Google releases update packs called ‘feature drops’ for Pixel phones

Google will release a quarterly update package for its Pixel phones instead of releasing updates as soon as they are ready. Google calls these service packs “feature drops.” All Pixel phones get a set of new features right away.

The Pixel 4 will have the option to give older photos that were not shot in portrait mode the portrait effect. That is, the background can be blurred for a more beautiful image that emphasizes the subject. The amount of blur can be adjusted manually. In addition, the Duo video app is now better able to frame a caller or callers.

At the same time, the Pixel 3 gets the Recorder app. The 3 and 3a get Live Caption. The 2 and 2XL get ‘Flip to Shhh’ and more. All Pixels will also get a changed memory management, according to Google. This will compress cached applications to increase the multitasking potential. The latter comes via an update of the operating system, but the rest goes via the Play Store.

Google tells The Verge that with the bundling of novelties and the clear timeline, it wants to generate more enthusiasm for the functions, something that is missing with updates at random, which also take place in a cascade.