365 Technologies: Blog

7 Surprising Pixel Phone Super Powers

Google’s latest phones – Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro – come with lots of new breathtaking features that you’ve probably never heard of or used. The best part is that most of these Pixel superpowers are just a touch or press of the button away, but you may not uncover them unless you dig into the settings. Don’t worry if you haven’t discovered these features yet; we’re here to save your time and help make your phone smarter by showing you the latest Google Pixel tips and tricks, as well as how to make them work for you.

So let’s take a deeper dive into our top seven favourite Pixel superpowers:

Back Tap to Take a Screenshot

Google has worked super hard to ensure that users move from the traditional means of taking a screenshot by pressing two buttons simultaneously. Needless to say, this conventional method is pretty inconvenient and task-demanding, plus you end up taking screenshots in the wrong portrait.

But all that has changed with Google’s new Pixel phones that enable you to capture screenshots through gestures, i.e., tapping the back of your device. To enable this feature, go to Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap. After selecting this option, you’ll need to toggle on the feature on the next screen, and – boom – your device will be all set to take gesture screenshots by default. So the next time you’re ready to snap a moment on your screen, simply tap the back of your phone twice.

N/B: Besides taking screenshots, you can also tap to complete different actions like pausing/playing music, showing notifications, launching Google Assistant, etc.

Take Advantage of the Breathtaking Camera Features

Google’s Pixel phones have one of the best cameras available today. So it only makes sense that they would want to make sure you get the most out of the remarkable features. One of the first things you should do is set up the camera correctly. Using the “Camera” menu, you can adjust the exposure, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, and other settings using the “Camera” menu.

You can also change between different shooting modes by tapping the icon in the top-right corner of the display. There are three options: “Normal,” which lets you shoot pictures without changing anything; “Portrait,” which enables you to focus on just one person; and “Landscape,” which allows you to capture scenery or group shots.

Customize the Quick Settings Tiles

Customizing the quick settings tiles is another easy way to get the most out of your phone. By default, the tiles show information such as Wi-Fi status, Bluetooth, and Airplane Mode. You can remove some of those items by long pressing on the tile and selecting “More…” from the dropdown menu. Then select “Settings” to customize what each tile shows.

For example, you can turn off Wi-Fi altogether by selecting “Wi-Fi Off,” or you can choose “Bluetooth” to toggle whether your phone is connected to Bluetooth devices. If you don’t need any of these features, you can simply leave them blank.

Get the Most out of Your Assistant

It’s no secret that Google wants to help you use technology more efficiently. To that end, the company built various tools into their operating system called “assistants.” These little helpers will learn how you like to interact with your phone and then offer suggestions based on that knowledge.

One of the assistants that stands out is Google Lens. When you point your camera at something, Lens will analyze the image and provide relevant information about the object. For example, if you take a picture of a restaurant receipt, Lens will let you know the name of the establishment, the price of the meal, and even where it’s located.

Achieve More with the Camera App’s Features

If you’ve never taken your time to explore your Pixel phone’s camera app before, you’ll be surprised by how many features it offers. For instance, Pixel includes a burst mode that allows you to take multiple photos quickly. Just tap the shutter button twice to activate this feature.

Another innovative tool is HDR+. This feature automatically takes several images while holding down the shutter button and combines them into one photo. It works best when you’re taking pictures outside under bright sunlight, but it can be helpful when you want to create a high-quality landscape shot.

Use the Right Apps at the Right Time

One of the most significant benefits of having a Pixel is that it runs pure Android 8.0 Oreo. This means you won’t have to worry about installing third-party apps that might slow down your device or cause issues. However, since this version of Android doesn’t come with many pre-installed apps, you may find yourself wanting to install a few extra ones.

One of the best ways to get started is to head over to the Play Store and search for “best photography apps.” You’ll see a list of popular apps that work well with Pixel’s camera. Some of them include Snapseed, VSCO Cam, and Instagram.

Automatically Screen Incoming Calls

Pixel phones come with a feature called Call Screen, which automatically answers phone calls for you. When enabled, this feature takes over incoming calls and leads the conversation with the caller through Google Assistant, and you can see everything in real-time.

But that’s not all; you can also screen calls, i.e., block or silently decline spam calls so that you don’t get notifications about them. First-time callers and private or hidden numbers can also get screened automatically. To enable this Pixel superpower, go to Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Call Screen for various options mentioned above.

Discover More Google Solutions With 365 Technologies!

We hope that these unique tips will help improve your Google Pixel experience. Be it optimizing your camera usage, taking screenshots, handling incoming calls, taking advantage of your Assistant, etc., there’s no getting bored with your Pixel phone. But that’s not the end of the road; Google’s continuous innovativeness is unmatched, and it won’t be long until it introduces other awe-inspiring Pixel features to improve users’ experience.

At 365 Technologies, we keep track of every development to ensure that our clients are the first to implement and maximize the newest Google solutions. We’re talking about the latest software updates, hardware rollouts, security patches, Google cloud services, and more. We also offer 24/7 IT support to our clients to help optimize uptime, seal security loopholes, resolve IT issues quickly, improve customer service, lower your IT staffing costs, etc.

So feel free to schedule a FREE IT consultation with one of our experts for more help regarding Google Pixel or any other business technology-related questions. We’re the Winnipeg, MB IT support company you can trust!

Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson

When it comes to IT services and solutions, it's important to have someone who not only understands the IT industry but is also passionate about helping clients achieve long-term growth using proven IT solutions. Michael, our CEO, is dedicated to assisting clients in improving their technology to gain a competitive edge in their industries. At 365 Technologies, Michael Anderson leads a team of professionals who are committed to providing exceptional IT services and solutions. With his extensive expertise and hands-on experience, Michael ensures that clients receive the best support and guidance for their IT endeavors. You can trust 365 Technologies to enhance your business systems and stay ahead in today's competitive landscape.