Google’s November Pixel Drop is out now, bringing several new features to the Mountain View-based tech giant’s line of flagship devices. We’ve covered the bulk of the changes, including the arrival of Notification Summaries, the expansion of Scam Detection to encompass more apps, a new Power Saving mode in Google Maps, and a lot more, but there are other changes that seem to have gone under the radar.
You might have already forgotten about it, but Google launched a Journal app alongside the Pixel 10 series back in November. Although exclusive to the latest flagships since, the app is now finally making its way to older Pixel phones, as highlighted by the folks over at 9to5Google.
Similar to Apple’s 2023-launched app with the same name, Google’s Journal app is essentially a private space on your device where you can focus on your wellbeing and progress toward your goals, all while building a practice of reflection. It’s a digital diary that allows users to reflect on and jot down everyday moments. However, unlike Apple’s implementation, Google’s Journal app is built with AI at its core.
Up until now, only Pixel 10 series users have been able to leverage the AI-powered tool. With today’s Feature Drop, the app is now expanding to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. Journal uses on-device Gemini Nano, which is the technical barrier preventing the app from making its way to older devices like the Pixel 7.
Elsewhere, Google is also fundamentally changing the way the bottom of the Settings list appears. Previously, on older Pixels, the bottom of the page featured a “Tips & support” section. This has now been changed to a dedicated “Device health & support” section.
This redesign essentially brings all of Pixel’s key maintenance, health, diagnostic, and even support tools under one roof.
Device health & support detects (if any) and highlights issues up top. Subsequently, it highlights information like Battery health, device temperature, Storage, Software updates, Charging diagnostics, and Touch diagnostics. It also offers an easy way to access information about your device’s warranty, tips and support, and an option to contact support.
The section, after debuting on the Pixel 10, is now making its way to all Pixel 6 and later released Pixel devices.
