If you recently acquired a Pixel 8 or an 8 Pro, explore these practical Underrated Pixel 8 features and get the most out of your device.
Google consistently introduces fresh features exclusively available on Pixel devices.
Their latest releases, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, both possess distinctive attributes that are easy to overlook initially; however, they provide great value.
Whether you recently acquired a new device or require further guidance in maximizing its capabilities, this article offers insights into some of the lesser-known functions worth exploiting on your Pixel 8 phone.
Voice Typing Assistant
Voice typing is a standard feature across all Android phones.
Google Pixel 8 and previous models offer Assistant voice typing, enhancing voice-to-text conversion without requiring an active internet connection, enhancing the user experience.
As a result, converting voice-to-text occurs nearly instantly, greatly enhancing your experience with typing by voice. Additionally, the Assistant’s voice-typing capabilities are intelligent enough to automatically incorporate punctuation and flag any grammatical mistakes within your sentences.
An added plus is that the Assistant’s speech-to-text feature can detect certain commands such as “send,” “undo” and “delete.” This means you have the option to send or delete what was dictated without lifting a finger.
To activate the function, go to Settings > System > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard and select Gboard’s Voice typing. After activation, simply tap on the microphone icon located in Gboard’s toolbar to start using voice typing.
The Assistant voice typing feature, while efficient, is limited to English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. However, on Pixel 8 devices, it offers uninterrupted language-switching capabilities.
In case you are not fond of using the Assistant voice typing feature, you can explore alternative dictation applications for your Android device.
Customization of the Lock Screen
The lock screen of your Pixel 8 can be personalized by selecting a wallpaper distinct from the home screen. In addition, you have the option to choose among several clock themes and adjust its color as well as size. Moreover, you may refine the left and right shortcuts according to your preference.
Android 14’s Lock screen customization is particularly impressive on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro due to its seamless integration with Google’s design, accessible through long-pressing the lock screen.
Personalize your Pixel 8’s lock screen to give it a unique look and make it stand out.
Content can be dragged and dropped between various apps
The native feature of dragging and dropping content between apps was introduced in Android 14. Though restricted to text and images, the functionality performs commendably, particularly for individuals who frequently assess documents and emails on their mobile devices.
To make the highlighted text (or image) movable, just press and hold down on it. Then, with your other hand, access the app where you wish to transfer the content. Make sure that the new app’s text box is in focus before releasing and dropping your selection onto it.
Please be advised that the current state of the feature has some quirks.
It is possible that it may not function properly in certain applications, and there could be instances where dragging and dropping images will not work as expected.
convenient gestures
The Pixel 8 series has a wide array of gestures and underrated features available from Google that can expedite common tasks.
One such instance is the ability to smoothly transition between front and rear-facing cameras within the Pixel Camera app by double-twisting your phone.
You can conveniently launch the Camera app with just a double-press of the power button. What’s great about this feature is that it functions seamlessly across all OS areas, even during gameplay or while using other applications.
To access the useful gestures offered on the Pixel 8, navigate to Settings > System > Gestures. Enabling this feature is highly recommended as it’s one of the standout aspects of the Pixel 8.
Features of a Camera Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Pixel 8 from Google boasts exceptional camera quality, a trademark feature across the Pixel phone lineup. Moreover, it offers an assemblage of cutting-edge AI-integrated capabilities to enhance one’s photography endeavors and cherish memories like never before.
Pixel 6’s Best Take and Magic Editor feature enables multiple group shots, generative AI framing adjustments, and Magic Eraser to minimize background noise in video shooting.
Furthermore, in December of 2023, Pixel 8 Pro owners were bestowed with Video Boost by Google. This update elevated the device’s video recording quality through enhanced color accuracy, lighting, and stabilization features.
Wallpapers featuring personalized AI designs
With the Pixel and Pixel 8, Google employs generative AI to unlock your creative side by allowing you to design distinctive wallpapers.
While there are pre-determined themes from which you must choose, creating a personalized wallpaper is an effortless task. Give it a shot.
To access the Wallpaper and style options, simply perform a long press on any vacant space of your Pixel device’s home screen.
1. Select the AI wallpaper option located under the “Create a Wallpaper” section by tapping on More Wallpapers situated at the bottom.
2. Select the wallpaper theme of your choice from the available alternatives.
3. Choose from the predetermined keywords by tapping and selecting.
4. Simply press the Create wallpaper button and let AI technology generate your personalized backdrop. This process will require just a few moments of patience.
There is a possibility that you have several creations, hence swipe left to browse through each of them. Once decided, tap on the tick button at the upper-right corner and select one as your wallpaper.
Conclusion
Despite not overpowering its competitors in technical specifications, the Google Pixel 8 series distinguishes itself through exceptional AI-powered attributes.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro combine unique features to provide an exceptional user experience that surpasses other Android phones with superior hardware.
knowing these underrated Pixel 8 features will help thus Intricately examining all its features proves worthy as evidenced by this statement.
