9 Hidden Google Pixel Features You Didn’t Know About

Introduction

The Google Pixel mobile phones are known for their flawless software experience, powerful cameras, and helpful AI features. But did you know your Google Pixel has many hidden features that you did not know about?  These under-the-radar features can make your everyday life easier, more productive, and even a little more magical.

In this guide, let us uncover the 9 hidden features that will completely transform your Google Pixel Phones Australia experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Pixel pro or a curious newcomer, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s learn more about 

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• 1. Google Pixel: Become a Call Screening Expert
  • Why it Matters
• 2. Google Pixel: Never Listen to Minutes of “On-hold” Tones
  • Why It Matters
• 3. Google Pixel: Guaranteed Crystal-clear Photos Even from Far Away
  • Here is How You Do it:
  • Why it Matters
• 4. Google Pixel: Now Playing Guesses Every Song!
  • Why it Matters
• 5. Google Pixel: Capture the Night Sky in All its Glory
  • Why it Matters
• 6. Google Pixel: Light Painting for Portrait Selfies
  • Why It Matters
• 7. Google Pixel: Google Recorder is a Game Changer
• 8. Google Pixel: Get More Screen Time with Extreme Battery Saver
  • Why it matters
• 9. Google Pixel: Get More Out Of New Features with Pixel “Feature Drops”
  • Why It Matters
  • Pro Tip
• Conclusion

1. Google Pixel: Become a Call Screening Expert

One of the most annoying things today is spam calls. Fear not, Pixel users! Call Screen has your back with Google Assistant. After you let an unknown number ring to you, it answers and then transcribes, in real time, what’s going on in that conversation. You can pick up, block a number, or let the Assistant handle it completely. It’s kind of like having a little call-screening secretary buried somewhere inside your phone!

How to Turn on the Call Screen:

1. Open the Phone app on your Pixel.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap on Spam and Call Screen.
4. Toggle on the switch for “Enable Call Screen”.

Why it matters:

A Call Screen is an effective way to deal with spam calls and robocalls. It gives you back control over your phone and helps avoid unwanted interruptions.

2. Google Pixel: Never Listen to Minutes of “On-hold” Tones

Are you stuck on hold with a customer service line? Don’t lose minutes hearing elevator music. With Hold for Me (enabled on Pixel 3 and later devices in the U.S.), Google Assistant can wait for you, be silent, and alert you when a natural person is on the line, so you can use your time doing something else.

Why It Matters:

Hold for Me is a time-saving throwdown that allows you to get other stuff done while it waits on hold to ensure you get the most from your day.

3. Google Pixel: Guaranteed Crystal-clear Photos Even from Far Away

Ever wanted to zoom in on something far away but were afraid the picture quality would deteriorate? This is what makes Super-Res Zoom possible: it’s software called Pixel Magic that intelligently crafts a new version of the photo from each one of your multiple shots, adding improved clarity where it’s most feasible and saving details that would otherwise be lost.

Here is How You Do it:

Zoom with your fingers before you take the picture, not after. That is how Super-Res Zoom does its magic: at capture, not after. 

Why it Matters:

Super-Res Zoom means never saying, “Let me take another picture closer to that thing because this one is blurry.” It’s beautiful for zeroing in on wildlife, landmarks, or anything that catches your eye from afar.

4. Google Pixel: Now Playing Guesses Every Song!

Have you ever been captivated by a song playing in a cafe or store, only to forget the title the moment you step outside? Pixel’s Now Playing feature comes to the rescue! This nifty tool uses on-device machine learning to identify music playing in your surroundings without requiring an internet connection. The song title and artist will appear on your lock screen or in your notifications so you can finally quench your musical curiosity.

Here’s how to activate “Now Playing”:

1. Open Settings on your Pixel.
2. Go to Sound and Vibration.
3. Tap on Now Playing.
4. Toggle on the switch for “Show songs on lock screen” and “Now Playing history” (optional, to keep a record of identified songs).

Why it Matters:

Now Playing is a music lover’s dream come true. It eliminates the frustration of forgetting song titles and lets you discover new music with ease.

5. Google Pixel: Capture the Night Sky in All its Glory

Do you dream of capturing breathtaking photos of the Milky Way or starry constellations? With Astrophotography Mode, your Pixel transforms into a powerful night sky camera. This mode utilises a longer exposure time to capture faint stars and details invisible to the naked eye.

Here’s how to use Astrophotography Mode:

• Prop your Pixel on a tripod for stability (any stable surface will work in a pinch).
• Open the Camera app and switch to Night Sight mode.
• When the phone detects stillness, Astrophotography Mode will automatically activate.
• Tap the shutter button and let the magic happen! The capture time will range from 3 to 5 minutes.

Why it Matters:

Astrophotography Mode unlocks a whole new world of celestial photography. You don’t need fancy equipment to capture stunning nightscapes — just your Pixel and a clear night sky.

6. Google Pixel: Light Painting for Portrait Selfies

You can now bid farewell to harsh shadows and uneven lighting in your portrait photos. This is possible using the Portrait Light! You can adjust the light in your selfies even after you have clicked them. This feature allows you to add a virtual source of light to illuminate part of the face and minus/shade the others.

Here’s how to use Portrait Light:

• Open the photo you want to edit in Google Photos.
• Press the Edit button.
• Go to Adjust > Portrait Light.
• Drag the light source around the image, changing the intensity using the slider.

Why It Matters:

Portrait Light makes your selfie game stand out. You control the lighting in your photos, so you always look amazing.

7. Google Pixel: Google Recorder is a Game Changer

Have you ever found yourself needing help to keep up with the words spoken by a lecturer, business meeting, or interview? There’s the Google Recorder, an application limited to Pixel devices that solves precisely this problem: The app transcribes everything someone says around you into real-time notes. It is now without the pen-rushing, struggling haste of trying out words; Google Recorder will get them all for you.

Here is why Google Recorder stands out as a feature:

• Real-time Transcription: Recording every word spoken in an audio recording is highly accurate.
• Edit & Search: Easily edit your transcripts in Google Docs and tap a word to seek the corresponding point in the recording.
• Jump to Specific Points: Tap any word in the transcript to skip right to that point in the recording.
• Offline Functionality: No internet is required to make a recording or transcript. Why It Matters: The Google Recorder is a potent productivity tool — ideal for students, journalists, or business people looking to record and organise their audio information.

8. Google Pixel: Get More Screen Time with Extreme Battery Saver

Does your phone battery run out quicker than you can blink an eye? Turn on Extreme Battery Saver when you need your Pixel to last. Extreme Battery Saver puts your phone on an extreme diet, stopping most apps and background processes to save energy. You can even select specific apps you need to keep running that won’t be paused.

Here’s how to activate Extreme Battery Saver:

• Open Settings on your Pixel.
• Go to Battery.
• Go to and tap on Battery Saver.
• Switch “Turn on Extreme Battery Saver when the battery reaches” On and select a percentage threshold of your choice.

Why it matters:

Extreme Battery Saver is for a person constantly on the move whose phone has run out of charging. It allows one to remain connected and access important information even when one’s battery is about to drain out.

9. Google Pixel: Get More Out Of New Features with Pixel “Feature Drops”

Until today, Google Pixel phones have not stopped improving. Software updates are rolled out at intervals, dubbed Pixel Feature Drops. These updates bring tons of exciting new features to light, fix bugs, and apply security patches to your device.

What you’ll get with Pixel Feature Drops: New Features: Pixel Feature Drops often ensure that features introduced on new Pixels roll out to older ones, refreshing and keeping your device up to date.

Bug Fixes & Security Patches: These updates ensure that your Pixel runs smoothly and guards against the latest threats from a security perspective.

Why It Matters:

Pixel Feature Drops keep your phone up-to-date with the newest features and security enhancements, taking your experience with a Pixel up another notch. 

Pro Tip:

Keep your Pixel updated! Go into Settings > System > Advanced > System Update to check for the latest software.

Conclusion

By exploring these hidden features, you’ve taken a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of your Google Pixel. From mastering call screening and conquering hold music to capturing the natural beauty of the world and enhancing your selfies, your Pixel is the ideal device with capabilities waiting to be discovered. So, keep exploring, keep experimenting, and have fun with your Pixel! Just beyond the surface, there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting for you.