For those of you who are keeping count, this is the tenth Pixel feature drop. It is coming to all Google phones since the Pixel 3a. Some new features are included here, while some existing ones are coming to more phones. Do note that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get some exclusive features, exclusive to those two phones, at least for now. So, this update is coming to the Pixel 3a, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, and 5a. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will also get it, as already mentioned, but that will happen later this month. All the other phones that are mentioned here are already getting it. Do note that this is a staged rollout, so it may take a couple of days for the update to appear on your device. What exactly is this update bringing, though? Well, let’s first talk about the changes for all Pixel phones except the 6 series. We’ll talk about those two separately, as the changelogs are different.
March 2022 Pixel feature drop changes
Once you install this update, the Live Caption during phone calls will not require you to talk anymore. You’ll be able to type back a response, after reading what the other person is saying. Google Assistant will do the rest. A standalone battery widget has been added, and it will give you info for your device, and connected devices as well. You’ll be able to share apps with live sharing for Google Duo using your phone. On top of that, you’ll be able to host YouTube watch parties on your phone. If you’re an English speaker, you’ll be able to use Google Messages to convert typed words into colorful stickers. The At A Glance widget will be able to tell you battery levels for Bluetooth-connected devices, remind you to turn off alarms the day before a holiday, and provide earthquake alerts. On top of all that, three new wallpapers will become available in the Curated Culture collection once you install the update. These are celebrating International Women’s Day.
March 2022 Pixel feature drop for the Pixel 6 & 6 Pro
What about the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro changes? Well, once this update arrives, Night Sight will work within the Snapchat app. The Interpreter Mode within Live Translate will be able to translate face-to-face conversations in Spanish, Italian, and French. All translations stay on-device, by the way. You can call upon this feature by saying: “Hey Google, be my [Spanish/French/Italian] interpreter”. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will also be able to identify Spanish in video and translate it automatically into English, French, Italian, and Japanese (beta). The Recorder app will be able to transcribe Italian and Spanish, while Assistant Quick Phrases will become available in Spanish, Italian, and French. Now, there is also one change that is coming for the Pixel 5a and earlier models only. Direct My Call and Wait Times both become available on those devices.
