Latest news with #PixelVIPs
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I can't believe Google is making such a big deal out of Pixel VIPs — it's the most disappointing new feature in years
Pixel VIPs is a new feature that's part of Android 16, and if you paid attention to Google's marketing and release notes,you'll know that it's being treated like a flagship addition — something that's to be desired, and that'll make owning a Pixel phone worthwhile. Now that Android 16 is here, I can tell you that this absolutely isn't the case. In fact, Pixel VIPs seems pretty darn pointless in the grand scheme of things. Of all the new features that have landed in Android 16, I don't know why Google is making such a big deal out of something that doesn't really offer anything of value. Pixel VIPs is a new feature in the Contacts app on Android 16. As the name suggests, it's exclusive to Pixel phones. You can preselect up to 8 VIPs, each of whom have their own special pages. Those pages have icons for the phone app, Google Messages, Google Meet, the Contacts app and (if you give Pixel VIPs permission) other third party apps like VIP pages also features a location option for "local updates," details on when you last spoke to each VIP, and notes and suggestions on "things to do together." It'll also remind you about their birthday, assuming you've told the app when it is. The Pixel VIPs can be accessed through Contacts, or with a special new Pixel VIPs widget — which is also technically part of the Contacts app. Really, it's kind of like the MySpace top friends list from back in the pre-Facebook era. Any readers born after 1995 should go and ask their parents or older siblings what I'm talking about. I can see what Google is trying to do here. It's a way of resurrecting that idea of having your favorite or most important people in a list and adding some practical value to it. But every time I look at, or tinker with the Pixel VIPs feature, all I can think of is "Why?" Do I need Google to suggest things I can watch with my girlfriend? Even after disclosing the kind of things she likes, those recommendations aren't particularly good. I also don't need another app to remind me when her birthday is — that's already in Google Calendar with all the other birthdays that don't belong to VIPs. She also has an iPhone, so conversing on Google Meet is never going to happen I also don't need to know what the weather is like wherever my VIPs are. I'm English. Discussing the weather is half of what we all talk about, and without it, there would be little reason to speak to anyone. I could maybe see some use in adding specific group chats to a list like this, but the fact Pixel VIPs is tied to the Contacts app means that isn't possible. The only real benefit is that these contacts are supposed to be able to bypass the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone — though as far as I can tell, there's no way to toggle this particular feature on or off for individual contacts. So if you actually want to get the benefits of Pixel VIPs for certain people, you apparently need to be willing to give them unfiltered access to your phone as well. Having a feature that lets key people contact you regardless of whether Do Not Disturb is on or not could be useful. But it feels like something that should be its own feature. Frankly, it would have been better if Google had quietly added this feature in the background, and let more important apps and updates take the center stage. Because Pixel VIPs just doesn't have headliner potential. Unfortunately, as it stands, Android 16 doesn't actually have a whole lot going for it. Maybe it's the fact the software was released so early, but it seems like all the actual upgrades are few and far between. Take the Material Expressive 3 redesign, as one example. Google announced this at I/O 2025, but confirmed that it wouldn't be arriving until much later in the year. When that might be is anyone's guess. The same is true for the Desktop windowing feature, which is set to hit "large screen devices" toward the end of the year. Similarly Live Updates, which seem to be Google's closest thing to Apple's Live Activities in the Dynamic Island doesn't seem to have a home on my Pixel 9 Pro. There's no settings menu for the feature, and I can't seem to find evidence that it's actually been added to my phone. But, assuming it has, Google said that it would be restricted to ride share and food delivery notifications at first. And that's not a particularly large number of use-cases, so it feels rather disappointing even if I know these features can't include all apps right away. So when you think about it, Google didn't have much chance not to try and hype up Pixel VIPs. Because it's not like anything more exciting was available.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
Google Pixel Drop for June 2025: Android 16 rolls out Pixel VIPs widget, Gboard AI stickers, Pixel studio integration, battery health, and more
Google Pixel Drop for June 2025: The all-new Pixel VIPs widget and the seamless live updates feature across notification bars and lock screens are the highlights of Google's latest Pixel Drop, which offers a revolutionary Android 16 experience. Imagine being able to follow transportation, deliveries, or the whereabouts of loved ones in real time without ever having to open an app. Connecting with family and close friends is revolutionized by the Pixel VIPs widget, which allows you to view recent messages, avoid Do Not Disturb, receive location feeds, and quickly take notes from the home screen. This Pixel Drop is more than just an update; it's a constant companion thanks to its better Gboard AI stickers, improved accessibility, expressive captions, and strong security under the Android 16 hood. Stay put and explore all the new, positive features. June Pixel Drop 2025 features Your Pixel just got an upgrade with the June Pixel Drop, full of new features and updates that make your devices more helpful, personalized and accessible. | Credit: YouTube The June Pixel Drop, which includes numerous new features and upgrades to make your devices more useful, customizable, and accessible, is a recent update for your Pixel. Today, Android 16 begins to roll out to Pixel devices as well. Here are some new Pixel-related activities! 1. Pixel VIPs Keeping in touch with your most significant connections is redefined with the new Pixel VIPs widget. Users may quickly access important information, including birthdays, recent conversations, shared locations, and even real-time activity updates, by pinning their favorite individuals to the home screen. Allow VIPs to avoid Do Not Disturb breaks through the congestion, and make sure that your inner circle can always get in touch with you. This widget combines utility and emotional connection by allowing you to add notes or reminders for every contact, making your Pixel not just more intelligent but also more socially conscious and tailored to your everyday routine. Also Read: Android 16 update releasing today: Expected to come with material 3 expressive UI, battery health monitoring, Gemini AI integration, and more 2. Gboard AI Sticker With help from Pixel Studio, you can create a sticker of nearly anything you can imagine right on Gboard, thanks to generative AI. | Credit: Google Using text prompts or visual inspiration, Gboard now enables you to create personalized AI-generated stickers right from your keyboard. Without interrupting the discussion, you may quickly create entertaining, customized images while conversing with friends or expressing a feeling. The stickers give your messaging a creative touch that makes it seem new and lively, reflecting the tone and content of your request. This tool promotes more expressive, visual communication by fusing Gboard's smooth typing experience with Google's generative AI. Every conversation can be made more enjoyable, memorable, and authentically yours with this easy yet effective method. 3. Pixel SOS Even in isolated or off-grid locations, Satellite SOS, which is currently accessible in Australia, guarantees that you're never really out of reach. When cellular or Wi-Fi signals are not accessible, this life-saving capability uses satellite technology to connect users to emergency services. Pixel will help you position your phone toward the closest satellite so you can send SOS texts fast, whether you're hiking in the Outback or traveling in places with spotty reception. With its sophisticated emergency support, it provides travelers and outdoor adventurers with a crucial safety net that brings peace of mind. With this expansion, Pixel maintains its position as a leader in useful, life-improving innovation. 4. Pixels Camera Users of the Pixel may now see useful how-to instructions and visual inspiration of what each setting achieves by tapping the question mark icon in the top right corner of the Pixel's camera. You can make the most of your Pixel Camera with the help of this new learning center. 5. Magnifier Users can now read or scan content with ease thanks to the upgraded Magnifier app's live search feature, which detects and highlights text in real-time. The app provides haptic feedback for improved accessibility when you move your tablet over menus, signage, or documents. Those who struggle with reading or have impaired vision can particularly benefit from this. Zooming and adjusting contrast give consumers a more powerful experience while exploring both digital and real-world environments. It's a careful fusion of technology and accessibility that makes daily chores easier to handle and reduces reliance on outside help. 6. Expressive Captions It's available in even more countries beyond the U.S., including Canada, the U.K. and Australia. | Credit: Google More organic, emotionally intelligent captions are now available across supported media thanks to Google's Expressive Captions feature, which is also growing to include more languages and nations. The subtitles modify tone, passion, and tempo to convey the original speaker's meaning rather than merely copying speech. Captions now feel more engaging and human, whether you're watching a short clip, a movie, or a video conference. This improvement aids viewers in sound-off locations as well as users who are hard of hearing or deaf. It illustrates Google's ongoing efforts to provide a more immersive and inclusive online experience, increasing the significance of every word. 7. AI-powered Editing in Google Photos With AI-powered editing tools that recommend one-tap improvements based on the image context, Google Photos has just become smarter. The app rapidly suggests the most aesthetically pleasing adjustments, whether it's changing the lighting, blurring a bothersome background, or better framing your subject. For both novice and expert users, these modifications preserve natural aesthetics while saving time. In a single user-friendly interface, you may also access more sophisticated features like Magic Eraser, Portrait Light, and intelligent color balance. It's a potent update that transforms any picture into a memorable experience and makes excellent modifications easier to use and more accessible for all. For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech.
Android Authority
11-06-2025
- Android Authority
Missing Android 16's Pixel VIPs widget? You're not alone
Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority TL;DR Google's new Pixel VIPs widget launched with the release of Android 16. However, some Pixel owners report that the widget is missing. An update to the Contacts app is likely needed before the widget becomes available. We've known for a while that Google has been working on a Pixel VIPs widget. This widget is one of the many features included in June's Pixel Drop, which was released yesterday. Although the update is out, the Pixel VIPs widget is nowhere to be seen for some Pixel owners. As a refresher, the Pixel VIPs widget is a Contacts app feature that allows you to put a 4×1 widget on your homescreen. You can insert up to eight of your contacts into this widget to stay connected to the most important people in your life. What makes this feature special is that it serves as a central store of various information about those people, populating details like birthday reminders, local weather, time information, and even their location if shared. VIPs can also bypass Do Not Disturb settings. Once you update to Android 16, you should get a note from Pixel Tips explaining how the feature works. Although the explainer is there, the actual feature appears to be missing for some users. One poster on Reddit states that they updated their Pixel 9 Pro to Android 16, but can't find the widget anywhere. Another Redditor claims the same thing happened to their phone after updating to Android 16. I can also confirm that the widget is missing for my Pixel 6 Pro after the update. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't the first time something like this has happened with Google's feature drops. Occasionally, some features that are supposed to be part of the main update show up later. For example, Video Boost was a promised feature for December's Pixel Drop, but it wasn't immediately available after the update was released. It's very likely that the Contacts app needs an update before the widget becomes available. You'll also need to have the Pixel VIPs app. So we're really just waiting for Google to flip the switch. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
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Business Standard
11-06-2025
- Business Standard
Google releases Android 16 for Pixels: What is new, how-to update, and more
Google has begun rolling out the Android 16 update to eligible Pixel smartphones. First previewed last month at the inaugural Android Show: I/O Edition, the update introduces several new features including Live Updates, the Pixel VIPs widget, deeper Gemini integration, and more. According to Google, Android 16 sets the stage for the broader adoption of its new Material 3 Expressive design language. However, most of the visual changes tied to this new design approach are not yet live in this release. Android 16 on Pixels: What's new According to Google's release notes, Android 16 introduces the following features for eligible Pixel devices: Pixel VIPs widget: A new feature integrated into the Google Contacts app that helps users stay connected with their most important contacts. Pixel VIPs functions like an enhanced favourites hub, offering VIP badges, Do Not Disturb bypass, birthday reminders, shared activities, location sharing, and more. Live Updates: A new interactive notification banner that provides real-time progress updates from supported apps such as food delivery and ride-hailing services. Deeper Gemini Live integration: Gemini AI can now draw context from apps like Google Maps, Calendar, Tasks, and Keep to offer more personalised and useful responses during live conversations. AI stickers: Users can now create custom AI-generated stickers directly within Gboard using text prompts or photos. This feature is currently available in select regions and supports English, Japanese, and German. AI Mode on Home Screen: A new AI Mode in Google Search is now accessible from the Pixel Home Screen, though it remains limited to certain regions for now. Enhanced hearing aid support: Android 16 brings improved support for hearing aids, including native controls like volume adjustment and LE Audio compatibility. Other updates: Android 16 also includes support for HDR screenshots, refined haptics and back animations, improvements to button navigation, and security enhancements through Google's Advanced Protection programme. Android 16 on Pixels: What is next Google confirmed that the broader rollout of Material 3 Expressive—the new Android design language—is coming later this year. Material 3 Expressive builds on Material You and places greater focus on colour, shape, motion, and responsive UI elements. It features spring-like animations, dynamic colour themes, improved typography, and a more personalised user experience. While the full suite of changes isn't yet live system-wide, early visual updates have already appeared in select Google apps like Messages and Photos. A more comprehensive rollout is expected to follow the launch of the 2025 Pixel line-up. How to install Android 16 on Pixels Go to the Settings app on your eligible Pixel device and select the System menu. Within the System menu, scroll down and select Software updates. Select the System update option and tap on Check for update at the bottom right of the screen. If the Android 16 update is available, tap on the Download and Install option and follow the instructions. Your Pixel may restart automatically to install the update. Eligible Google Pixel devices for Android 16 Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a Pixel Tablet Pixel Fold
The Verge
10-06-2025
- The Verge
Google's ‘Pixel VIPs' will help you keep track of your favorite contacts
Google is rolling out a new feature to Pixel devices that makes it easier to connect with people you're close to. Pixel VIPs is a new widget that builds on the favorite contacts already saved to Pixel phones, allowing users to add personal notes about them, see real-time location information when shared, and quickly check when they last spoke. The feature also allows VIP contacts to bypass the 'do not disturb' settings on devices to ensure users never miss any of their calls or messages. The widget is presented like a timeline that makes it easier to access information like birthdays, anniversaries, and when the last call or message was exchanged, all from a single interface instead of jumping between apps. Users can leave memos on VIP contacts to save information like gift ideas, notable interests, or upcoming appointments that would otherwise get buried in separate note-taking apps like Google Keep. The feature also provides a 'things to do together' section that will recommend shared activities based on user preferences. For keeping in touch remotely, people designated as VIP contacts can share local updates about their live location, time, and weather, as well as allow users to see the distance between them.
