Google Pixel’s latest updates: Instagram Night Sight and load management features expand, custom lock screens, 5G boost, and more

Hey there, Pixel fans! It’s been a thrilling week in the Pixel universe, with loads of updates and upgrades to keep us buzzing, and now we have even more coming our way. From rolling out Pixel’s “Night Sight for Instagram” to more devices to expanding Fitbit features on older Pixel Watches, Google has been busy making our Pixel devices even more delightful. Not to mention, whispers of an even more customizable lock screen and faster 5G uploads have us excited for what’s next. Let’s dive into the details!

Google’s Night Sight feature, the star of low-light photography, now works directly in the Instagram app. That’s right — you can snap crisp, true-to-life nighttime shots without leaving Instagram. All you need is a Pixel 6 or newer (and steady hands!).

Google has teamed up with Instagram to leverage the Android Camera Extensions API, allowing the app to tap into advanced camera magic like HDR, Bokeh, and now Night Mode. With Android 16, we’re even getting a Night Mode Indicator API to guide our clicks in low-light conditions. While Samsung’s latest Galaxy phones — namely the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Flip 6, and Fold 6 — have joined the party, this one feels like a win for us Pixel lovers.

Remember Audio Emoji? The fun feature that brings life to calls with quirky sounds and animations? Well, Google is testing a bigger, bolder button for it in the Pixel Phone app. Positioned right above the usual controls (Mute, Keypad, etc.), this new pill-shaped button makes accessing Audio Emoji effortless.

While it’s still in beta testing, this move shows Google’s commitment to keeping conversations playful. And hey, if quirky sound effects aren’t your vibe, you can disable Audio Emoji in the app’s settings.

Pixel users are about to get serious lock screen swagger. Google is working on new clock styles and customization options that could rival (and dare we say, surpass?) the iPhone. Imagine tweaking not just the clock’s color but its weight, width, height, and even slant!

The updates are still in development, but a sneak peek from Android 15 QPR2 beta has us drooling over the possibilities. Super-personalized lock screens are just around the corner, giving us even more reasons to flaunt our Pixels.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series phones are enjoying faster upload speeds on Vodafone UK’s 5G Standalone network thanks to MIMO and Uplink Carrier Aggregation (ULCA). This means smoother livestreams, quicker uploads, and a more reliable connection.

While this upgrade is rolling out in select areas in the UK, it’s a promising glimpse into what’s possible when Google teams up with network providers.

If you’re rocking a Pixel Watch 1 or 2, Google just handed you a gift. Cardio Load and Target Load — those snazzy workout metrics previously exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3 — are now available for older models.

These features track workout intensity and suggest daily training targets to help you hit peak performance while avoiding overtraining. You’ll find them in the Fitbit Today section or the Cardio Load card in the Fitbit app. It’s a small change that packs a big punch for fitness enthusiasts.

That’s a wrap on today’s Pixel news, folks. Whether you’re snapping stunning low-light shots for the ’Gram, geeking out over lock screen customizations, or enjoying faster 5G uploads, there’s no shortage of reasons to love your Pixel. Stay tuned for more updates as we head into 2025.