I really like my new Pixel, however I do not get why these options are off by default

I managed to seize the Pixel 10a simply earlier than Google hiked the worth by $100, and I’ve been messing with it continuous ever since. And whereas doing that, I spotted that there are many helpful options that aren’t enabled out of the field. Some of them are truthfully too helpful to be buried like this, which is strictly why I needed to put collectively this listing.

No must unlock your telephone

I really like utilizing widgets, and beginning with Android 16, there is not any must unlock your telephone to look at vital data. You can add widgets on to the lock display by heading to Settings > Wallpaper and magnificence > More lock display settings and turning on Widgets on lock display.

Once enabled, swipe left out of your Pixel lock display, and also you’ll see a second display stuffed with widgets. And sure, you possibly can customise it. I’ve received mine arrange with a battery widget, so I do know if my earbuds or watch want juice. The calendar widget tells me about what’s coming for the day and the Keep widget is beneficial for jotting down a notice rapidly. I’ve additionally added a display time widget displaying me apps I’ve spent most time utilizing. There are loads of widget choices, however you’ll wish to choose those that don’t present any delicate data.

Screen saver

Your charging display doesn’t should be boring

Charging your telephone isn’t probably the most thrilling factor within the global community, nevertheless it’s one thing it’s important to do day-after-day. Pixel’s screensaver function makes that in any other case boring routine a bit extra enjoyable.

Head to Settings > Display and contact > Screen saver and allow the toggle. Then, choose the screensaver you need your Pixel to point out whereas it’s charging. You can set it to point out a clock, your images, residence controls, or the climate.

This replaces the standard Always-On Display with no matter screensaver you choose. My favourite is the climate screensaver as a result of it seems nice when my Pixel is sitting on a wi-fi charger in panorama mode. It gives my phone a bit of a Nest Hub vibe on my nightstand.

Notification historical past

Never lose a notification once more

This is a function you gained’t want day-after-day, however while you do, you’ll be glad you enabled it. I’ve greater than 50 apps put in on my Pixel, so my notification panel is at all times busy. And generally, I’d swipe away notifications approach too rapidly after which remorse doing it.

Notification historical past is a straightforward function that provides me a second probability to learn these alerts. You can allow it by heading to Settings > Notifications > Notification historical past. After this, your Pixel will keep a 24-hour log of every notification you obtain. You may even leap to this log rapidly by tapping the historical past icon contained in the notification panel.

Clear Calling

Sound crisp, each time

Background noise throughout calls is one thing we’re all conversant in. It’s often unavoidable while you’re calling somebody from a public place like a restaurant or airport. It’s annoying for you, and much more annoying for whoever’s on the opposite finish.

Clear Calling is a function that routinely detects and removes such background noise throughout calls, so your voice at all times comes clear. This is one thing hardly anybody would say no to, but this function comes disabled by default. AlI the sound processing occurs in your Pixel, so it isn’t like it’s important to fear about privateness both. To allow it, head to Settings > Sound and vibration > Clear Calling.

Smooth Display

You paid for 120Hz, so use it

By default, your Pixel caps its refresh fee at 60Hz, which appears like a waste while you’ve paid flagship cash for the telephone. Refresh fee is actually what number of occasions your display refreshes each second, so the upper the higher. Enabling 120Hz refresh fee could make navigation, scrolling, and gaming clean.

This does enhance the battery utilization, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly value it. The good factor is that your Pixel will solely enhance the refresh fee all the best way to 120 when it’s actually needed, so that you don’t have to fret about losing battery for no cause. To activate 120Hz refresh fee, head to Settings > Display and contact and activate Smooth show.

Adaptive vibration

Your Pixel adjusts so that you don’t should

I hold my telephone in silent mode nearly on a regular basis as a result of the vibration is often sufficient to inform me of any calls and notifications. But these vibrations are fairly straightforward to overlook once I’m out on a loud avenue or a crowded room the place there’s a lot occurring round me. Pixels have a function referred to as Adaptive Vibration that helps with this.

This function makes use of your telephone’s microphone to determine how loud or quiet your setting is, after which adjusts the vibration depth accordingly. It’s a small however actually intelligent function that ensures I don’t miss vital calls and notifications. You can allow it by heading to Settings > Sound and vibration > Adaptive vibration.