Android 15 begins rollout to Pixel phones, bundles October 2024 Pixel Drop as well

Google has finally announced that it’s rolling out Android 15, starting with its Pixel devices. 

This update is bundled with Google’s Pixel Drop for October 2024, a regular firmware update cycle that adds new and improved software features to Pixel phone users.

Android 15

In its official rollout statement, Google highlighted several Android 15 features previously shared with its users. Those features include Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock (to prevent data theft in the event of a phone theft), the addition of Private Space (sensitive app organisation) and the ability to pin a taskbar for foldable and tablet-styled mobile devices. 

Pixel Drop October 2024

For October’s Pixel Drop, Pixel Buds Pro 2 gets hands-free access to Gemini Live (via the “Hey Google, let’s talk” voice command). 

Pixel phones (Pixel 8 series and newer) get Audio Magic Eraser, an improved version of the wind reduction generative editing tool that first debuted on the Pixel 8 series. Audio Magic Eraser goes further, with the ability to remove crowd noise and howling winds, or even control how much of these sounds you wish to keep.

Google also added underwater photography mode, which makes photos taken underwater with Pixel phones look better. However, you still have to find an appropriate phone case separately.

Astrophotography (or celestial photography) has been improved, with Night Sight mode getting an additional “Astro mode” via a slider. This new mode would prompt the user to set the phone down (facing skywards) for five seconds, so that it can take a photo of the night sky. Google also said that this feature is compatible with the Instagram app.

The full list of October Pixel Drop updates can be found here.

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