In a delightful turn of events, Google is springing a surprise with the January 2024 Feature Drop for Pixel, perfectly coinciding with the launch of Mint 8 and 8 Pro. This unexpected release, just a month after a substantial December update, arrives two months earlier than anticipated.
As pledged during its launch, the Pixel 8 Pro now boasts a Thermometer app, allowing users to conveniently record body temperature. This feature accommodates readings for anyone, with the recorded data seamlessly stored in the Fitbit app.
To utilize this function, users need to position the Camera Bar near the forehead’s center and tap the screen. A vibration prompts the phone to move from the forehead to the temple within seconds, with another vibration confirming a successful measurement.
Simultaneously, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are welcoming Circle to Search. Activated by a long-press on the home button or gesture navigation bar, this feature presents a short but wide touch target that narrows as users hold the handle.
This action triggers a Google Search bar and a distinctive blue/purple animation, allowing users to circle or squiggle over any screen element for additional information. The results appear in a bottom sheet, offering the option to refine the search with additional text or by tapping and highlighting for OCR copying/translation.
In the Messages app, Google is officially rolling out Photomoji and Magic Compose from beta. Exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, Magic Compose utilizes the on-device Gemini Nano model to suggest replies in various styles: Remix, Excited, Chill, Shakespeare, Lyrical, Formal, or Short.
Customizing Photomoji reactions and stickers is made easy by long-pressing a message, swiping, and selecting “Create.” Google’s AI identifies the main subject when a picture is chosen. Users can also initiate this process from the new Photomoji tab in the Emoji/expressive picker, featuring past creations and stickers from other conversations.
Additionally, Google is bringing attention to the rebranding of Nearby Share to Quick Share, set to roll out soon with a fresh icon and UI. Lastly, Seamless Audio Switching is now accessible for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, facilitating swift connections for Pixel Buds Pro when music playback begins on the wearable.
The eagerly awaited January 2024 Pixel Feature Drop begins its rollout this Thursday.