Latest Google Pixel 8 Feature Drop: Circle to Search and Additional Additions

Google have been actively presenting updates this January again, and apart from the new generative AI features update on Chrome and enhancements on Google Meet, this time the update falls on their smartphone category, the Pixel 8 series. The Google Pixel 8 series is getting a feature drop. Google typically release updates in the final month of each quarter, and this Pixel 8 update arrives ahead of the usual quarterly schedule; as the last Pixel Feature Drop was launched in December 2023, and the upcoming one is expected to roll out in March 2024, but seemed to come in earlier. Let’s take a look.

What’s New in This Google Pixel 8 Series January Feature Drop?

Google named this new feature drop as Pixel 8 series’ January Feature Drop, and offers new updates on three major new features: Circle to Search, Magic Compose and Photomoji.

Google's latest Pixel feature drop for January introduces significant enhancements to the Pixel 8 series. The standout addition is the Circle to Search feature, allowing users to perform Google searches seamlessly within their current app.https://t.co/qOyMdLvE0z

— ET Panache (@ETPanache) January 25, 2024

1. Circle to Search

When the phrase ‘Circle to Search’ comes in, did it immediately remind you of Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 series? If it does, you’ve probably been one of the audience that took note of the tech giant’s latest feature on their new Galaxy S24 series. It went official just last week and was shown off at the Galaxy Unpacked event.

Circle to Search pic.twitter.com/qaiMGNZ2DI

— Andreas Storm (@avstorm) January 17, 2024

Google are bringing this feature in their Pixel 8 series. With this feature activated, users can press and hold the home button or use the “Pill” gesture bar to draw a circle around the object or text on the screen that they want to search for. Google, leveraging their AI capabilities, will identify the subject and provide users with pertinent search results.

It’s important to note that Circle to Search is exclusively available for the Pixel 8 series. In addition to Pixel devices, this feature can also be utilised on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, in which the feature was first seen.

2. Magic Compose

Google initiated beta testing for Magic Compose in Google Messages during their annual developer conference in May 2023. This feature harnesses the capabilities of Google Bard, enabling users to compose texts with the desired mood and style with just a few taps. Following an extended beta period limited to the U.S., Google have been observed extending the feature to Europe in late December.

In this January Feature Drop, Magic Compose transitions from beta and is now accessible to all Pixel 8 users globally within Google Messages. It is important to note that this feature is compatible with English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Korean languages.

3. Photomoji

Photomoji, introduced by Google in late November 2023 when Google Messages reached 1 billion active RCS users, is set to expand its availability with this January Feature Drop. This feature enables users to craft personalised stickers using their photos or subjects in pictures, enhancing the conversational experience. For this feature, it will be introduced to Google Messages on all Pixel phones, beginning with the Pixel 5a.

Also Read: Apple Embraces RCS Support for iPhones in 2024

Additional Updates to This January Feature Drop

a. Nearby Share

Google’s latest update to this January Feature Drop includes a renaming of Nearby Share to Quick Share. While the functionality of the tool remains unchanged, allowing for swift transfer of pictures, files, and text across Android phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows PCs, the new branding will be applied to all Android 6.0+ devices.

b. An Upgrade in Body Temperature Checking

This feature drop enhances the functionality of the built-in thermometer on the Pixel 8 Pro, allowing users to measure body temperature. Described by Google as “Medical-grade”, it suggests the company likely obtained FDA clearance for this specific use. The update provides a practical application for the thermometer, previously used for tasks like checking the temperature of objects like coffee.

c. Enhancements in Pixel Audio

Last but not least, Google announced the addition of automatic audio switching to the Pixel Watch. Users can seamlessly switch Pixel Buds Pro between the Pixel Watch and various Pixel phones or tablets, accompanied by notifications indicating the audio destination.

Related: Google Pixel Event Complete Guide: Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2 and More

One Last Say

The new and updated features in this Pixel 8 January Feature Drop have begun to roll out since yesterday, January 25th for all compatible devices. With these new and enhanced features introduced in this update, it is promised to bring in a better user experience. It’s time for Pixel 8 users to get this update and take a try on these features. Speaking of smartphone updates, you might also want to check out Apple’s latest iOS 17.3 update with new features for iPhone users.