Google’s latest Pixel Feature Drop brings some new features that debuted with the Pixel 5 to older phones. For example the Hold for Me feature is rolling out to all Google Pixel 3 and newer phones, allowing users to have Google Assistant to “listen” when you’re placed on hold and alert you when a human being picks up the line.

But some of the latest features are exclusive to Google’s latest phones including the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G).

Here are some highlights from the latest feature drop:

Pixel 3 and later

  • Hold for Me available for all Pixel 3 and newer devices in the US in English
  • Extreme Battery Saver for Pixel 3 and newer, letting your phone automatically limit usage of some apps to extend battery life
  • Support for screen sharing in Google Duo group calls (over WiFi or 5G connections)
  • Updated Google Photos editor with new suggestions (including Dynamic for brightness, contrast, and color adjustments)
  • Adaptive Sound uses a Pixel phone’s mic to examine acoustic properties of a room and adjust audio playback over the speaker accordingly
  • Support for translating the language in an app or website using Google Lens
  • New home screen customization options including “new icons, grid views, app shapes, and custom wallpapers”
  • Now Playing history shows all the songs your phone has previously identified, allows you to export them to a YouTube Music playlist

Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 exclusive (so far)

  • Improved GPS accuracy for walking
  • Adaptive Battery improvements including Adaptive Charging to dynamically control charging speed to preserve battery health over time
  • Adaptive Connectivity automatically switches from 5G to 4G to save battery life when using certain apps (only works with supported carriers and apps)
  • Mandalorian AR Experience available on Google Play (for 5G Pixel phones and select other 5G devices)

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2 replies on “Google brings new features to old Pixel phones (and new ones too)”

  1. fwiw I just searched for system updates on my 3XL and after rebooting it does have Now Playing and Extreme Battery Saver, new wallpapers. I haven’t tested Hold For Me (have to call a toll free number and be put on hold I think). I can’t find Adaptive Sound. Still, some of it is here, and maybe it rolls out in stages?

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