Google’s Pixel range of devices now includes afoldable phoneand adockable tabletlaunched earlier this year. While those still reek of maiden attempts, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro brought several new features, backed by the promise of long-term software updates. Thankfully, Google releases feature drops regularly, bringing features from newer phones to older models. TheDecember 2023 Pixel Feature Dropis no different.

The December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop is loaded with new features, bringing some features announced at launch day to the latest crop of Pixel phones. Like most other Google updates this year, this Feature Drop focuses on AI-powered improvements, including the latest Gemini Nano model.Gemini is Google’s GPT-4 rival, and its downsized Nano version will power features like summarization for Google Recorder and Smart Reply in Gboard on the new Pixel 8 Pro. Besides, existing features like Photo Unblur are improving, andWeather data is joining Clock widgets.

Another important addition worth mentioning in this feature drop is the Watch Unlock feature to both generations of the Pixel Watch. Google announced and teased the feature in January, but we have awaited its arrival ever since. It adds a new level of convenience because bringing the watch in proximity to the phone automatically unlocks your device.

Google is porting some of these features to newer models, but even phones as old as the Pixel 5a from 2021 are eligible for a few important improvements. That said, everything included in the December feature drop won’t be available on every Pixel mode.Support documentationfor this drop provides a spreadsheet detailing which features are available on every recent Pixel device.

Pixel 8 Pro

Pixel Fold

Pixel 7 Pro

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 5a 5G

Pixel Tablet

Summarize in Recorder

Smart Reply in Gboard

Video Boost with Night Sight

Night Sight in Time Lapse

Portrait Light

Photo Unblur upgrades

Dual Screen Preview

Device as a webcam

Passkey, Google Password Manager upgrades

Repair Mode

Contextual replies in Call Screen

Pixel Tablet Clear Calling

Spatial Audio with Head Tracking on Pixel Tablet

Direct My Call, Hold For Me on non-toll-free numbers

Weather and clock integration

It is nice to see critical updates likeRepair ModeandDevice as a Webcamcapability rolling out widely to almost all the Pixel devices Google still supports. The Feature Drop is loaded to the gills with new additions, no matter which Pixel phone you have. So, ensure you install the update when it becomes available for your device.