When I’m out and about with my Pixel 9, I tend to deal with the built-in software as too basic. I’ve used a ton of apps for things like meeting transcriptions, song identification, spam calls, and other stuff that either require a download or even a fee in some cases. However, as I’ve been looking at Google’s quarterly feature drops, I realized that maybe I didn’t have to keep finding apps: much of what I need is already on the Pixel.
Related
Android phones would be better if they copied these Pixel features
Some of Pixel’s smallest features leave the biggest impression.
The Recorder app does what most transcription services charge for
Live transcription, AI summaries, and speaker labels — all on-device
The Pixel Recorder app has been exclusively on Google’s handsets since 2019, but it’s much more than a voice memo tool these days. On Pixel 8 and later, it can transcribe in real time, on device, with no audio leaving your phone. And it works offline, too, for an extra dash of privacy. After it records a meeting, it will generate a three-bullet AI summary that includes speaker names, key takeaways, and themes of the chat. On Pixel 9 series, Gemini Nano extends the recording from 15 minutes to 40-plus minutes, and it adds speaker labels to identify people separately in transcripts. You can export directly to Google Docs or plain text.
I use it for band meetings, household chats, medical appointments, and more — anytime I need to pay attention to a conversation without having to split my mental attention between the actual chat and taking notes. I’ve since dropped Otter.ai and other such services for this built-in app, and I’ll never go back.
Call Screen turns your Pixel into a gatekeeper
Google’s AI filters the noise before it reaches you
Call Screen has been on Pixel phones since 2018, and it basically answers calls from unknown numbers. Google Assistant will answer on your behalf, ask for the caller’s name and reason for calling, and then transcribes their responses on your phone’s screen. You can pick up the call, dismiss it, or send a text reply. On Pixel 7 and newer, there are three levels of protection to autoscreening, too (basic, medium, or max) with confirmed spam calls declining before your phone even rings.
Autoscreening, however, can backfire, as any response confirms your number is active, so you may want to choose medium protection to help with that.
If you’re a Pixel 9 owner in the US like me, Call Notes goes even further. Gemini Nano will auto-generate a summary and transcript of your actual calls, which is tuned for phone conversations, so you get useful notes and not just a raw dump of the call transcript.
Giving up RoboKiller, which charges $40 a year for a similar service, was a no-brainer.
Now Playing is ambient music recognition
A local database, no cloud, a history log you’ll actually use
One of my favorite features built into Pixel since 2017 is Now Playing, and ambient music recognition system that now exists as its very own app (though it’s still built-in to Pixels). There’s even a new optional Enhance Now Playing setting that sends tracks your phone doesn’t recognize on-device to Google Search via an audio fingerprint. It’s off by default, but useful if you’re around less popular tunes.
Compared to Shazam, Now Playing gets my attention, since you don’t have to tap to recognize; it’s just always on and always listening. That’s not creepy at all.
Plus, Now Playing keeps a running list of all the songs it hears, which is perfect for going back and finding out songs you didn’t even know you were hearing. Bravo!
The Pixel Screenshots app is a searchable index for everything you screenshot and forget
On-device AI makes your captures findable with natural language
Pixel Screenshots replaces that habit I had of taking screenshots of something and then manually tagging it in Google Keep to find it later. Gemini Nano will analyze every capture on your own device, and make it searchable with plain-language queries. Now you don’t have to scroll through hundreds of screenshots to find that one product’s price or flight confirmation number. Just type what you remember and you’ll find it quickly.
The December 2024 Feature Drop added Gboard proactive recall, too, where screenshots with movies, songs, or products show up as Gboard suggestions in relevant apps. Think tickets and boarding passes showing up in Google Wallet automatically. When I snap a screenshot of an article to share with others, my Pixel 9 finds the URL, adds a spot for notes, and lets me add it to a Collection. It’s all very useful. The Full AI search is limited to Pixel 9 series and above, while earlier models still get the organization layer.
Four features, zero subscriptions
Between Recorder, Call Screen, Now Playing, and Pixel Screenshots, your phone covers transcription, spam filtering, music identification, and screenshot organization (and search) without a single subscription or third-party app. The software exists and is likely on your phone already; you just have to use it.
