Google releases 'December Feature Drop' update for Pixel 6 series
What's the story
Google has released its December update for the Pixel 6 series.
As per the changelog, the firmware brings in the latest security fixes along with the new Feature Drop, which offers functions like Digital Car Key, Quick Tap to Snap, and improved Nearby Share, among others.
The roll-out has started today and will take a few days to reach all the units.
Context
Why does it matter?
Google releases its monthly Android updates for Pixel smartphones on the first Monday or Tuesday of every month religiously. However, due to some unmentioned reasons, the firmware for Pixel 6 smartphones have started rolling out just now.
The update will take a few days, if not weeks, to reach all of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro devices.
Features
Everything to know about the Feature Drop
Google's December Feature Drop puts Snapchat on the device's lock screen with "Quick Tap to Snap." It also adds a Pixel-exclusive lens called Pixel Face.
Other important additions include Digital Car Key functionality for select 2020-2022 BMW models and Car Crash Detection function that can help detect if you have met an accident and share your location details with emergency responders.
Design and display
The phones have an AMOLED display
Coming to their specifications, the Pixel 6 lineup has a punch-hole design, an aluminium frame, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and an in-display fingerprint reader.
The vanilla Pixel 6 bears a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a Full-HD+ (1080x2400 pixels) resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
The Pro model flaunts a 6.7-inch QHD+ (1440x3120 pixels) AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Cameras
They boast a 50MP main camera
The Pixel 6 sports a dual rear camera unit comprising a 50MP (f/1.9) main sensor and a 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide snapper.
The Pixel 6 Pro is also equipped with a similar camera module but with an additional 48MP (f/3.5) telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom support.
Up front, the phones have an 8MP (f/2.0) and an 11.1MP (f/2.2) selfie camera, respectively.
Internals
They are backed by a custom Tensor chipset
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro draw power from Google's in-house Tensor processor, combined with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.
They run on Android 12 OS and house a 4,614mAh and 5,003mAh battery, respectively, with 30W fast-charging support.
For connectivity, the duo offers support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, 5G, and a Type-C port.