Google Unveils Surprise Feature Drop with Circle to Search, Photomoji, and Magic Compose Going Official To Pixel 8

Google Unveils Surprise Feature Drop with Circle to Search, Photomoji, and Magic Compose Going Official To Pixel 8

1. Introduction: Google surprised Pixel 8 series users with an unscheduled Feature Drop, introducing Circle to Search, Photomoji, and Magic Compose.
2. Circle to Search Feature:
   • Users can now employ Circle to Search, enabling them to draw a circle around any item on their screen to initiate a search.
   • This intuitive gesture can be activated by long-pressing the home button or the “pill” gesture bar, exclusively available for the Pixel 8 series and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

1. Magic Compose Graduation:
   • Magic Compose, initially in beta, graduates to a global release for Pixel 8 users in Google Messages.
   • This feature allows users to compose texts with mood and style variations, expanding language support to English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Korean.
2. Photomoji Wider Rollout:
   • Photomoji, introduced with Google Messages crossing 1 billion RCS users, sees a broader rollout in the January Feature Drop.
   • Users on all Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 5a, can now create custom stickers using their photos or subjects in pictures for use in conversations.

1. Nearby Share Renaming:
   • Nearby Share is rebranded as Quick Share, maintaining its existing functionality.
   • This change will be implemented across all Android 6.0+ devices, facilitating seamless transfer of pictures, files, and text.
2. Body Temperature Check for Pixel 8 Pro:
   • The Pixel 8 Pro gains the ability to check body temperature, with FDA approval in the US.
   • This health feature enhances the Pixel 8 Pro’s capabilities, providing users with additional health-related functionalities.
3. Pixel Watch Audio Switching:
   • The Pixel Watch now supports seamless audio switching with Pixel Buds Pro.
   • Pixel Buds Pro can automatically switch between paired devices—Pixel phone, Tablet, or the Pixel Watch—based on the user’s current device usage.
4. Release Date:
   • The January Pixel Feature Drop is set to roll out on January 25, 2024, for all compatible Pixel devices.

In summary, Google’s unexpected January Feature Drop for the Pixel 8 series encompasses a range of new features and enhancements, emphasizing improved user experience, expanded language support, health-related capabilities, and device integration.