Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Google’s Pixel Feature Drops roll out every quarter and usually bring some nifty new features to Pixel devices. Now, the company has revealed the March Pixel Feature Drop, and there are quite a few new products this time around.
The feature is expected to launch in the US on March 11th and in the rest of the world on March 4th. So what should you expect?
Pixel 7 series launches Circle to Search
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
Google’s Circle to Search feature first appeared on the Galaxy S24 series and Pixel 8 series. Now, the feature is finally available on Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
For starters, Search Circle allows you to run a Google search by drawing a circle around screen content. This should be more convenient than taking a screenshot or entering Google Lens first.
Instagram launches Ultra HDR
Samsung announced Ultra HDR support for Instagram at the S24 launch event. Thankfully, Google’s new feature brings this feature to the Pixel series as well.
Google has confirmed that the Pixel 7 series and newer models (including the Pixel Fold) can now upload and share Ultra HDR photos to Instagram. This isn’t the only new addition related to Instagram, as the feature also allows these Pixel phones to capture and share 10-bit HDR Reels on the platform.
Better call screen experience
Call Screen is a really cool feature that puts Google Assistant in charge of vetting the caller before you answer the call. What if the caller on the other end remains silent? Well, users of Pixel 6 and newer models can now tap the “Hello?” button to prompt the caller to speak.
“Additionally, if you can’t answer a screened call right away, Google Assistant will let the caller know to wait a little longer,” the company added.
Partial screen sharing
We first learned about this nifty screen recording/sharing feature not too long ago, and March’s Pixel Feature Drop finally makes it a reality.
Partial Screen Recording or Sharing allows you to screen record or screen share only a specific application. This way, you won’t have any sensitive information popping up from other apps (such as chat notifications). Google says this will also be useful when showing content during video calls.
This feature will be available on Pixel 5a and later, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
Improved quick pairing
Damian Wilde/Android Authority
Google’s Quick Pair standard enables more seamless Bluetooth pairing across multiple devices when your accessories are synced to your Google account. This feature has also been improved as part of the March Pixel feature drop.
More specifically, Google says you will now see a “Previously Used Accounts” option on the “Connected Devices” page. This option lets you access and connect to previously paired accessories on your new Pixel device.
Google notes that this quick pairing feature will appear on Pixel 5a and newer, Pixel tablets, and Pixel Fold.
Two major features of Android
Google is also bringing two new products to the broader Android ecosystem, not just Pixel devices. For one, you can make handwritten annotations (using your finger or stylus) on documents in Google Docs. This works on devices running Android 8.0 and above.
The second new feature is the Gboard Voice Toolbar for Android tablets. This minimizes the keyboard when you activate voice input, saving screen space in the process.