GOOGLE is handing out free upgrades to millions of Android phone owners.
Details of the major update have been revealed by a Google employee, who even shared info on a robot caller that answers the phone for you.
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It’s part of the latest Pixel Drop, which is how Google describes bundles of new features that land on its Pixel phones.
Google says that the new December Pixel Drop features “begin rolling out today”.
One of the big upgrades is to Google’s Gemini smart assistant, which can now remember info about you.
“Saved info lets you ask Gemini to remember your interests and preferences so it can provide more helpful and relevant responses, tailored to your goals and needs,” Google’s Mayra Fajardo explained.
“For example, tell Gemini you’re a vegetarian, and Gemini will remember and provide you vegetarian-friendly recipes without needing constant reminders.”
You can also view, edit, and delete any of this saved info at any time.
It’s also possible for Gemini to see info from other apps and services.
So you can ask Gemini to call your contacts or specific businesses, as well as draft and even send messages.
It can also set alarms and open your camera, if you ask.
One of the best features is the ability to screen calls with “even smarter replies” using Gemini Nano.
“Gemini Nano on Pixel can now suggest more contextual easy-to-tap replies for you in Call Screen,” Mayra revealed.
“This means you can easily respond to unknown callers without having to take the call yourself.
“For example, if a package is being delivered, you can use this feature to respond to the delivery person by answering their yes or no questions or asking relevant follow-up questions — all via simple prompts that will show up on your screen.”
It’s also possible to see live transcripts of these screen conversations between the caller and Google’s AI agent.
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And if you want to step in at any time, you can just answer the phone like normal.
OTHER TRICKS IN GOOGLE’S DECEMBER PIXEL DROP
Google has also added some bonus features that aren’t linked to the Gemini AI.
It’s now possible to share Ultra HDR photos to Instagram.
HDR is High Dynamic Range, which means greater contrast (brighter whites and darker blacks), allowing for more detail.
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And your Pixel Studio stickers that you’ve created are now available in the standard Gboard keyboard.
That means you can share them easily in other messaging and social media apps.
Screenshots have been given a big upgrade too.
“For starters, when you’re using Circle to Search and find something you like, you can save to Pixel Screenshots with just a tap so you can always find it later — no more lost gift ideas,” Mayra said.
HOW TO CHECK AND UPDATE ANDROID PHONE
Here’s Google’s official guide…
Check your Android version:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap About phone or About tablet
Android version.
- Find your “Android version,” “Android security update,” and “Build number.”
Get the latest update:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap System
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Picture Credit: Google
“And Pixel Screenshots now automatically categorizes your screenshots, so it’s even easier to find exactly what you need with new search filters.
“When you find what you’re looking for, Pixel Screenshots provides helpful suggested actions based on the information you saved — like creating a calendar invite or getting directions.”
You can also add tickets or credit cards that you’ve screenshotted into Google Wallet.
The Recorder app – for capturing voice notes – now has a Clear Voice feature.
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This will make the audio focus on people speaking, and dim any unwanted background noise.
And there’s now a Simple View feature that quickly increases your phone’s font size and touch sensitivity.
Google says this makes it “easier to see and use controls, apps, and widgets”.
The features are all rolling out now, so don’t panic if you don’t see them right away.
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You should receive them in the coming days and weeks.