Google elevates Pixel experience with advanced HDR editing and a fun Weather app update
Google has recently made significant advancements in its photo editing technology for Pixel devices, allowing users to fully edit HDR (High Dynamic Range) images without losing critical details. This innovation ensures that even after complex edits, the quality of HDR photos remains intact. At the same time, Google is working on a playful new feature for its Pixel Weather app that aims to bring a more interactive and enjoyable experience for users. Let’s dive into both updates in detail.
Enhanced HDR Editing on Pixel Phones
HDR images have always been known for their superior quality, capturing a broader range of colors and light levels. However, editing these images in apps like Google Photos often led to a loss of image data, reducing the visual appeal of the final result. Google has now addressed this issue with a new machine learning (ML) model that preserves the full quality of HDR images during the editing process.
Until recently, when users edited HDR photos, the images would revert to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) once saved. With the latest update, Google has made it possible for users to save HDR images in the space-saving JPEG format while maintaining the full range of HDR data. This breakthrough was made possible through the introduction of “Ultra HDR” in Android 14, which stores more data in conventional JPG files, making HDR editing feasible.
Machine Learning Powers Better HDR Edits
The heart of this update lies in the advanced machine-learning model that powers the new HDR editing capabilities. According to Google, the ML model is trained to predict HDR image metadata that often gets lost during editing. This allows the software to maintain the HDR quality of the photo, even after heavy editing. On Pixel 8 and newer devices, this model works in the background within Google Photos, ensuring that users can edit their HDR images freely without worrying about quality degradation.
This new approach to HDR editing, introduced specifically for Google Pixel devices, offers a seamless and powerful photo editing experience. Whether you’re making subtle tweaks or applying complex edits, the software guarantees that your final image retains its vibrant colors and enhanced detail.
Pixel Weather App Adds an Entertaining Feature
While Google’s advancements in HDR editing are serious and practical, the company is also adding a touch of fun to its Pixel Weather app. Google is preparing to roll out an update to the app that includes a feature called “Immersive Weather Vibrations,” which allows your device to vibrate in sync with the weather animations on the screen.
Although the feature hasn’t yet been officially announced, Android Authority discovered this new option in version 1.0.20240910.678970266 of the app. This playful update is purely for entertainment, adding an immersive layer to the weather updates you see on your phone.
Interactive Vibration and Audio Features
The new vibration feature is accompanied by several audio files designed to enhance the overall experience. These audio files sync with the visual weather animations, offering an interactive and engaging way for users to check the weather. It’s a small but fun addition that shows Google’s commitment to enhancing the user experience in creative ways.
Conclusion
Google’s latest updates for Pixel devices bring both practical and playful enhancements. The advanced HDR editing feature is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts, allowing users to preserve the full quality of their photos even after editing. At the same time, the fun new update to the Pixel Weather app introduces an element of interaction that adds a new dimension to weather updates.
These innovations reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to improving user experiences across its suite of apps and services, balancing cutting-edge technology with a touch of lighthearted entertainment. Whether you’re editing your next HDR masterpiece or enjoying an immersive weather forecast, Pixel users have more reasons to enjoy their devices than ever before.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
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