Google Pixel’s March 2023 updates bring fall detection to Pixel Watch and faster Night Sight on Pixel 7 and 7 Pro

Google Pixel’s March 2023 updates bring fall detection to Pixel Watch and faster Night Sight on Pixel 7 and 7 Pro

Google puts in a lot of effort to honour its Feature Drops commitment, much to the pleasure of Pixel handset and wearable users. This month’s (March 2023) update sees newfangled tools cascading to older Pixels, on top of quality-of-life improvements all around.

Faster Night Sight for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

Faster Night Sight was a feature exclusive to the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Now, new algorithms by Google allow the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to enjoy faster low-light shooting.   

Magic Eraser for all Pixel phones

Previously, Magic Eraser was only available on Pixel 6 and 7 series phones. It eventually became a Google Photos cloud feature on both non-Pixel Android and iOS mobiles. Naturally, this also means it’s available to all older Pixel handsets via the Google Photos app. 

Giving robodiallers the treatment they deserve

Direct My Call is now available to Google Pixel 4 and newer Pixel handsets. Instead of being at the mercy of a slow, repetitive business robodialler that drip-feeds you your call options when you just want to speak directly with an operator, Direct My Calls lets you speedrun through these automated business hotlines. It shows you all the options you can press before the monotone voice finishes its long-winded speech. 

Built-in Health Connect 

Pixel handsets now get Health Connect built into the device, acting as the command centre for all your health and fitness apps, data, and wearables. The data is stored on-device, and Health Connect shows you which service is using which health data at a glance.

Pixel Watch gets fall detection

The Google Pixel Watch now comes with fall detection, using its built-in sensors and machine learning smarts to determine if you had a hard fall (and not mistaking vigorous activities as a fall, for instance). 

If the Pixel Watch detects a hard fall, it connects the user directly to emergency services and an emergency operator. 

Other features

Google added that Ultra-Wideband (UWB) digital car keys will be added to Pixel devices “in the coming weeks”. Google’s version of UWB digital car keys allow compatible car models and handsets to unlock, lock, or start their car without having to take the handset out of the user’s pocket. According to Google, this feature is only available on select 2022+ BMW models with the Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro. Existing users of UWB digital car keys will need to update both the car’s and phone’s firmware, and re-pair the keys before attempting to do so.

Also, Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro owners can now use two eSIMs with Dual SIM Dual Standby (use both SIMs simultaneously). 

Source: Google (blog)