Author Archives: anzprteam

Earth Day 2021 – Advancing Conservation Efforts with AI

Each year on April 22 we celebrate Earth Day, to help raise awareness and  demonstrate support for environmental protection. 

While Earth Day should not be the only day we strive towards sustainability, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the work that customers are doing to protect our planet and species for future generations using Google AI.

Saving the world’s rarest dolphin

With RUSH and MAUI63 we’re helping to save the world’s rarest dolphin, the Māui dolphin. Just 63 of these dolphins remain in the world, putting it on the brink of extinction. As part of the Māui Drone Project, the R/VISION platform, powered by Google Cloud, is supporting the data processing, display and analytics provided by specialised AI-powered tracking drones developed by the MAUI63 team.

The team's mission is to provide conservationists unparalleled access to information about Māui dolphins, and in the future any and all species, including detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins. Artificial intelligence helps fill critical science gaps about the Māui dolphins. In the future, by advancing understanding of how these dolphins behave and providing this data publicly, data driven decisions can be made by policy makers, scientists and private organisations to ensure robust and appropriate measures are in place to protect Māui dolphins.

Recognising birdsong to protect threatened native birds

Our machine learning technology is being used by Victoria University to help them digest tens of thousands of hours of birdsong to pick out threatened birds, like hihi, saddleback and kakariki. The recordings captured birds at 50 locations in and around Wellington sanctuary Zealandia, but researchers were overwhelmed by the vast data-bank facing them.

Leveraging our TensorFlow technology, the AI system learned to recognise different bird calls, effectively measuring the activity of each bird species at specific times and locations. Due to the limited information about threatened bird species outside of wildlife sanctuaries, it was difficult to know how to maximise conservation efforts. By combining acoustic sensors and AI, researchers can gather enough information to identify the location and visiting frequency of threatened birds outside protected areas – thereby allowing better planning for future conservation efforts.

Creating a better world for future generations

Supporting the conservation efforts of our customers is just one part of our commitment to creating a better future for future generations. We haven’t reached the finish line yet, there’s still much more to be done. We look forward to continuing to support the work our customers are doing to drive conservation, as well as the role that new technologies, like AI and machine learning, play in improving these efforts.

Earth Day 2021 – Advancing Conservation Efforts with AI

Each year on April 22 we celebrate Earth Day, to help raise awareness and  demonstrate support for environmental protection. 

While Earth Day should not be the only day we strive towards sustainability, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the work that customers are doing to protect our planet and species for future generations using Google AI.

Saving the world’s rarest dolphin

With RUSH and MAUI63 we’re helping to save the world’s rarest dolphin, the Māui dolphin. Just 63 of these dolphins remain in the world, putting it on the brink of extinction. As part of the Māui Drone Project, the R/VISION platform, powered by Google Cloud, is supporting the data processing, display and analytics provided by specialised AI-powered tracking drones developed by the MAUI63 team.

The team's mission is to provide conservationists unparalleled access to information about Māui dolphins, and in the future any and all species, including detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins. Artificial intelligence helps fill critical science gaps about the Māui dolphins. In the future, by advancing understanding of how these dolphins behave and providing this data publicly, data driven decisions can be made by policy makers, scientists and private organisations to ensure robust and appropriate measures are in place to protect Māui dolphins.

Recognising birdsong to protect threatened native birds

Our machine learning technology is being used by Victoria University to help them digest tens of thousands of hours of birdsong to pick out threatened birds, like hihi, saddleback and kakariki. The recordings captured birds at 50 locations in and around Wellington sanctuary Zealandia, but researchers were overwhelmed by the vast data-bank facing them.

Leveraging our TensorFlow technology, the AI system learned to recognise different bird calls, effectively measuring the activity of each bird species at specific times and locations. Due to the limited information about threatened bird species outside of wildlife sanctuaries, it was difficult to know how to maximise conservation efforts. By combining acoustic sensors and AI, researchers can gather enough information to identify the location and visiting frequency of threatened birds outside protected areas – thereby allowing better planning for future conservation efforts.

Creating a better world for future generations

Supporting the conservation efforts of our customers is just one part of our commitment to creating a better future for future generations. We haven’t reached the finish line yet, there’s still much more to be done. We look forward to continuing to support the work our customers are doing to drive conservation, as well as the role that new technologies, like AI and machine learning, play in improving these efforts.

Meet the new Nest Hub


Introducing the second-gen Nest Hub from Google, the centre of your helpful home. Stay entertained with shows, videos and music. And control your compatible smart devices with a tap or your voice.



The Nest Hub you love, but better

The new Nest Hub has rich sound to fill any room with music, podcasts and audiobooks from services like YouTube Music and Spotify. Just ask Google to play your favourite shows and movies on Netflix, YouTube and Disney+. Catch up on sports highlights on YouTube. And find how-to videos on just about anything. With Quick Gestures, you can pause or play content at any time by tapping the air in front of your display.  


The new Nest Hub shows all your compatible connected devices in one place so you can control them with one tap. And with a built-in Thread radio, Nest Hub will work with the new connectivity standard being created by the Project Connected Home over IP working group, making it even simpler to control your connected home. 


Nest Hub is also full of help for your busy home. See your calendar, set timers and create reminders so everyone stays on track. Just say, “Hey Google, broadcast it’s dinnertime” and everyone will hear it on your Nest speakers around the house. Ask Google about the weather or almost anything.



New sleep features for better rest

The Nest Hub has always helped you tackle the day; now, it can help you rest well at night. Many of us don’t get enough sleep, which is becoming the number one concern for adults when it comes to health and wellness. 


As people have started to recognise the need for better sleep, sleep trackers have continued to become a popular solution. But we wanted to offer an alternative way for people who may not want to wear something to bed to understand their sleep.


We dug into the data, and because we also knew people felt comfortable with Nest Hub at their bedsides thanks to its camera-free design, we went to work. The result is Sleep Sensing, an opt-in feature to help you understand and improve your sleep — and is available as a free preview until next year.


Sleep Sensing is completely optional with privacy safeguards in place so you’re in control: You choose if you want to enable it and there's a visual indicator on the display to let you know when it’s on. Motion Sense only detects motion, not specific bodies or faces, and your coughing and snoring audio data is only processed on the device — it isn’t sent to Google servers. You have multiple controls to disable Sleep Sensing features, including a hardware switch that physically disables the microphone. You can review or delete your sleep data at any time, and consistent with our privacy commitments, it isn't used for personalised ads.


Even if you choose not to enable Sleep Sensing, you can still fall asleep and wake up easier with Nest Hub. The display dims to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, and the “Your evening” page helps you wind down at night with relaxing sounds. When it’s time to wake up, Nest Hub’s Sunrise Alarm gradually brightens the display and increases the alarm volume. If you need a few more ZZZs, use Motion Sense to wave your hand and snooze the alarm. 



Sustainable design that matches any room

The new Nest Hub will be available to Kiwis in two colours, to complement most rooms in the house: Chalk and Charcoal. It features an edgeless glass display that’s easy to clean and makes your Nest Hub an even more beautiful digital photo frame. And continuing our commitment to sustainability, Nest Hub is designed with recycled materials with its plastic mechanical parts containing 54 percent recycled post-consumer plastic.


The second-generation Nest Hub is NZ$169. It will be available from the following retailers; JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming, Harvey Norman, PB Tech and The Warehouse, from May 5.

Make your home a little more helpful: new Nest features


Nest devices are changing the way we get things done at home - and the best part is that they keep getting more and more helpful over time with regular updates. You may have already noticed and started using new features like: 


Get access to award-winning original shows, movies and documentaries with the Apple TV app now on Chromecast with Google TV. You’ll now see Apple Originals in your recommendations on Google TV, and you can add them to your Watchlist. 


New to Chromecast with Google TV? 
Set up is quick and easy. Now you're on the way to discover even more content from many of your favourite apps, including 400,000+ movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs. 


Guest Mode 
We introduced Guest Mode on Nest devices, an easy way to control your privacy on your speakers and displays, like Nest Audio and Nest Hub Max. You can enjoy all your favourite features, like asking questions, controlling smart home devices, setting timers or playing music and your Google Assistant interactions will not be saved to your account. Just say, “Hey Google, turn on Guest Mode,” to turn it on. 


These are just some of the ways we are helping you to get more out of your Nest devices. Keep an eye out for more helpful features. 

*Chromecast with Google TV requires a TV with an HDMI port, a Wi-Fi network, a Google Account, a nearby electrical outlet, and a compatible mobile device. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/cast/req. 
**Subscription required for Apple TV+.

How New Zealand’s route to recovery could be found through digital transformation – 2020 Economic Impact Report

Today, I’m pleased to share Google’s 2020 Economic Impact Report - examining the economy-wide opportunity in digital transformation of New Zealand, and how Google contributes to and directly supports Kiwi businesses and consumers. 


The report examines how technology can play a critical role in New Zealand's post-COVID economic recovery. If fully leveraged, digital technologies could add $46.6 billion to our economy by 2030 - equivalent to 14% of GDP in 2019 - the same as the combined GDP supported by Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay. Supporting technological adoption in key industries, digital upskilling and promoting digital export will all be critical to realising this potential.


Key findings: 

  • Kiwi businesses derive $3 billion in annual benefits from Google tools and services, through increased revenues, millions of connections with customers and greater efficiencies, saving time and money.

  • Consumers receive $3.5 billion in annual benefits by experiencing greater convenience, access to information, and enhanced productivity.

  • Kiwi app developers earn $30.7 million in annual revenue through Google Play, reaching over 1 billion users globally.

  • Search saves users almost 5 days a year (i.e a whole working week!), and drivers save 4.1 hours per year using Google Maps to optimise their driving journeys.

  • Google Maps helps reduce the carbon footprint of New Zealanders, helping to save between 30,400 – 40,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions from vehicles in 2019; Equivalent to the emissions from around 6,600 to 8,700 cars.

  • Over 20% of YouTube users in New Zealand say they use online video services to learn advanced digital skills.


Digital Transformation to Support post-Covid Recovery


If fully leveraged by 2030, digital technologies could create up to $46.6billion in economic value. To put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent of the combined GDP supported by Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay. This digital transformation should be New Zealand’s route to economic recovery post COVID-19 as many key technologies will help mitigate impacts of the pandemic.


For example, Internet-of-Things (IoT)-enabled supply chain management, could transform both agriculture and food, and manufacturing industries. And in a year when health was at the forefront of everyone’s minds, technological advancements could bring healthcare services to our fingertips. New Zealand has not yet seen widespread uptake of mobile telehealth applications in the healthcare sector, or the use of smartphone based government e-services to streamline the delivery of public services.


Three key pillars of action to fully realise the potential of digital technologies include:

  • Supporting technological adoption in key industries

  • Upskilling our current workforce and future talent

  • Promoting digital export opportunities.


Google’s economic impact in Aotearoa


There’s never been a year with so much change as we’ve just seen in 2020 and the impacts of the pandemic and its effects on businesses has been overwhelming. 


But at the same time, it’s been inspiring to watch the way businesses across Aotearoa have managed those challenges to cope. Our Economic Impact Report shows how local businesses have increasingly moved online to continue to provide vital services and succeed in this difficult year. 


Successfully adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 by proactively embracing the opportunities provided by digital adoption, Auckland-based Kitchen Mania utilised Google Ads to boost visibility of its online “GST Free May” campaign and was able to attract double the number of new customers looking to redesign their kitchen over the lockdown period. This kitchen design company is one example of the many New Zealand businesses using Google’s free tools and services-to reach new customers, advertise effectively where they couldn’t before and make use of new digital skills.



All over New Zealand, businesses shared a total of $3 billion in annual benefits through increased revenues, millions of connections with customers and greater efficiencies, saving time and money.


The report shows app developers in New Zealand earn around $30.7 million in annual revenue through the Google Play platform, reaching more than one billion users worldwide.


Helping our users save time and access important information


Google’s products also provide $3.5 billion in annual benefits to consumers through increased productivity, convenience and improved access to information.


On average, New Zealanders using Google Search save almost five days a year thanks to access to instantaneous information, while Kiwi drivers using Google Maps save 4.1 hours on roads each year by optimising trips through our technology. 


We’re humbled by these findings and are proud to be playing a part in New Zealand’s economic recovery. As the country moves toward a thriving post-COVID-19 economy, we’ll continue to support  Kiwi businesses and communities in their efforts to succeed in a digital future.


You can read more about these benefits here.



Post content Posted by Caroline Rainsford, Country Director Google New Zealand.

How we’re helping Aussies in their search for support

Editor’s note: This post is co-authored by Rachel Bowes, Head of Crisis Services and Quality at Lifeline Australia and Jill Newby, Associate Professor at Black Dog Institute. 



Early intervention and access to mental health support services are now more important than ever, following a difficult 14 months for Australians with bushfires, drought and COVID-19. 

Search interest for "What is depression?" reached its highest peak in more than a decade in March 2020 in Australia, so there is a great opportunity to direct people to the support they need — right at the moment they are looking for information. 

Starting today, anyone in Australia searching for depression can not only view trusted information on the condition, but also opt to take a 9-question self-assessment that is based on a clinically-validated questionnaire called PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). This questionnaire is used by healthcare providers to evaluate someone’s level of depression and identify resources that would be most suitable to their needs. 


After completing Google’s new self-assessment, people can see their risk for depression as well as connect with evidence-based resources, crisis hotlines, and additional support from our teams at Black Dog Institute and Lifeline. 

With over 3 million people in Australia living with anxiety or depression, the more access to support that is offered the better. 1 in 5 Aussies will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year – and roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help. So when organisations take steps to ensure people are aware that support is available and how to access them, we know it will help save lives. 

Over the past year, Lifeline’s Volunteer Crisis Supporters have been on the frontline, holding people safe as they battle the invisible effects of disaster – the impact on mental health. At Lifeline, the ‘new normal’ is responding to over 3,000 calls every day. That’s a person in crisis now reaching out for support every 30 seconds. 

Meanwhile the Black Dog Institute was quick to conduct research on how Australians were coping with the pandemic. Realising three quarters of participants said their mental health had worsened as a result of COVID-19, the medical research institute stepped up support through its online clinic offering telehealth support so everybody has the same access to support, no matter their location in Australia. 

Collectively, the Black Dog Institute and Lifeline welcome new resources that help people better understand their condition and empower them to seek out appropriate mental health support services. We are glad to work with Google to extend existing, clinically-validated tools to meet the needs of Australians, especially during this critical time.

Furthering our long-term support of the New Zealand News Industry and Countering COVID-19-related Misinformation



A thriving news industry is fundamental to the health of our society—and well-functioning political, social, and economic institutions. That is important to Google, too: our mission, after all, is to make the world’s information accessible and useful to everyone.


A critical aspect of that work today concerns the COVID-19 pandemic. All over the globe, a massive immunisation effort is underway. The relatively rapid nature of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and the great anxiety that the pandemic has provoked have made this topic particularly susceptible to misinformation. Journalists can play a fundamental role by listening to their audiences’ concerns and providing corrective information about any misconceptions that are circulating.


To support this work, the Google News Initiative launched a $3M Open Fund aimed at projects planning to reach audiences underserved by fact-checking with content about the COVID-19 vaccine.


Today we’re delighted to announce that we are providing funding to Stuff, to support their campaign “The Whole Truth: COVID-19 Vaccination”. In partnership with Māori Television and the Pacific Media Network, this project will be critical in reaching Māori and Pacific communities in Aotearoa, with accurate and easy to understand information on the vaccine and addressing vaccine misinformation. 


“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve seen misinformation and conspiracy theories on the virus, and vaccines in particular, reach fever-pitch,” says Stuff editorial director Mark Stevens. 

 

“Our priority is ensuring we can get our trustworthy journalism to the audiences that need it, so people can be armed with the facts when making decisions about how to protect themselves from the virus. We commend the Google News Initiative for recognising the desperate need to fight misinformation around this important topic.”


This funding complements Google’s wider efforts to promote authoritative vaccine information, including YouTube’s COVID-19 misinformation policy. We are proud of this very practical initiative with one of our New Zealand news partners, which will directly benefit our local community. This is an important element of a larger, comprehensive approach by Google to contribute to the long-term vibrancy of public interest news and quality journalism. 


Supporting New Zealand’s news industry 


Last year we reflected on the work we’ve been doing in New Zealand to support the news industry and we’re proud of how we’re supporting local authorities, businesses and media partners to ensure they’re able to share vital information with New Zealanders in moments that matter. In 2020 alone, Google provided the New Zealand Government, small businesses and NGOs with Ad Grants to the value of NZ$8.5 million, to ensure Kiwis were finding information they needed when they were searching for it.


We also recognise the value of local reporting during a time of crisis, so as the pandemic swept through the world we delivered special funding to 76 news organisations across New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and the Pacific through the Journalism Emergency Relief Fund. 


Supporting the new ways Kiwis find news 


It is clear that the media landscape has been changing in New Zealand, and around the world, over the past few decades. As Google continues to support the news industry with new programs and products, there have been some questions around the relationship between digital platforms and news publishers. New research by economists at Accenture, shows that newspaper circulation steadily declined between 1950 and 1994, as new technologies and opportunities emerged. The total digital advertising market trebled from 2013 to 2020 and many newspapers shifted their subscriptions online and developed advertising to display on their own websites. However, as the Accenture research demonstrates, the key source of newspaper revenue, classified ads, shifted to new innovative websites such as realestate.co.nz. We’ve seen a similar development in Australia where more than 90% of the decline in newspaper revenue was due to the significant drop in classifieds. 


People come to Google to search for many things, whether it's ‘how to videos’, recipes, sport, weather, outfit ideas, or home insurance. News is a very small part of this content and makes up a tiny proportion of overall search queries. In 2019, news-related queries made up just below 1.5% of total queries on Google Search in New Zealand. These search queries helped people to find their way directly to news websites, and that’s another, direct way in which our services and technologies help the news industry. 


With the news moving faster than ever, it's clear that journalism is an essential way to keep people informed. Last year we announced News Showcase, a new program designed to bring value to both publishers and readers by providing a licensing program that pays publishers to curate content for story panels across Google services, and gives readers more insights into the stories that matter. We will begin outreach to potential News Showcase partners in New Zealand later this year.


Google is committed to supporting the promotion of accurate and critical information and longer term, we’ll continue to partner, along with many others, to support a strong future for journalism in New Zealand.


Post content Posted by Caroline Rainsford, Country Director, Google New Zealand

Meet the new Nest Hub

Introducing the second-generation Nest Hub! Since we launched Google’s first smart display two years ago, it’s brought help to thousands of homes and we’ve been dedicated to exploring ways to make our devices even more helpful. 

The Nest Hub you love, but better 
The new Nest Hub’s speaker is based on the same audio technology as Nest Audio and has 50 percent more bass than the original Hub for a bigger, richer sound to fill any room with music, podcasts or audiobooks from services like YouTube Music and Spotify — or enjoy your favourite TV shows and movies with a subscription from providers like Netflix, Disney+ and Stan. With Quick Gestures, you can pause or play content at any time by tapping the air in front of your display. 
The new Nest Hub shows all your compatible connected devices in one place so you can control them with one tap. And with a built-in Thread radio, Nest Hub will work with the new connectivity standard being created by the Project Connected Home over IP working group, making it even simpler to control your connected home. 

Nest Hub is also full of help for your busy family. See your calendar, set timers, and create reminders with Family Notes, digital sticky notes to share chores and to-dos so everyone stays on track. 


New sleep features for better rest 
The Nest Hub has always helped you tackle the day; now, it can help you rest well at night. Many of us don’t get enough sleep, which is becoming the number one concern for adults when it comes to health and wellness. 
As people have started to recognise the need for better sleep, sleep trackers have continued to become a popular solution. But we wanted to offer an alternative way for people who may not want to wear something to bed to understand their sleep. 
We dug into the data, and because we also knew people felt comfortable with Nest Hub at their bedsides thanks to its camera-free design, we went to work. The result is Sleep Sensing, an opt-in feature to help you understand and improve your sleep — and is available as a free preview until next year. 
Sleep Sensing is completely optional with privacy safeguards in place so you’re in control: You choose if you want to enable it and there's a visual indicator on the display to let you know when it’s on. Motion Sense only detects motion, not specific bodies or faces, and your coughing and snoring audio data is only processed on the device — it isn’t sent to Google servers. You have multiple controls to disable Sleep Sensing features, including a hardware switch that physically disables the microphone. You can review or delete your sleep data at any time, and consistent with our privacy commitments, it isn't used for personalised ads. 
Even if you choose not to enable Sleep Sensing, you can still fall asleep and wake up easier with Nest Hub. The display dims to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, and the “Your evening” page helps you wind down at night with relaxing sounds. When it’s time to wake up, Nest Hub’s Sunrise Alarm gradually brightens the display and increases the alarm volume. If you need a few more ZZZs, use Motion Sense to wave your hand and snooze the alarm. 


Sustainable design that matches any room 
The new Nest Hub will be available to Australians in two colours, to complement most rooms in the house: Chalk and Charcoal. It features an edgeless glass display that’s easy to clean and makes your Nest Hub an even more beautiful digital photo frame. And continuing our commitment to sustainability, Nest Hub is designed with recycled materials with its plastic mechanical parts containing 54 percent recycled post-consumer plastic. 

The second-generation Nest Hub is $149. It can be preordered online in Australia at the Google Store and other retailers from today.

Rising up to celebrate Mardi Gras 2021

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather on Oxford St to celebrate Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. While this year’s event looked a little different, the 2021 theme called on the community to RISE up and celebrate loudly, proudly – and safely. 

Over the past 5 years, we’ve supported Mardi Gras’ vision to provide a platform for LGBTQI+ people and their allies to share stories, connect and express themselves. We’ve provided funding to individuals, community groups and not-for-profits through the Mardi Gras Community Grants Program to help organisations deliver their messages and dazzle during the parade. These organisations have advocated across a range of issues – from sport to health and the creative arts. 

Among our grantees this year are Haka for Life and Corroboree for Life, two Perth-based suicide prevention organisations with a mission is to empower people to connect with culture through traditional Aboriginal dance and the Māori Haka. 



This year, Haka for Life and Corroboree for Life paraded traditional costumes and powerfully performed Corroborees and the Haka across the Sydney Cricket Ground. 




We’re delighted to award grants to many other LGBTQI+ focused organisations, representing trans, regional and indigenous communities (and more).  This includes: 

ANTRA (澳纽彩盟) - Australia & New Zealand Tongzhi Rainbow Alliance is a NSW registered community organisation advocating for the rights, livelihood and welfare of Australia and New Zealand’s Mandarin & Cantonese speaking LGBTQIA+ communities. 

Autism Spectrum Australia - A not-for-profit working in partnership with people on the autism spectrum to understand, engage and celebrate the strengths and interests of people on the autism spectrum, including the Autistic LGBTQIA+ community, as the Neurodiversity Rainbow. 

Point Clare Families - A grassroots community group from the Central Coast representing same sex parented, opposite sex parented and single parent families. They celebrate diverse families and safe spaces for youth and families to explore their identities. Their group includes participants living with disability.

TRANS GLAMORE - A night held monthly in celebration of transgender performers & friends. 

We are proud to support even more organisations with grants this year including; The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF), The Colours of Our Community, Different Strokes, Dayenu-Sydney’s Jewish LGBTQ+ Group, Emerald City Kickball, Entry #2, Girl Guides, The Institute of Many, The Oz Fag Hags, The Pinnacle Foundation, Raio de Sol, The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association, Sydney Silverbacks Wrestling Club, Trikone Australia and Queer Zumba. 

While we had to navigate new rules and restrictions this year, Mardi Gras 2021 was no half measure. The spirit was high, the festivities were fabulous – and the community showed they are ready to RISE and shine. I’m already reliving the memories listening to the YouTube Mardi Gras playlist! 

Posted by Jes Kane, Social Impact Manager, Google Australia and New Zealand

From the seas, to more ZZZs: Your new Pixel features

The best part of your Pixel is that it keeps getting even more helpful, and even more unique. With regular updates, Pixels get smarter, more capable and more fun. This latest drop is no exception, and for Pixel 3 and newer devices, includes the ability to easily access and share audio recordings, a new way to use the Pixel Camera app underwater and new wallpapers to celebrate International Women's Day. 

A more shareable Recorder 
Whether it’s that guitar riff you've been working on or reviewing transcripts from a class lecture, Recorder makes it easy for Pixel owners to easily record, transcribe (English only) and search the audio moments that matter to you. Now you can share links to your Recorder audio files, so anyone can listen, even if they don’t have a Pixel. At recorder.google.com, you can hear recordings, see transcripts and even search through files — you get the entire Recorder playback experience in one shareable link. 
You can also back up recordings to your Google Account to help keep them safe, and easily access them from any device. See more at g.co/pixel/recorder. 

Capture the seas with Kraken Sports 
Now Pixel users can capture the same kinds of high quality images they’re accustomed to above water, and do it underwater without the cumbersome cameras and cases scuba drivers have traditionally used. Pixel camera software engineer, José Ricardo Lima, was scuba diving with his husband in the Philippines when he wondered what it would be like to use his Pixel camera underwater. His idea was to create a custom integration that combined Pixel’s camera with a case made for diving. Now, divers will be able to use their Pixel camera with the Kraken Sports’ Universal Smart Phone Housing to capture marine life and seascapes. Get access to your Pixel’s camera features, including Night Sight, Portrait Mode, Motion Photos and video directly through Pixel’s Camera app for high-quality images of you and your underwater friends. See g.co/pixel/diveconnector for more information. 
Photo captured on Pixel 5 using KRH03 Kraken Sports Universal Smart Housing. Kraken Sports is a registered trademark of Kraken Sports Ontario, Canada. 

Attention-grabbing graphics 
Part of Pixel’s latest drop also includes new wallpapers that celebrate different cultural moments throughout the year with artwork from artists around the world. And for International Women’s Day on March 8, Pixel will add new wallpapers illustrated by Spanish duo Cachetejack, which focus on the strength and transformation of women. 
Adapting to you and your routine 
Your Pixel can help you catch more ZZZs with a more seamless bedtime schedule on your Pixel Stand. When you use the bedtime features in Clock with your Pixel Stand, you’ll see a new, updated bedtime screen, along with redesigned notifications to help you ease into sleep. This feature is available on Pixel phones with wireless charging capability: Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 5. Pixel Stand is sold separately. 
For more information on the new features that just dropped and to see phone compatibility, head to http://g.co/pixel/updates. And if you’re looking for more helpfulness across your device, check out all of the latest updates announced from Android. 

Pixel 5G devices can now access 5G in dual SIM mode 
Software updates also mean that Pixel 4a with 5G and Pixel 5 devices will now be able to access 5G even when in dual SIM mode (eSIM+physical SIM DSDS).


And as a bonus, we recently announced a new Google Fit feature that allows you to measure your heart rate and respiratory rate using just your phone’s camera. This feature will roll out to Pixel owners next week (and is not intended for medical purposes). 



1. Works with Pixel 2 or newer phones. Requires Android R, Camera Update 8.1 (Nov. 2020), Dive Case Connector app for Google Camera, KRH04 or KRH03 Kraken Sports Universal Smart Phone Housing (sold separately). See g.co/pixel/dive-case-connector-setup for more information on setup. Google is not responsible for the operation of Kraken Sports products or their compliance with any applicable safety or other requirements. Photo captured on Pixel 5 using KRH03 Kraken Sports Universal Smart Phone Housing. Kraken Sports is a registered trademark of Kraken Sports Ontario, Canada. 
2. Transcription is available in English only. Recorder sharing requires an Internet connection and a Google Account. 
3. Cloud storage requires an Internet connection and a Google Account. 
4. Your Pixel will receive feature drops during the applicable Android update and support periods for the phone. See g.co/pixel/updates for details.
5. Requires a 5G data plan (sold separately). 5G service not available on all carrier networks or in all areas. Contact carrier for details. 5G service, speed and performance depend on many factors including, but not limited to, carrier network capabilities, device configuration and capabilities, network traffic, location, signal strength and signal obstruction. Actual results may vary. Some features are not available in all areas. Data rates may apply. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo for info. 
 


Posted by Shenaz Zack, Group Product Manager