The December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop is here and AI plays a part in almost every aspect of the update. Front and center is Google’s new Gemini AI model which comes in three distinct flavours to suit everthing from data centers to, you guessed it, the Pixel 8 Pro in your hand gains access to Gemini Nano. In conjunciton with the Tensor G3 processor, Pixel 8 Pro’s will gain a pair of new features such as Summarize in Recorder and Smart Reply in Gboard, all done on device with no connection to the cloud. Naturally, the December Feature Drop includes a bunch of other improvements to features such as Portrait Light, Photo Unblur, and more so join us after the break to learn more.
Summarize in Recorder
As the name suggests, the Summarize in Recorder feature brings the ability to get a neat summary of recorded conversations, interviews, presentations, and more with the help of the Gemini Nano AI, all on device and without a network connections. The Recorder app is now also able to transcribe in 28 new languages.
Smart Reply in Gboard
Gemini Nano begins life as a developer preview on the Pixel 8 Pro and is initially available for use with WhatsApp, offering up high-quality responses in tune with the conversation tone.
Camera Improvements
With the inclusion of Video Boost, your Pixel 8 Pro will upload your videos to the cloud where Google’s computational photography will work its magic to adjust the color, lighting, stabilization, and graininess to produce the final result you thought you were recording. Night Sight Video is also enabled on the Pixel 8 Pro which uses Ai to reduce noise in low-light conditions or at night.
Night Sight in Timelapse is exclusive to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, allowing you to set the phone in a stable position to document the night sky. Portrait light also gets a new ability to remove harsh shadows and improve both new and old photos.
And finally, Photo Unblur is improved and will now help you capture better pictures of your pets even when they can’t stand still by sharpening the images and even refocusing people’s faces and backgrounds.
Productivity
The Pixel Fold gains the ability to show previews on the cover disply of what you are shooting with the main cameras. This lets the object of your shot pose as required for a great picture. You can also use Pixel 6 phones and later to improve the video calling experience on your PC, using their built-in cameras to produce crisp and vibrant video calls.
Document scans are also improved with the ability to remove those coffee stains and creases of receipts and other doscuments.
When recieving a call, the call screen will now exhibit contextual replies so you can send a response without needing to actually take the call, it’s also available on the Pixel Watch for ease of use.
The Pixel Watch also gains the ability to unlock your phone, and users can even synchronize Do Not Disturb and Bedtime Modes from the phone to the smartwatch. Plus, there are a few new watchfaces (Adventure & Analog Arcs) and complications. Not to be forgotten, video calls on the Pixel Tablet are enhanced with a reduction in background noise and enhanced voice capture.
Customization
Google has just revealed that the World Clock tab now shows weather conditions and daily forecasts, both in the app and in widgets. This should be a neat tool for frequent travelers.
The December Pixel Feature Drop should be available for your Pixel handset (Pixel 6 and up) right now.
