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Google Pixel features you didn’t know you had.
Translate in real time, get help in an emergency, and more.
Two people taking a portrait selfie with a Google Pixel. Two people taking a portrait selfie with a Google Pixel. Two people taking a portrait selfie with a Google Pixel.

Smartphones do so much these days, it’s hard to keep up.

And with Feature Drops, Pixel phones are getting even more capabilities all the time. Here are several lesser-known Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro features that might be helpful.

1 Capture fleeting moments with Motion Mode

Memorable moments – a baby’s first steps, a hummingbird at the backyard feeder, or a winning goal – happen in a split second. With Motion Mode on Pixel 6, you can get your camera ready to shoot with a simple double-click on the power button. This works regardless of what screen your Pixel is on – and even when it’s locked.

A clear picture of a dog running with a ball 2 Quick Tap to Snap

Only on Pixel, Snapchat can be accessed directly from the lock screen. Simply tap the back of your phone and you’ll be ready to capture a stunning shareable image.

The Tap to Snap feature with Google Pixel and Snapchat. 3 Get help in an emergency with the Personal Safety app

Once you give the Personal Safety app access to your location and microphone, car crash detection on your Pixel will detect motion and listen for sounds typical of a crash. If the phone believes there’s been an accident, it will sound an alarm and prompt you to either say “Emergency” – to trigger a call to 911 – or tap “I am okay.”1 Pixel 6 also lets you store vital information such as blood type and allergies in the Personal Safety app, and allows a trusted emergency contact to access the phone without having to know the password (this data is also cordoned off in the phone, making it more secure from hacking).

4 Real-time language translation with Live Translate

With a new feature called Live Translate, your Pixel can help you communicate in languages other than your own in real time, even when you don’t have internet access.2 Just say, “Hey Google, be my interpreter.” Live Translate will automatically display captions on videos, type out text and have the phone read it out in a different language, or give real-time translation when you point the camera at a sign.

5 Let Google wait on hold for you with Hold for Me

First, ask Google to call the local business or organization you’re trying to reach. Then use the Wait Times feature to know how long your hold time will be, or use Direct My Call to help you navigate the phone tree to quickly get to the correct department. Pixel 6 users can also use the Hold for Me setting to let the phone do the holding. If you’re put on hold, Google Assistant can wait on the line for you and let you know when someone is ready to talk.

A person wearing Pixel Buds while using a chromebook 6 Get the right sound for the right place with Adaptive Sound

As you change environments – say, from a quiet building lobby to a noisy street – a Pixel feature called Adaptive Sound assesses the acoustics near you, then adjusts the sound equalizer settings. And it works with Pixel Buds, too.

A person using Pixel Buds while painting See what else your Pixel 6 can do Casting with your phone turns your smartphone into a remote.
Takeaways
Camera features let you capture kids in motionNever find yourself confused by a menu in another language – Live Translate will instantly read it in your preferred languageIn a loud environment? Pixel 6 will sense that and adjust the audio automatically
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  1. Personal Safety app features are dependent upon network connectivity and other factors and may not be reliable for emergency communications or available in all areas. For more information, see g.co/pixel/personalsafety. Car crash detection not available in all languages or countries. Car crash detection may not detect all accidents. High-impact activities may trigger calls to emergency services. This feature is dependent upon network connectivity and other factors and may not be reliable for emergency communications or available in all areas. For country and language availability and more information see g.co/pixel/carcrashdetection.

  2. Not available in all languages or countries. Not available on all media or apps. See g.co/pixel/livetranslate for more information.