Summary
- A standalone Now Playing app is coming to the Pixel 6 and above.
- The Pixel 10 is getting a new version of Circle to Search that's capable of breaking down a full outfit, and proactive Magic Cue suggestions.
- Pixel 8 and above now features a desktop mode on external monitors.
As far as Pixel Feature Drops go, this one is pretty substantial.
First, the Pixel's Now Playing app is getting its own app that seems to sort of work like a shortcut to access the feature (this is coming to the Pixel 6 and up). Additionally, there's an expanded version of Circle to Search that can break down an outfit and search for individual pieces (this is exclusive to the Pixel 10 line).
Google is also updating Magic Cue to proactively make suggestions across messaging, email, phone apps, and more (another Pixel 10 series exclusive). Restaurant suggestions are coming to Magic Cue, too.
Other Pixel 10-specific features include a new comfort view that "reduces visual stimulation from very bright or saturated colors," across the Pixel's take on Android.
The Pixel 8 and above is getting a new desktop experience when you plug the smartphone into an external monitor, and the Pixel 7 and up is getting Google's new At-a-Glance widget that offers iOS-like updates on travel. Google is also expanding At-a-Glance to include sports scores, commutes, and finance information.
Lastly, custom AI-generated icons are coming to the Pixel 6 and newer, alongside a SpongeBob SquarePants Theme pack (yes, you read that correctly).
Even though I don't find all of these new features useful, as far as the Android ecosystem goes, Google's support for old Pixel smartphones remains unparalleled, even by the likes of Samsung and One UI. Check out Google's blog post about its March Feature Drop for a full list of new features.
Pixel 10 Pro
- Display
- 1280 x 2856 pixel resolution LTPO OLED at (495 PPI)
- RAM
- 16GB
- Storage
- 128GB
- Rear camera
- f/1.68 50-megapixel wide, f/1.7 48-megapixel ultrawide, f/2.8 28-megapixel telephoto
- Front camera
- f/2.2 42-megapixel
- Battery
- 4,870 mAh
Google will expand iPhone AirDrop compatibility to more Android devices
It looks like Android AirDrop compatibility is expanding.
