Pixel 8 Pro Unleashes Exciting Upgrades: Google Introduces Circle to Search, Magic Compose, and More in January Feature Drop

Google has rolled out its January Pixel feature drop, ushering in an array of new functionalities for the Pixel 8 series. The update brings notable additions, taking inspiration from the Galaxy S24 series introduced by Samsung earlier this month.

A standout feature in the update is the introduction of “Circle to Search,” akin to the functionality found on the Galaxy S24 series. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users can now long-press the navigation bar or home button to circle, scribble, or highlight images and text on the screen, enabling seamless searches without leaving the current app. This innovative feature is set to go live on January 31, aligning with the anticipated launch of the Galaxy S24 series.

Moreover, the Pixel 8 Pro receives a significant boost with an enhanced thermometer sensor feature. This option within the thermometer app allows users to record body temperature, presenting it as a “medical grade” feature. Users can record the body temperatures of others, with the flexibility to choose whether to store personal records using the Fitbit app.

It’s worth noting that this advanced functionality is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, distinguishing it from the standard Pixel 8 and older models that lack the necessary sensor for this feature. With these enriching updates, Google continues to elevate the user experience for Pixel 8 series owners, showcasing a commitment to delivering innovative features and enhancing the overall capabilities of its flagship devices.

Magic Compose powered by Google’s on-device Gemini Nano AI model is also available on the Pixel 8 Pro with the latest feature drop. You can pick from four different writing styles — Chill, Excited, Formal, and Shakespearean. Similarly, the Photomoji feature is now available on all currently supported Pixel phones, allowing you to turn photos on your phone into emoji that you can use for message reactions.

With the January Pixel feature drop, Google has rebranded the Nearby Share feature to Quick Share, a feature offered by Samsung alongside Google’s feature. This change was previously announced by the company and will roll out to all Android smartphones in the future. Meanwhile, owners of the Pixel Watch 2 will now experience seamless switching between their devices, when they’re using the Pixel Buds Pro, according to the company.