Google is bringing some Pixel 5 and 4a features to Pixel 3 smartphones and newer

Google is bringing some Pixel 5 functions to older Pixel devices, including extreme battery saver and adaptive charging. These features will be available for the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 smartphones and their XL variants with the December update.

Features carried over to the Pixel 3 and newer include extreme battery saver. This function pauses ‘non-essential’ apps and turns off things like bluetooth, wifi and other functions. Also, all Pixel smartphones that receive the December 2020 update will receive adaptive charging. This adjusts the charging time of the smartphone in question, which should reduce battery wear.

Hold for Me will also be available for older Pixel devices from the Pixel 3, although that feature is currently only available in the US. With Hold for Me, the Google Assistant temporarily takes over a phone call when a user is put on hold by a business. The digital assistant then waits on behalf of the user and notifies you when an employee comes on the line.

Google also introduces some new functions, which are exclusive to the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 devices. This is how the company comes up with adaptive sound. Google previously introduced this feature in its Pixel Buds wireless earbuds, but is now adding the feature to the integrated speaker of its latest Pixel smartphones. Uses the unit’s microphones to listen to ambient sound. Based on this, the equalizer settings of the speaker are adjusted, which would improve the sound quality according to Google.

The GPS accuracy of the Pixel 4a phones and the Pixel 5 will also be improved in the new update, according to Google. Pixel users can also share their screen in Duo video calls with the update, provided the phones are connected to Wi-Fi or 5G. The image editor in the Google Photos app is also getting a refresh, adding some new editing options for Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 phones.

Google, Disney and Lucas Arts are moving forward with an AR app based on The Mandalorian, although it will only work on Pixel devices with 5G support. Pixel 3 phones and newer do get some new Mandalorian wallpapers. A ‘Now Playing’ function is also new, and automatically recognizes all music tracks that are played on a phone and stores them in a separate overview. These can then be exported to a playlist in YouTube Music.