The latest feature drop for Google Pixel phones is here, and it brings a multitude of new features with it. The highlights of the new feature drop include Locked Folders in Google Photos, astrophotography mode for the camera app, and new wallpapers to celebrate Pride month.
Google tends to release a new feature drop for its Pixel phones at least once every quarter to add new features.
Capture the Sky With Astrophotography Mode
The Google Camera app on the Pixel phones is getting a new astrophotography mode with the latest feature drop, albeit only on the Pixel 4 and newer devices.
While it is already possible to capture the night sky using the newer Pixel phones, the astrophotography mode takes things to the next level by allowing one to capture a video of the stars moving across the sky. Your Pixel phone will simultaneously also capture photos at the same exposure.
Google first announced Locked Folders in Google Photos at I/O 2021. The feature is now making its way to Pixel phones, and it is being integrated directly into the camera app. You will have the option of saving photos right in the Locked Folder from the camera app.
Photos saved in the Locked Folder won't show up in your Google Photos library, Memories, or shared albums. You can only access them from the Google Photos app by entering your Pixel's unlock pattern or password.
Pixel's Car Crash Detection and Call Screen Comes to More Markets
Pixel phones have a car crash detection feature that allows them to call and share your location with emergency services if they detect you are involved in a car crash.
The feature was only available in the US, the U.K., and Australia, but as Google mentions its announcement on The Keyword, the feature is expanding to Spain, Ireland, and Singapore. Call Screen is also expanding and will now be available in Japan.
The Digital Wellbeing feature is getting smarter as well and gaining a new Heads Up mode, which will remind you to look up from your screen whenever you are walking.
Gboard and Google Assistant Also Get Smarter
Google Assistant is getting a useful feature that will allow you to accept or reject incoming calls on your Pixel by saying "Hey Google, answer call," or "Hey Google, reject call."
Gboard is also getting smarter, and now when you copy text that includes an email ID, URL, phone number, etc., the keyboard will suggest them as key snippets in the clipboard.
Lastly, to celebrate Pride month, Google has added three new bold wallpapers and Pride-themed ringtones and notifications created by LGBTQ+ artists and creators.
The latest feature drop is rolling out for Pixel phones starting today and should be available to all within the next few days.