Google’s June Feature Drop: Explore new features & upgrades for Pixel devices

Google’s June Feature Drop is finally here. The latest update packs new capabilities for your devices, including Gemini Nano coming to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a as a developer option, Car Crash Detection to Pixel Watch 2, and much more.

The new features are currently rolling out to Pixel devices and will continue over the next few weeks.

Let’s take a look at all the new features and upgrades that June Pixel Feature Drop offers.

Also read: Google’s Pixel feature drop for March is here: What’s new this time?

Pixel Phones

Access Gemini Nano using Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a

Gemini Nano is Google’s AI model built for on-device tasks. With the latest update, you can use Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a handsets to access Gemini Nano as a developer option. You can enable developer options in your Pixel’s settings.

Improved transcripts

Now, the Recorder app delivers more detailed, downloadable summaries to Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a. It’s able to detect and include the names of speakers so conversational transcripts are improved. And with the ability to export transcripts into text files or Google Docs, keeping track of things like interviews and class lectures is made easy.

Display content on big screen

Pixel 8a, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro can now display content on a larger screen, like your computer monitor, when you plug it in via USB-C, giving you more space to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and slides.

Find your phone, even when the battery dies

The Find My Device feature is receiving an upgrade that will allow you to locate your phone even when it is turned off or the battery is dead. Additionally, your location data will remain encrypted and private.

Put your best faces forward

The Pixel camera can now automatically identify the best moment from your HDR+ photo with just a single press of the shutter, making it easier to capture a photo where your face is in focus and smiling.

Additional Pixel phone upgrades

Don’t recognise a phone number? Well, with just a few taps, you can now do a reverse phone number search directly from your call log.

Google Wallet recently expanded to India, so even more people can securely store and access everyday items, like boarding passes, loyalty cards, event tickets, public transport tickets, gift cards, and more.

Also read: Google Pixel 9 could come with ‘Adaptive Touch’ feature: All you need to know

Pixel Watches

Car Crash Detection

The latest Pixel Feature Drop brings Car Crash Detection as a new safety feature on Pixel Watch 2. According to Google, if you’re in a severe car accident, your watch can now check in to make sure you’re okay. If you need help or don’t respond, it will automatically dial emergency services.

Car Crash Detection integrates with Emergency Sharing on your watch, so your emergency contacts will be notified and get your real-time location if you’ve been in an accident. 

Access smart home devices directly from your watch

Your Google Home app is getting a revamp and you can now access your smart home devices faster and easier directly from your watch. Note: You must have a smartwatch that runs Wear OS 3 or newer, a Google Account, the latest version of the Google Home app on both your watch and phone, and working internet and Wi-Fi.