Look, this may sound fanboy-ish but it's true. It's the little things that makes the Google Pixel line the smartphone for me. I appreciate that Google tends to focus on the experience and deliver real world quality of life features. Some of these features are added over time and some have been existing for awhile now. Nevertheless, here are some Pixel features I rely on day to day.
At a Glance - Located at the top of the homescreen. Here you will find relevant and timely information. Such as upcoming calendar events and reminders, birthdays, weather and severe weather alerts. Having this information on my homescreen and lockscreen keeps me on track throughout the day. I recently received a severe weather warning and appreciated that I could properly prepare myself prior to leaving the house that morning. See it's the little things.
Now Playing - not critical but a nice feature that displays song title and artist information when music is being played around. The cool thing is that this happens proactively, offline, and without the need for an internet connection. It also keeps a running list of the music that was detected and when. In settings, you can click on a song that’s in your Now Playing history and added to a playlist or listen to it on YT Music or Youtube. This feature has eliminated the need for me to have any similar service or app on my Pixel. Shazam (cough). The music library model is updated regularly, occurs in the background, and contains tens of thousands of songs. Now Playing is privacy conscious and happens all on device.
Rules - I believe this exclusive to Pixel but maybe in Android as well. Rules is a feature where you can do specific things based on location and wifi. I use this feature to set my phone to vibrate when I get to work. You can also turn on DND or set your phone to Ring or Silent. What I like most about this feature is that it reverts to its previous setting once you leave the location or wifi network. I'm hoping more options come in the future.
Personal Safety - Is an app by Google that provides vital information in a time of need and is also a valuable resource at critical times. In the app, features include Emergency Sharing and Safety Check. Emergency Sharing enables real-time location sharing with contacts of your choice during an emergency. Safety Check is a feature where you can alert your emergency contacts in certain situations. For instance, if you go on a run and set a check-in time of 30 minutes. If you don't respond once the 30min has lapsed your emergency contacts or 911 can or will be contacted along with your location.
The other two stand out features include Crisis Alerts and Car Crash Detection. My wife also has a Pixel and I immediately turned this feature on. Car Crash Detection can detect when one is in a car accident and contact 911 and provide your location if you don't respond. Crisis Alerts will alert you of natural disasters and public emergencies in your area. Overall a must for any phone and I am happy to have it on my Pixel.
Recorder - is also another app by Google that records things. In a traditional sense but also much more. Recorder can transcribe and label what's recorded. A recent update enabled the ability to record via Bluetooth devices automatically. There is also a feature where you can search what was recorded amongst other things. You can trim and share the audio, transcript and create a video clip. A very versatile app that I’m glad it's available on Pixel.
All these little things add up for the Pixel to be the smartphone for me. There are so many features on Pixel that I suggest checking out the Pixel Tips app if you do have a Pixel. These are probably my most used Pixel features but would like to know what Pixel features you use the most. Let me know. I am genuinely curious.
Until the next one, stay safe!
Comments
Post a Comment