2.
Google Speaker labels with Pixel Recorder
Speaker labels are applied to the pixel recorder. When you record and transcribe an English conversation on a Pixel 6 or later, the recorder names each speaker and inserts line breaks.
Each individual in an interview, meeting, or conversation can be labeled. This function categorises speakers while they are being recorded using machine learning. You can quickly rename speakers after they have been recorded.
Fitbit Sleep Profile for Pixel Watch
Fitbit Sleep Profile on Pixel Watch will help you understand how you sleep and what your sleeping type is, as well as provide sleep recommendations. This Fitbit Premium feature analyses ten different aspects of sleep, such as how long you sleep, how frequently you wake up during the night, and how often you get up during the night.
These profiles and insights may change on a monthly basis based on your own data and behaviours, allowing you to reflect on and improve your sleep. Wear your Pixel Watch to bed at least 14 times per month to see results.
Personalize your Pixel phone
- Three new wallpapers from Curated Culture: Celebrate International Disability Day with three new “curated culture” wallpapers. Real-life interactions and stories have influenced Morgan Harper Nichols’ work.
- New Live Bloom wallpaper: The images in the new Live Bloom wallpaper collection also bring your Pixel screen to life when you move your phone.
Personalize your Pixel Watch.
There are also more ways to personalise what’s on your wrist, and a new set of tiles for popular apps makes it simple to access important information with a swipe.
- The Weather app’s Sunrise/Sunset Tile has been updated to help you better plan your day around when the sun rises and sets.
- It’s even easier to stay in touch with the people you care about now that you have the Contacts app. You can pin up to five contacts from your Favorites list to make it easier to call, text, or view their contact information.
More beneficial features
- Digital car keys can now be distributed to friends and family who require access to your vehicle. Digital auto keys may be shared by Pixel, iPhone, and Android 12+ phones.
- Grammar Check on Google now supports French in addition to Spanish and English.
- Live Translate can now translate Arabic, Persian, Swedish, Vietnamese, and Danish messages sent and received through messaging apps.
- A more powerful search is now available on the Pixel 4a and newer Pixel phones, allowing you to quickly find what you’re looking for, whether it’s an app, contact, screenshot, setting, or site result.
- For the Pixel 4a and subsequent Pixel phones, Messages now supports voice message transcription.
Spatial audio
You can use Pixel Buds Pro with your Pixel to get spatial audio with head tracking, but you can also get spatial audio with wired headphones.
Bug Fixes
Around 70 bug fixes are included in the update for Pixel smartphones. The Android Security Bulletin, which can be found here, contains information on this month’s security fixes.
Availability
These software updates will be delivered to all Pixel devices that can run Android 13 and are supported beginning today. The rollout will continue in stages over the next week, depending on carrier and device. Support for spatial audio will be available in January 2023.
In a blog post about the announcement, Google stated:
It’s the gift that keeps on giving: the latest Pixel Feature Drop is here. It’s our biggest one to date — and a first for Google Pixel Watch — centered around making your life easier. Updates begin rolling out to Pixel 4a through the latest Pixel 7 and 7 Pro and Pixel Watch today.
