Pixel Feature Drop March 2024: New functions for Pixel smartphones and watches

Google makes its in-house Pixel smartphones and Pixel Watches better with the Feature Drops. The Pixel Feature Drop March 2024 has now been announced, which brings the familiar Circle to Search function to the Google Pixel 7 series, among other things.

Pixel Feature Drop March 2024: What’s in the update

Google equips its devices with new functions with the unique Pixel Feature Drops. The internet giant has just unveiled the Pixel Feature Drop March 2024, which brings new features to the Pixel 7 (Pro) and Pixel 8 (Pro), as well as the first and second generation Pixel Watches.

Among other things, the new Feature Drop improves the Call Screening function, but initially only in the USA. From now on, Call Screening will display a “Hello” button if the caller does not answer.

Much more interesting, at least in this country, is the function of being able to share ultra-HDR videos on Instagram. These 10-bit HDR videos offer better colors and higher contrast and can be uploaded as videos directly in Reels or as Ultra HDR photos in the Instagram feed – previously only SDR videos were uploaded here.

The ingenious Circle to Search function, which we already know from the Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8 Pro (our test) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, is now finally making its way to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro (our test).

Simply press and hold the Pixel’s home button and you can then circle or highlight images, text or videos to get more information directly without switching apps.

New features for the Pixel Watch

The first generation of the Google Pixel Watch can also look forward to new features in the Pixel Feature Drop March 2024. It gets the automatic workout detection of the Pixel Watch 2, thanks to which selected workouts such as walking, running or cycling are automatically recognized.

In combination with FitBit Relax, breathing exercises can now be started directly after a workout, while new statistics provide information on how long you trained in which heart rate zone. Thanks to larger texts and brighter colors, the readability of the workout user interface has also been improved.

Pixel Watches with WearOS 3 will now also display public transportation routes in Google Maps. This also includes real-time departure times or a guide view that leads you to your destination.

Other new features of the Pixel Feature Drop March 2024 include a new screen sharing app for Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold or Pixel 5a, as well as all newer smartphones. This can be used to share only individual parts of the screen or selected apps in a meeting if desired.

Fast Pair is also getting an update. Bluetooth devices that have already been paired in the past can now be called up and connected on a new smartphone or tablet via Fast Pair without having to go through the entire pairing process again.