Did you catch them? 7 unsung Android features quietly unveiled at Pixel 10 launch

Are you an old Pixel user? And had problems with the feature where if you put your phone on charge your phone had bright screen savers, which could disturb sleep in dark rooms. Pixel 10 fixes this with a new low-light mode that dims the screen saver automatically when the room is dark. This makes night charging more comfortable.

In the US, Pixel 10 phones are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot). Moving an eSIM from another Android was already simple. Now, Google and Apple appear to be working together to allow easy transfer of eSIMs from iPhone to Pixel, and even Pixel to iPhone. Android Authority spotted early code for this feature. It has not launched yet, but it may arrive with iOS 26 later this year, as reported by Techradar.

Google did not officially launch any Nest devices during the event. But in a promo video, Android Authority noticed a new, unfamiliar smart speaker. This could be a hint that a new Nest speaker is coming soon. Google also confirmed that from October, Gemini AI will replace Google Assistant on smart speakers. So, the new Nest speaker may launch around that time — though this is still speculation, as per the reports.

ALSO READ: Amazon just dropped the hottest Pixel 10 preorder deals — don’t miss out

Pixel Watch 4 emergency SOS via satellite

Pixel Watch 4 adds a satellite SOS feature. Even if there’s no mobile signal, you can connect to satellites to contact emergency services. But this feature only works on the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4. Reason: it needs the special antenna and chipset found in LTE models. Available only in the US (not Hawaii or Alaska). It is strictly for emergencies, not for sending regular texts or calls, as per the report by Techradar.

Google also launched a dual-port USB-C charger at the event. This USB-C can charge two devices at the same time. If you connect a Pixel phone with this UBC-C charger it will charge your phone faster than the other devices. Google claims it is the fastest dual-port charger for Pixel phones, as mentioned by reports.

Pixel 10 camera panorama mode upgraded

Pixel 10’s panorama mode has two new upgrades. Now, you can use the 5x telephoto camera for zoomed-in panoramic shots and have added manual controls— adjust shadows, white balance, exposure, and focus for more control. However, you still cannot use the ultra-wide camera for panoramas, even though that might seem obvious, as stated in the report by Techradar.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL add a toggle called “Adjust brightness for sensitive eyes.” This increases PWM dimming rate from 240Hz to 480Hz. OLED screens adjust brightness by flickering on/off quickly. At 480Hz, flicker is less noticeable and more comfortable for sensitive users. But some rival phones like Vivo X200 go up to 2,160Hz, so Pixel is still behind. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also has this feature, but only on the foldable screen, according to the report by Techradar.

FAQs

Q1. What new hidden features were announced with the Pixel 10 launch?
Google quietly revealed features like a sleep-friendly screen saver, easier eSIM transfer from iPhone, better panorama mode, a new fast charger, and eye-friendly display settings.

Q2. Does the Pixel Watch 4 have satellite SOS?
Yes, the LTE version of Pixel Watch 4 can connect to satellites for emergency SOS, but it only works in the US.