Google’s latest feature update for its Pixel phones enhances the company’s Live Caption feature for phone calls, allowing users to forgo speaking entirely. Additionally, there are new custom sticker options, YouTube watch parties support in Duo, and a Snapchat night photography feature. Google said the improvements will begin rolling out today on the Pixel 3A to 5A and will go out later this month to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Previously, Google’s Live Caption feature could convert incoming phone call audio to text, but it is now being modified to operate in reverse, allowing you to input text and have Google’s software read it aloud during the call. The business posted a short GIF demonstrating how the feature can be accessed via the volume button menu and used to enter messages in full or choose from pre-written responses. Direct My Call and Wait Times, which were formerly unique to the Pixel 6, are now available on all Pixel phones dating all the way back to the Pixel 3A.
The Pixel’s At a Glance widget, which displays critical information immediately on the home and lock screens, has been enhanced to provide additional information on the battery life of connected Bluetooth devices (a separate battery widget is also available if you prefer not to use At a Glance). Additionally, it now includes earthquake alerts and reminders to turn off alarms the day before a holiday. With the likely demise of Google’s Snapshot feature, At a Glance appears to be developing into a spiritual successor.
Google Duo’s co-watching and live sharing features, which debuted on the Galaxy S22 earlier this year, are now coming to Pixel. They enable the viewing of YouTube videos with friends via Google Duo, as well as the sharing of other apps. Snapchat is being upgraded for Pixel devices to include Night Sight support, which could result in improved low-light photography, while Gboard now supports custom text stickers if your language setting is set to US English. On Pixel 6 devices, the Interpreter Mode, which is used to translate face-to-face conversations, now supports Spanish, Italian, and French.
Finally, pre-existing features are being expanded to support additional languages. Google’s Recorder app now supports transcription in Italian and Spanish on Pixel 6 series devices, while Assistant Quick phrases now support Spanish, Italian, and French.