Google Pixel feature drop update brings Gemini Nano support, other features

Google had announced back in Google I/O 2024, that a new version of its Gemini AI assistant was coming to Pixel smartphones. This was Gemini Nano, an on-device rendition of Gemini that works completely on your phone. The feature is now finally coming to select Pixel devices, along with some other features. Here’s everything you need to know and how you can get the new features on your Pixel.

Gemini Nano support

The first feature and the highlight of the new update is Gemini Nano, which is an on-device AI implementation. Gemini Nano allows features like detailed transcriptions from the Recorder app. Gemini Nano will also be capable of more on-device AI features, but Google has not highlighted any more of them just yet.

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Improved Find My Device support

The new update also makes the Find My Device feature even better, and now supports detection of devices even when the battery has run out and a phone has been discharged. The feature will now be able to find discharged Pixel smartphones for at least 23 hours post discharge.

Display Port support

With support for the Display Port standard via the phone’s USB-C port, Google Pixel users can now extend their screen on a larger display like a supported monitor or television. This can be to play games, share media with your friends and family, or anything else.

Reverse phone number lookup

The update also allows supported Google Pixel devices to search for unknown callers in the Phone app to find out who has been calling (or spamming them) with calls. However, Google has not mentioned if the feature uses the company’s own Caller ID database or a third-party application’s database for the same.

Other features

The update also brings other features like manual lens picking for supported phones like the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Fold, allowing users to manually select which of their rear cameras they want to use for taking a shot. On the Pixel 6 series and later, the update also brings HDR+ photo support, which automatically detects the best shot when you take a picture.

How to update your Pixel device

To get the new features, you must update your Pixel smartphone to the latest software. To do that, head to Settings > Security & Privacy > System & Updates. Tap on the System Update option and follow on-screen instructions to update your phone. After a restart, you should be running the latest software.