Google's first feature drop in 2024 for Pixel devices brings Magic Compose, Circle to Search & more features

Pixel feature drop updates are usually quarterly and the next one was expected in March, but Google starts the year with a surprise feature drop prior to the launch of the new Mint Green color for the Pixel 8 series. The update includes some features that we already know about and more details about others.

This feature was first presented by Samsung along with the Galaxy S24 series, but will also reach the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (starting January 31) as it is a joint development between both companies. By ‘invoking’ Circle to Search you will be able to do a Lens-powered direct search for any element present on your screen by enclosing it in a circle, drawing lines over it, and more.

Although the Pixel 8 Pro incorporates a thermometer, it only works to measure the temperature of objects and surfaces, not people. However, the surprise January Pixel feature drop update finally offers the option to use the thermometer to measure your body temperature, and Google even claims that the readings are ‘medical grade’, so we can expect plenty of accuracy.

Not all features are exclusive to the Pixel 8 series. ‘Magic Compose’ will now be able to modify the style or tone of a message you’re writing thanks to the power of generative AI, and it will be available from the Pixel 6 series onwards. It’s worth noting that only the Pixel 8 Pro will be able to use the feature offline thanks to its integrated Gemini Nano AI model, while all other eligible models will require an internet connection.

The company also includes the new and revamped ‘Quick Share’ as part of the latest Pixel feature drop. ‘Quick Share’ is the product of the unification of Samsung Near Share and Google Quick Share into a new single tool for wireless file transfer, combining the experience of both companies and allowing you to move content to Android, ChromeOS and Windows devices.

The Google Pixel Watch is also getting some love with the feature drop in the form of the inclusion of ‘Audio switching’. Google describes this feature as follows: ‘You can switch your Pixel Buds Pro from your Pixel Watch to any number of Pixel phones or Pixel Tablet and get helpful notifications about where your audio is switching to.’

Last but not least, Google Messages service is getting ‘Photomoji’, a feature that will allow you to create reactions from your favorite photos thanks to the power of generative AI, which has a lot of potential to make conversations between people more fun. friends. Regarding how to use this feature, Google notes that: ‘Simply select the photo, review the object you’d like to react with and hit send. Your creations will be saved in a special tab for reuse, and, as a bonus, your friends in group chats can use your sent photomoji‘.