7 Hidden Features of Google Pixel You Need to Know and Try

Technology
    by Amresh-Mishra -
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    Google’s Pixel lineup includes a plethora of impressive features, but some are easier to find and activate than others. The nicest bonuses are hidden just under the surface. This list examines the most intriguing.

    Whether you’ve just received a new Pixel for Christmas or just want to learn more about your phone, these features are guaranteed to improve your user experience.

    Note for this tutorial, we used a Pixel 4a running the latest version of Android 11.

    1. Know what’s at stake

    Your Google Pixel comes with a similar feature to Shazam. It’s called “Reading In Progress” and you can enable it by going to “Settings -> Display -> Lock Screen ->Reading”. Then, enable the “Show songs on lock screen” feature. From there, you can also add a Play In Progress shortcut on your home screen to easily access your listening history.

    Now, whenever music is played nearby, the Pixel will be able to pick up and identify sound waves and then show you which track is playing on your lock screen. Very convenient!

    2. Add captions to any audio

    Another useful tool on your Pixel is that it can add live subtitles to any audio played on your phone. To enable this option, go to “Settings -> Accessibility -> Live Captioning”. Enable the “Live Caption” option.

    To test this, open a YouTube video on your device and tap play. You should start seeing the captions appear underneath. You can resize or reposition the legend area on the screen according to your needs. Note that at the moment, the feature only works for English audio, but Google indicates that other languages will be added in the near future.

    Under Live Caption, you’ll find additional options, for example, captioning calls. This service provides live subtitles when you are on the phone with someone. It’s enabled by default, although your Pixel asks you if you want subtitles every time you get a call, unless you tell you otherwise. If you don’t want to, you can disable the feature from here.

    3. Turn off notifications when you put your phone down

    Need to focus on something and don’t want distractions? The Pixel offers a simple solution to get some peace and quiet. Turn on the “Flip in Chut” option to trigger a Do Not Disturb mode, which silences notifications and other distractions whenever your phone is facing down on a flat surface.

    To do this, go to “Settings -> System -> Gestures”. Then, find and tap on the “Flip to Shh” option. Enable the option to enable Do Not Disturb mode. Google says you will feel a very subtle vibration when the mode is turned on.
    Do Not Disturb is part of Google’s digital wellness, so if you need more help minimizing distractions while you work, you can take a look at the other options that are part of the package by visiting “Settings -> Digital Wellness and Parental Controls.”

    4. View notifications using your fingerprint

    If you often use your phone with one hand, you’ll love this trick. It allows you to view notifications without having to swipe your finger from the top of the screen. Instead, you can slide your fingerprint sensor to the back of the phone, which is much more comfortable when you don’t have both hands free.

    First, enable the function. You can do this by going to “Settings -> System -> Gestures -> Swipe fingerprint for notifications.” Enable the feature from there.

    To view your notifications, swipe down on the sensor. Otherwise, if you want to close them, swipe up.

    5. Take advantage of the built-in VPN

    Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks is a pretty dangerous deal, but Pixel owners have put in place a set of tools that can protect them from these inconveniences.

    The phone includes a feature that allows automatic connection to public Wi-Fi hotspots, which, when enabled, simultaneously pair with a Google-run VPN. To find it, go to “Settings -> Network and Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Wi-Fi Preferences”. Enable “Connect to open networks” to automatically connect to high-quality public networks.

    Once you do, Google sends the Wi-Fi Assistant to inform you that, in order to protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi, your data will be transmitted via a secure VPN, courtesy of Google. Press the “OK” button to finally activate the function.
    The option is available on all Pixel and Nexus devices running Android 5.1 and higher. According to Google, it is currently available in some countries, including the United States, Canada, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

    For those who use Google Fi, Wi-Fi Assistant is also available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

    6. Create custom themes and more

    Google allows Pixel users to customize their devices in different ways. For example, you can easily create custom themes. To get started, go to “Settings -> View -> Styles & Wallpapers” or long-press the home screen and tap “Styles & Wallpapers” in the menu that appears. Here you can choose from the many styles available or create your own by pressing the Custom button. Choose your fonts and select the type of icon pack you want to have, then finish by selecting the highlight color and shape of the icons.

    Another interesting thing you can do is to use a “Come Alive” wallpaper. These are interactive wallpapers that subtly move and respond to your movements via the Motion Sense feature. You can apply one from “Styles and wallpapers -> Wallpapers”. Find the Come Alive section and choose your favorite from what is available. You’ll need a newer Pixel to be able to use this feature.
    7. Be prepared in case of an emergency

    Pixel’s new models come with an app called Preinstalled Security. This service allows you to set an emergency contact that will be allowed to access your phone without having to unlock it. You can also add vital information in the app, such as allergies you may suffer from, the medications you are taking, or whether you are an organ donor.

    You can also enable automatic accident detection, a feature that alerts emergency responders, as well as your contacts, that you have been in an accident. At the moment, the option only works for owners of the Pixel 3 (and higher) who live in the US, UK, and Australia.

    If you’re looking for additional apps to install on your Pixel, you can check out our list of the best Android file managers to help you organize everything or check out the best weather apps that provide complete forecasts at your fingertips.

    Voice assistants are very popular all around the globe. In India, most people use google assistant, and they ask “google Mera Naam kya hai” with google assistant. And then he hears his name from a google assistant.

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    Amresh-Mishra
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