March Feature Drop for Pixels: Circle and Search on Pixel 7, Ultra HDR photos, and more

We just entered the month of March and that means a new Feature Drops for everyone who has a Pixel. Let’s talk about the quarterly updates with which Google introduces new features on Android.

In this case the update is obviously based on the stable version of Android 14and includes much of the new features we’ve seen over the past few months with the release QPR Beta of Android 14 (here’s how to join the Android beta program). So let’s go and see right away what’s new introduced, divided by type of devices to which they are aimed.

March Feature Drop for Pixel smartphones and tablets

• Support arrives at Ultra HDR photos on Instagram. Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro and Fold can now take and share Ultra HDR photos directly to Instagram and 10-bit HDR videos to Instagram Reels.
• Improvements are coming for the Call Screen on Pixel 6 and later models and on Pixel Fold. Specifically, a new option arrives to launch Google Assistant in the call you are receiving.

• Google announces that Circle and search It will also officially arrive on the Pixel 7 series. The feature has not yet been released, this should happen “soon” according to Google.
• The possibility arrives share a portion of the screen on video call. The feature will be available on Pixel 5a 5G and later, Pixel Fold and Pixel tablet.

• Fast Pair arrives on Pixel 5a 5G and later models, Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. This is the mode with which you can quickly connect compatible Bluetooth devices with your smartphone or tablet.

• Here comes the possibility to add annotations to documents on Google Docs.
• New optimization of the space dedicated to Gboard on Pixel Tablet when voice input is activated.

March Feature Drop for Pixel watch

• Support arrives at directions by public transport on Pixel Watch, Watch 2 and any smartwatch updated to at least Wear OS 3.
• Automatic detection of workouts on Pixel Watch and Watch 2.
• Mode Peace Training also arrives on Pixel Watch.

• The training functionality with tracking cardiac areas also arrives on Pixel Watch.
• The app arrives Fitbit Relax on Pixel Watch and Watch 2. This is a Fitbit service that aims to guide users in exercises and relaxation practices.

With this new update the security patches they will obviously be updated in March 2024.

The reference build is the AP1A.240305.019.A1. The update is in progress automatic distribution via OTA globally. If you want to proceed with the manual update, at this address you can download the OTA files, while at this other you can download the updated factory images.