Google is rolling out a number of updates for Pixel watches, smartphones, and tablets. In many cases, their previous versions are also getting new features, such as Night Sight for Instagram – available on all Pixel 6 or newer devices, including A-series phones.
This tool allows you to capture photos directly on Instagram without worrying about taking photos in the dark. This could be ideal for those who like to take photos at concerts or parties without worrying that a bright flash will trigger. Other updates available for Pixel 6 or newer devices include astrophotography and theft protection via Night Sight.
Now available globally, theft protection is one of the most comprehensive updates and actually applies to all Android 10 or newer devices (Android 15 just arrived today) – not just the Pixel. Then, later this year, Google will release Identity Check, a feature that requires biometric authentication to access actions like changing your PIN and disabling theft protection.
The new features include tools like the AI-powered Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device machine learning to detect potential attempts to steal your device and locks it automatically when it happens.
Additional features include Remote Lock, which lets you seal your device with only verified phone numbers, and Offline Device Lock. You can check out a full overview of theft protection on Android’s YouTube page.
Google released its latest lineup in August: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro, and some of its latest features are exclusive to it. Such is the case for the Gemini extension for screenshots, a tool that lets you access the exact image you’re looking for by saying “Hey Google.”
For example, you can say, “Hey Google, use Screenshots to show me where to find the red shirt I saved.” Plus, you can now use the waterproof case to capture better images and videos under the sea.
Google initially indicated that Pixel A-series devices would not have access to the Night Sight for Instagram feature. However, it was later confirmed via Android reporter Mishal Rahman that “Night Sight for Instagram is available on Pixel 6 and later, including the A-series.”