Top 10 Exciting Pixel 2 And Pixel 2 XL Software Features

Main Image
  • Like
  • Comment
  • Share

Google’s Pixel devices are one of those rare premium phones where software takes precedence over hardware. After the success of last year’s Pixel and Pixel XL, Google today launched their successors – The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL – to demonstrate and push its software might.

Just as last year, the Pixel phones don’t run stock Android but have several custom features layered on top to tune things the Google way. Let’s discuss 10 of these exciting Pixel 2 software features that take advantage of Googles vast ecosystem of services.

Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL launched

Also Read: How to send WhatsApp audio messages using Google Assistant

New always on display

The always on display on the new Pixel 2 phones, apart from allowing you to peek at info like notifications, date and time, will identify the music playing on your device. But what’s interesting is that it won’t be connecting to Google to dig that info (to conserve battery).

The feature uses on-device machine learning and identifies your songs from a database of thousands of songs. And if you tap the visible text, you will directly be taken to a Google assistant page/card of that song where you can know more about it or look for it in other apps like Spotify and YouTube.

Pixel bar at the bottom; stays there

The Pixel Pill in the last year’s Pixel launcher is once again replaced by a search bar. The search bar is now present at the very bottom where the dock used to be.

 

This is where it makes the most sense (at least for Google), being easily accessible. Also, even if you swipe between different home screens, the search bar will remain put at the bottom.

At a glance at the top

With the search bar moving to the bottom, the vacant room on the top is occupied by ‘At a glance’ screen that automatically shows countdowns for upcoming events, reminders, and other information that you’d be interested in.

Also Read: How To Run the Same App in Split Screens On Android Nougat

Search gets better

The search on Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL gets better at fetching information within your phone. When you type the search keyword, a horizontal bar with matching apps and contacts name will be underlined at the bottom. You can even drag the app and contact shortcuts to your home screen.

Active edge to trigger assistant

While Samsung has a much-criticized dedicated key to summon Bixby, Google has a smarter and more natural way of doing this.

You can squeeze the phone (same as the Active edge on HTC U11) to fire Google Assistant. And the phone is smart enough to discard unintentional squeezes.

AR Stickers

Google Pixels camera is tuned and robust enough to handle Augmented Reality applications. While developers will hopefully be adding more cool AR apps with ARCore SDK somewhere down the road, Google had some AR stuff to share last night.

Pixel XL will have a bunch of animated AR stickers that you can add to your camera viewfinder screen. These include food emojis, Star War episode 8 characters, NBA players and more.

Google Lens Preview

Pixel phones will also get a Google lens preview. The preview word indicates that the project is still in nascent stages and the accuracy will only have to improve over a period of time.

The lens benefits from the vast search database that Google has its disposal since eternity, and you can use it to know more about things you see and shoot. This is akin to Bixby Vision, but should work better (can’t get any worse, right)?

Also Read: How to Get Android Oreo Teardrop Icons on Your Phone

Bokeh selfies and rear cameras

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have only one rear camera but the software enables you to take portrait shots (with blurred background) using both the front and rear cameras.

Now, the Pixel and Pixel XL were the first phones that could give OIS (hardware feature) like stabilization with EIS (software), and thus we are inclined to believe that Google might actually be able to deliver bokehs with crisp edges using just its software chops.

Google Assistant can do more

Google Assistant on Pixel 2 phones will have a more control over phone’s hardware. You will also be able to use it to buy tickets, broadcast messages to your array of Google home devices, enjoy support for more than 1000 smart home devices and even help you with daily routines (performs a series of actions with routine commands like Good night and Good morning).

Updates promised for 3 years

Naturally, the new Pixel phones will be running the latest Android software. And it will keep running the latest for the next 3 years, assures Google. That implies your phone will probably get all software updates and security patches throughout its lifetime.

Top 10 Google Pixel 2 Software Features

Apart from these features, other Pixel privileges like HDR+ mode and unlimited Photos storage will be passed on to the new devices as well. As expected, The pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL give search and Google Assistant the center stage.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Review – For Those Who Do A Lot On Their Phones

Deepak SinghDeepak Singh
Deepak has more than 8 years of experience in covering technology for several eminent publications in India. He currently leads an enthusiastic team of young writers at Smartprix and tries to uphold the highest quality standards.

Related Articles

ImageApple Acquires DarwinAI To Checkmate Google and Microsoft

Apple has made a strategic acquisition by taking over AI startup DarwinAI to strengthen its on-device AI capabilities and take on the likes of Google and Microsoft. While tech giants like Google and Microsoft have made strides in offering AI models that run on both cloud and devices, Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI could give the …

ImageGoogle Pixel 2 and 2XL Set to Get Call Screening By End Of 2018

Google has unveiled its new AI call screening feature during the launch of Google Pixel 3. Now, Google seems to be all set to push this interesting feature to previous generation Pixel phones. To recall, Google launched Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL earlier last month which apart from the alleged industry-leading camera has a number of …

ImageGoogle Pixel 3a XL Review – A Fabulous Experience

Not so recently, Google introduced mid-range Pixel phones to make its own Android vision more accessible to masses as is. The new Pixel 3a phones aren’t exactly affordable in India, but they still make a compelling case for the mid-range. (Google Pixel 3a XL Review हिंदी में पढ़िए) On paper, they are outclassed by better-specced …

ImageTop 10 Feature-Packed Cars Under ₹10 Lakhs in India (2024): Specs, Price & More!

India stands as a global powerhouse in the automotive market, with a constant surge in demand for affordable cars. Within a budget of Rs 10 lakhs, there exists a plethora of options that boast impressive performance, features, and value for money. However, the abundance of choices can often lead to confusion. To navigate through this …

ImageAndroid 14 QPR3 Beta 2 rolls out for Pixel 5a & above but we cautious when sideloading

We were wrapping our heads around Google’s Pixel Feature Drop which arrived this Monday with a slew of features. However, it seems like Google wants us to keep playing with our devices and released a new QRP beta. Dubbed the Android 14 QPR3 Beta2, the update is live across Google Pixel 5a and above and …

Discuss

Be the first to leave a comment.

Related Products