Your Pixel phone is getting a big update - look for these 10 useful features

Max Buondonno/ZDNET

October's Pixel feature drop has arrived, and it's a pretty big one for Pixel phone users. Along with a sleek new OS -- Android 15 --Google phone users are getting 10 new phone features, including a suite of theft detection tools, private spaces to keep your sensitive info and photos safe, Audio Magic Eraser, upgrades to the temperature sensor, adaptive vibration, and more.  

Google says these new features should start rolling out Oct. 15, but -- as with past feature drops -- it usually takes a few days to roll out to all devices. If you don't see them today, your phone should have them by the end of the week.

Also: The best Android phones you can buy: Expert tested (including the Pixel 9 Pro)

Here's a look at everything new for the October 2024 Pixel feature drop for Pixel phones, Pixel watches, Pixel buds, and the Pixel tablet.

Coming to Pixel phones in October

• Night Sight for Instagram: Enjoy showing off your nightlife on Instagram? You can now take high-quality pictures in low light and post stunning Stories right from the Instagram app, with no flash required. This will be available on Pixel 6 devices and newer, excluding the A series.

• Underwater photography and video: Use any waterproof case to capture your favorite under-the-sea moments like snorkeling or swimming. With this update's improved underwater photography and video recording, colors look richer and more accurate. This is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

• Theft detection: A suite of new features aims to protect your device at various stages of theft. Detection Lock uses Google AI to sense if someone snatches your phone from your hand and tries to run, bike, or drive away, and automatically locks your phone screen. Remote Lock lets you quickly lock your phone with just your phone number and a quick security challenge. This is available on Pixel 6 devices and newer.

• Private Space: Announced in April, Private Space protects your privacy by giving you a separate space that you can hide and lock with a separate PIN for organizing those apps with sensitive information or photos. You'll find this on Pixel 6 devices and newer.

• Audio Magic Eraser: You now can fine-tune audio in your videos, turning specific sounds up or down and separating the voices of different people to adjust their volume independently. This will be available globally on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a, and in limited markets on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

• Astrophotography: You're now able to access Astrophotography more easily through Night Sight. Just tap the Night Sight icon and slide to Astro to capture beautiful photos of the moon and stars. This is available on Pixel 6 devices and newer.

• Object temperature sensor: Sensing temperature with your Pixel is now easier and more intuitive with the integration of the camera as a viewfinder, the addition of live reading capabilities, and the ability to capture and save measurements to recent results. This is available on the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

• Pixel weather app: Pixel's new weather app will be rolling out to legacy devices, including the Pixel 6 and newer.

• Adaptive vibration: If you've ever had a vibrating phone interrupt a quiet space or missed an important notification in a loud space, you'll appreciate this feature.  Adaptive Vibration uses your phone's microphone and other sensors to determine sound levels and context, then automatically adjusts the vibration intensity of ringtones, notifications, and alerts to the optimal level. You can find this on Pixel 7 devices and newer.

• Gemini for Pixel screenshots: Trying to track down that screenshot you saved a few months ago? You can now use Gemini to help you find it. Just say something like "Hey Google, use Screenshots to find the brand of sneakers I saved." Gemini will take you to the screenshot you're looking for. This will be available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Coming to Pixel watches in October

• Contacts app upgrade: You can now find your favorite, most frequent contacts more easily on your Pixel watch with the Individual Contact Tile that lets you prominently display a contact to call or message with a tap. This is coming to all three watch generations. 

• Emoji email reactions: You can now send and view select emoji reactions like a thumbs up or smiley to Gmail notifications and the app directly from your Pixel Watch. All three versions of the Pixel Watch are getting this feature.

• Also: Google says Pixel Watch users won't see a fixed WearOS 5 any time soon

Coming to the Pixel tablet in October

• Panel screensaver: You can access your smart home devices and cameras with the Pixel tablet's new always-on home controller that's available even when the device is idle and charging.

• Photo frame actions: Share, favorite, or archive photos directly from the Pixel Tablet photo frame screensaver thanks to Google Photos library.

Coming to Pixel Buds in October

• You can talk to Gemini without taking out your phone. Find things like walking directions or info from your emails, or go Live with Gemini to brainstorm out loud.