Google's Pixel series continues to set benchmarks in smartphone innovation, offering users a seamless blend of hardware and software excellence. To help you maximize your device's potential, here are some usage tips tailored for 2025:
1. Optimize Your Display Settings
The Pixel 9 series comes with its displays set to 'High resolution' by default. To experience the full clarity your device offers:
- Switch to Full Resolution: Navigate to Settings > Display & Touch > Screen Resolution, and select 'Full resolution' to enjoy sharper visuals.
2. Explore the Pixel Weather App
Google has introduced a standalone weather app, Pixel Weather, powered by AI to provide personalized forecasts. Customize metrics within the app to rearrange tiles for precipitation, wind, UV index, and more, ensuring quick access to the information most relevant to you.
3. Leverage AI Features with Gemini
AI plays a significant role in the Pixel 9 series, with Google integrating Gemini Advanced and Gemini Live abilities. Ensure you redeem your free year of Gemini Advanced to take full advantage of these AI capabilities.
4. Manage Battery Health Effectively
Starting with the Pixel 8a, Google added a feature to check your phone’s cycle count:
- Check Battery Cycle Count: Navigate to Settings > About phone > Battery information to view your battery's cycle count, manufacture date, and date of first use. This information helps in monitoring battery health over time.
5. Utilize Digital Wellbeing Tools
To reduce screen time and enhance productivity, use Android's built-in Digital Wellbeing features:
-
App Timers: Set daily limits for specific apps to prevent excessive usage.
-
Bedtime Mode: Schedule your phone to switch to grayscale and enable Do Not Disturb during your sleeping hours.
-
Focus Mode: Pause distracting apps temporarily to concentrate on tasks at hand.
6. Use the Built-in Thermometer
The Pixel 8 Pro includes a built-in thermometer application that measures the temperature of objects, including your body:
- Measure Temperature: Open the Pixel Thermometer app, select the object material type, and position the sensor approximately five centimeters from the object for an accurate reading.
7. Secure Your Device with Identity Check
Google has unveiled a new security feature called Identity Check for Pixel devices running Android 15 to protect against digital account breaches by phone thieves. This feature mandates biometric authentication to alter certain account and device settings when the user is outside trusted locations like home or work.
8. Customize Quick Access Controls in Camera
Enhance your photography experience by enabling quick access controls:
- Quick Access Controls: Go to Camera Settings > Quick access controls to have sliders for White Balance, Brightness, and Shadows on the edges of the screen after a tap.
9. Set Up Your New Pixel Efficiently
When setting up a new Pixel device:
-
Data Transfer: Use a USB-C cable to transfer data from your old device for a quick and comprehensive switch.
-
Google Account: Sign in to your Google account to restore data from the most recent backup.
10. Stay Informed About Upcoming Features
Keep an eye on Google's plans for future Pixel smartphones and tablets to stay updated with the latest features and enhancements.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can enhance your Google Pixel's functionality, security, and overall user experience in 2025.
External Sources:
-
Use Android's Built-In Settings to Cut Your Phone Usage Time in Half
-
Easy-to-miss Google trick on millions of Android phones takes temperature of any object
-
Google's Identity Check for Android keeps phone thieves out of your digital accounts
-
The first things you should set up with your new Google Pixel
-
Here's what Google’s Pixel lineup has in store for 2025 and beyond
