iPhone 17 Air borrows Pixel design, Thermometer app icon gets a new look, and AI enhances phone calls and recordings

The Google Pixel buzz just keeps coming, and if you’ve been keeping up with our recent coverage, you know things have been spicy. We recently dived into the Pixel 9a’s rumored price and specs, alongside its latest camera and battery tweaks. We’ve also highlighted bypassing charging limits and the delightful creative photo cards feature. And who could forget the tidbits on stylus speculation and leaks for upcoming Pixels?

Now, let’s shift gears to today’s exciting stories.

It seems like Apple might have peeked over Google’s shoulder when designing their next-gen iPhone. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air could sport a camera bar strikingly similar to Google’s Pixel 9 lineup. Leaks from sources like Digital Chat Station hint at a horizontal camera layout, a first for Apple, which typically sticks to more conservative designs.

Whether this rumor pans out or not, it’s interesting to see Apple potentially taking cues from Google’s iconic design. But hey, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

Google’s attention to detail shines again, this time with a makeover for the Pixel Thermometer app icon. Out goes the black background, and in comes a light blue theme that matches the aesthetic of Pixel-exclusive apps like Magnifier and Weather.

While the icon update is subtle, it shows how Google is refining its ecosystem for consistency. Bonus points for the FAB button’s new bright green pop!

But here’s a little heads-up: the updated Thermometer app isn’t fully rolled out yet for Pixel 8 Pro and 9 Pro users. So, keep an eye out for version 1.0.700924790 landing on your device soon.

The December 2024 Feature Drop is bringing some exciting features, but here’s the catch: you’ll need to manually enable some of them to enjoy the benefits.

First, there’s Clear voice in the Pixel Recorder app. This feature reduces background noise during recordings for crystal-clear playback. To turn it on, head to Settings in Pixel Recorder version 4.2.20241001.x and toggle the option. Note that this works only with the internal microphone on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro series — external mics aren’t supported, and you’ll need to stick to mono audio.

Then, there’s the Call Screen AI replies in the Pixel Phone app. Navigate to Settings > Call Screen, and you’ll find the option to let AI craft smart replies based on the caller’s responses. Powered by Gemini Nano, this feature is exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, though users of the Pixel 6 and later models can still enjoy live call transcripts.

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into the ever-evolving Google Pixel ecosystem. Don’t forget to revisit our previous articles for a full scoop on what you might’ve missed.