Skip to main content

Google is bringing new Pixel 6 features to older Pixel devices

The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro come with a slew of features that include new hardware, new cameras, a Google Tensor chip, and more. Some of these are based on the new Tensor chip and require the SoC to function, while the rest are based on the software. The latter set of software-based features can be ported to previous-gen Pixel devices. And Google is now working on introducing such features to the older Pixel smartphones.

“As with all Pixel features, we aim to bring as many features as possible to older Pixels where technically possible — though it might take some time to develop and offer a different experience,” a Google representative told Android Authority. However, there is no firm date for rollout to older Pixels at this point in time.

Features like Live Translate, Motion Mode, and more require the Tensor processor to function, and we went over some of them in our preliminary hands-on with the Pixel 6 Pro. “Some technologies will require additional technical investments, such as Live Translate, as our on-device language models are engineered to run on Pixel 6’s proprietary Tensor chip on TPU (which older Pixel models don’t have),” said the representative.

For the unaware, features like Action Pan and Long Exposure bring movement to your shots. For example, Action Pan can add a blur effect to pictures you’ve already snapped, especially of moving objects like a child skateboarding or a car passing, adding a filmy background effect. Another Tensor chip-based feature is the Magic Eraser, which suggests stuff that you can remove. The user can also select distractions in the photos themselves by simply rolling a finger over the unwanted object.

As of now, Google hasn’t revealed which features will be coming to the older Pixels. However, we don’t expect the new camera features to be made available on any device other than the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro since only they have the new Tensor processor.

Editors' Recommendations

Prakhar Khanna
Prakhar writes news, reviews and features for Digital Trends. He is an independent tech journalist who has been a part of the…
Here’s a closer look at the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s new and improved cover display
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, seen from the side.

Samsung is expected to announce new foldable phones in July. Numerous rumors have been swirling around the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the latest news comes from a familiar leaker.

On X (formerly Twitter), IceUniverse has shared an image that apparently depicts a Galaxy Z Fold 5 alongside a Galaxy Z Fold 6. The comparison indicates that the new phone will be wider than its predecessor. The image also reveals that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will feature sharper screen corners. Previous rumors have indicated that the next Galaxy Z Fold model would be wider, so the image further confirms this.

Read more
One missing feature has almost ruined the new iPad Air for me
A person holding the iPad Air M2.

I’m a few days into using the new 11-inch iPad Air (2024), and one single feature decision has annoyed me to the point where I’m questioning why it exists at all.

In Apple’s current iPad range, the iPad Pro (2024) is definitely the professional’s choice, while the regular iPad is the one for the bargain hunter. The iPad Air sits awkwardly in between them. While it seems to offer all the power and ability you could want without paying the iPad Pro’s high price, it doesn’t have the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate screen — and that’s a serious drawback.

Read more
Your Samsung Galaxy Watch is getting new AI health features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, in black and silver.

Samsung has already put AI into your Galaxy smartphone, and its next move is to put it inside your Galaxy smartwatch too. The company will introduce Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy Watch range with the One UI 6 Watch update coming in the near future. The benefits all center around health and fitness.

Galaxy AI on wearables will also be part of the Samsung Health app, which is used to keep track of your health, fitness, sleep, and daily activity. What features will it include? At this stage, the company has detailed six key advancements using Galaxy AI in Samsung Health and One UI 6 Watch.

Read more