The Pixel Feature Drop brings several exclusive features for those using Google’s smartphones, including the new Astrophotography time-lapse video.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Astrophotography feature is available on Pixel 4 and newer Pixel phones.
• The Locked Folder in Google Photos lets you save photos and videos and secure them with passcode or biometrics.
• Pixel phone and voice features have been improved as well, and more languages and dialects have been added. 

For its Pixel devices, Google has released a new Pixel Feature Drop update. Google is known for releasing new features for its Pixel smartphones every three months. The most recent update for June comes with some intriguing new features. Google Camera update brings at least one of the promised features: time-lapse astrophotography. Unfortunately, these features are currently only available to Pixel devices.

Google Camera 8.2.400 is now rolling out on Google Play, and after installing it on a Pixel 4 smartphone running Android 11, one can find the astrophotography video feature has been added. Astrophotography now includes Night Sight time-lapse/video. You can find it in Google Cam’s Settings > Advanced > Enable time-lapse for astrophotography.

In order to use the Astrophotography feature, you must place your phone on a tripod, as it has to be completely still. Then open Night Sight and tap the shutter button. Once the phone starts recording, allow it a minute or so to snap images of the night sky. Once you’re satisfied it’s taken enough photos, tap the shutter button again, and Android will put together a fantastic image with an animated starry backdrop.

Another useful photography feature teased back at the Google I/O event was having a private folder in Google Photos protected by password or biometrics. The June Pixel Drop is bringing that feature to Google Pixel users. Not only will you be able to store all of your personal or sensitive photos, but you’ll also be able to save photos taken with the camera directly to a Locked Folder. Better yet, all the images are saved locally and will not show up in memories, shared albums, or any other apps on your device.

Another important update is the car crash detection feature that is a part of the personal safety app. It automatically alerts emergency services when a car crash is detected. This feature was previously only available in the US, the UK, and Australia, But now, it is rolling out to users in Spain, Ireland, and Singapore.

The June 2021 Pixel Feature Drop update is being rolled out for the following Google Pixel smartphones:

Pixel 5
Pixel 4a (5G)
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4
Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 3a
Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3

Since June is Pride month, Google is celebrating by adding new Pride-themed wallpapers and sounds. Also, users of Pixel 4 and above can now ask Google Assistant to accept or reject calls.