Google tests new Pixel functions: Webcam, lockscreen widgets and repair mode
Pixel smartphones will soon be able to be used as a webcam or put into repair mode. Google is currently testing new functions for its devices.
Android 14 is still a long way off - 4 October is the next likely release date - but Google is already testing the first update. However, this will be exclusive to its own Pixel models and will provide them with new functions. Some of these are still hidden in the code.
More flexible lock screen, search in focus and the Pixel webcam
Every three months, Google provides its Pixel devices and services with new functions. Some new features are already available for smartphones. For example, the "Android 14 QPR1 Beta" lets you change the shortcuts on the lock screen. Currently, you can only use them to quickly access the Home app or Google Wallet. The "Do not disturb" mode, torch, QR code scanner, volume control, photo camera or instant video recording will soon also be available for selection, reports 9to5Google, among others.
In the code of the beta software, there are also hints that can be interpreted to mean that there could be widgets on the lock screen. However, apart from a line of code that Mishaal Rahman has discovered, there is no sign of this yet.
Rahman, whom a colleague describes as an "Android code truffle pig", has also discovered indications that Pixel smartphones will soon be able to be used as a webcam for Windows without additional apps. The front cameras of the Pixel models should have no problem keeping up with or even surpassing webcams in terms of image quality.
But that's not all. Rahman has also discovered lines of code that mention a repair mode. This could be used to protect private data from being accessed during a repair. The device would then not have to be reset to factory settings before being sent in.
More visible are changes for the use of Google Search. It appears that there will soon be a separate navigation gesture for calling up the search field. In the app overview, a floating G at the bottom replaces the search bar at the top.
Source: 9to5google.com
Google is not always among the first
It is currently not known when Google will release the final version of Android 14 QPR1. Experience shows that the feature update is due at the beginning of December. It is also unclear which Pixel models will benefit from the update and when the functions may spread to devices from other manufacturers. However, some of them have already integrated them into their user interfaces. For example, the Nothing Phone (2) has just scored with lockscreen widgets.
Motorola already lets you use some of its Android smartphones as a webcam with "ready for", and this has been possible on the iPhone since iOS 16 in conjunction with macOS 13 Ventura. Apple calls the function "Continuity Camera" or "Integration Camera". Samsung has already given its Galaxy devices a maintenance mode to preserve your data during a repair and protect it from unauthorised access.
Cover photo: Jan Johannsen10 people like this article
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.