October 2023 Pixel Feature Drop Brings New Enhancements

The launch of the new Google Pixel 8 series has ushered in a new era for Google’s smartphone division, as Google has also launched the latest Android 14 OS upgrade, alongside some exclusive new software features for its smartphones. Every few months or so, Google rolls out a Pixel feature drop which brings new changes and improvements to Google Pixel devices.

If you own a Google Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5 series phone, Pixel 6 series phone, all the way up to the Pixel 7, then you can expect the newest feature drop to make an appearance on your device. What does it come with, though? Let’s check out some of the highlights.

Camera UI

The new update brings some visual changes to the Google Camera app. Users can now access a small toggle underneath the shutter button that makes it easier to switch between photo and video modes, meaning that you won’t have to scroll all the way to the left or right just to find the photo or video mode that you’re looking for. Interestingly, Google has also changed the the placement of the buttons for reviewing your photos, and the toggle that swaps between the front and rear camera on your device. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you prefer the older layout.

Flash Notifications

Google has also included several new improvements for accessibility features, which include the newly-added Flash Notifications. With Flash Notification, users can assign their phone’s camera LED flash to briefly light up whenever they receive a new notification. Alternatively, there’s also an option to use your phone’s screen instead – you can even set it to light up with a specific colour.

Customisability and Personalisation

While Google has always made personalisation options available for users’ home screens and lock screens, the new update also brings a more refined lock screen selection. With the Styles and Wallpaper men accessible from the home screen, users can now select between different styles and fonts for their lock screen’s clock, in addition to a handful of new wallpapers. Additionally, Google has included new monochromatic themes and colour accents for icons and wallpapers, which will be ideal for users after a more minimalist look on their Pixel’s UI.

Pixel Tablet and Fold

For Pixel Tablet, Google has added some new changes to Google Kids Space, which is essentially “kids mode” on the Pixel Tablet. The update brings a more streamlined navigation bar that makes it simpler for kids to explore content and features, switch between their apps and games, and return to the home screen. Additionally, users can now use Google Assistant commands to play podcasts and news when the Pixel Tablet is docked in Hub Mode.

For the Pixel Fold, users can now access a Dual Screen Interpreter Mode that lets them have face-to-face conversations with people who speak different languages.

Availability

The October 2023 Pixel Feature Drop is rolling out now to all eligible Pixel phones and tablets. To check for updates, users can head on over to Settings > System > System update.