With the launch of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Google introduced a set of features and functionality that, at least for now, will be exclusive to the new phones. Older models will get some of these through updates. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about this model.
New Google Pixel 7
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro build on the foundation laid by the revival of Google's smartphone lineup with the launch of the Pixel 6 series last year. Innovative changes are kept to a minimum. Instead, refinement is the priority.
Among its features will soon be Clear Calling, a feature that uses machine learning to intelligently filter out background noise when making voice calls.
Google's demo of the feature claims that your voice is enhanced while the caller's volume and voice are refined so you can hear them better through the earpiece or even the device's speakers when making hands-free calls.
Transcription of audio messages
Expanding on the Live Caption capabilities first added with Pixel 4, audio message transcription goes further once again.
It's very similar in nature to Live Caption for Calls, which was re-added with the March Pixel Feature Drop. For voice messages received in the default Google Messages app, you can toggle an option that will allow you to see a brief transcript of any audio message received when using RCS Chat.
You can't view transcripts of your own audio messages, but any incoming audio is quickly processed and converted to text. The transcription isn't perfect, but it's accurate enough to fully understand the context and content of an audio message.
Emoji suggestions for voice typing
Super-accurate voice typing with the Assistant has been improved once again with the Pixel 7. It's said to be up to 2.5x faster, but the biggest inclusion is the ability to add emoji suggestions based on what you just said.
Context-based emoji will appear in the text suggestion bar for even easier addition, but you can call up an emoji if you want.
Face unlock
In fact, we were hoping Google would add software-based Face Unlock to the Pixel 6 series. Sadly, that wasn't to be, and while it's not as secure as 3D Face Unlock, it's a welcome addition. The improved selfie camera lets you scan faces on your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro to fully unlock your phone.
It can be used in conjunction with the in-display fingerprint scanner, but cannot be used for payments.
In practice, it's very fast and even easier to register your face/features. It's also worth noting that the updated in-display fingerprint scanner only allows you to register four fingers along with a single face print.
Google One VPN
With the December Pixel Feature Drop, Pixel 7 (and 7 Pro) owners will likely gain access to a free VPN as part of the device's security suite.
For those unaware, Google One VPN adds an extra layer of security by moving your data through an encrypted channel. This comes with a minor loss of speed when using mobile data and Wi-Fi networks, but this is often negligible compared to the added security benefit.
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