Google rolls out new features for Pixel phone users

Being a Google brand, your Pixel phone automatically updates regularly with fixes and improvements. And now, the Pixel will get better with the new Pixel feature drops.  Coming this month, the upcoming features includes a new way to capture portraits, easier Duo calls and automatic call screening.

More photo controls

Now, you can turn a photo into a portrait on Pixel by blurring the background post-snap.So, whether you took the photo years ago, or you forgot to turn on portrait mode, you can easily give each picture an artistic depth with Portrait Blur in Google Photos.

Put an end to robocalls

Available only in the US, the latest update to Call Screen on Pixel 4 helps you automatically screen unknown callers and filter out detected robocalls before your phone ever rings, so you’re not interrupted by them – all thanks to the Google Assistant. And when it’s not a robocall, your phone rings a few moments later with helpful context about who is calling and why. Call Screen works on your device and doesn’t require Wi-Fi or data.

Improved video calls on Duo

The new Duo features on the Pixel 4 lets you focus on conversations instead of logistics. The company has added auto-framing that keeps your face centered during your Duo video calls, even as you move around, thanks to Pixel 4’s wide-angle lens. And if another person joins you in the shot, the camera automatically adjusts to keep both of you in the frame.

Also, when a bad connection leads to spotty audio, a machine learning model on the Pixel 4 predicts the likely next sound and helps you to keep the conversation going with minimum disruptions.

When you make Duo video calls on Pixel 2, 3 and 4, you can now apply a portrait filter as well.

More helpful features for more Pixels

In addition to new features for Pixel 4, Google is also bringing new apps and features to Pixel 2, 3 and 3a:

• The Recorder app is now available on older generations of Pixel.
• Pixel 3 and 3a users will get Live Caption.
• Digital Wellbeing is getting updates too. Focus mode is rolling out to help you stay productive and minimize distractions by pausing apps you've selected in a single tap. You can now set an automatic schedule, take a short break or end Focus mode early without disrupting your schedule.
• Flip to Shhh will also join the Digital Wellbeing features on Pixel 2 and 2XL.
• If you use a Pixel 4 in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore and Australia, you’ll soon get the new Google Assistant (English only), which is even faster and more helpful.
• With the latest update to Pixel 4, you'll also get amazingly fast accuracy in Google Maps with improved on-device computing for much better location quality.

These features are already rolling out, and will hit Pixel devices in the coming weeks. To get the new features, update to the latest version of Android and go to the Play Store to start downloading your updated apps.