Google’s New Pixel Features Include Shortcuts to Your Favorite Contacts, Adds Scam Alerts
The September Pixel Drop includes two months of Audible for anyone with a Pixel 6 or newer.
Google has launched several new features for its Pixel line of smartphones, aimed at enhancing user experience and providing added security. The latest updates include shortcuts to frequently called contacts, allowing users to quickly call or text their favorite people directly from their home screen widget.
These shortcuts are part of an updated Pixel VIP feature, which lets users designate up to eight contact numbers as their closest friends and family. The feature also includes new Scam Detection alerts within the Gboard keyboard, which will work across various chat applications. The alerts display a warning pop-up when the phone detects a potential scam text message, joining existing Scam Detection alerts in notifications that have been expanded to support more languages.
As part of a promotional tie-in with the release of Harry Potter audiobooks on Audible, Pixel phones will receive themed home screen packs, icons, and sounds. Pixel users will also receive a free two-month subscription to Audible with their new device. Additionally, Google has updated the Pixel Watch with improvements to the raise-to-talk gesture, a one-handed pinch gesture for opening the notification tray, and other enhancements. These new features are available to anyone using a Pixel 6 or newer device.
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