Rumoured Google Pixel foldable tipped to get four cameras, expected to launch in 2022

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Google's first foldable device is expected to arrive in 2022, but it might not get the camera setup you'd want. 9to5Google reported in a recent APK teardown that the rumoured device will most likely get four cameras. A 12.2-megapixel IMX363 primary lens, 12-megapixel IMX386 ultrawide camera, and two 8-megapixel IMX355 front-facing cameras. The identical sensors are said to be for the outer and inner display, probably to offer the same camera quality whether the phone is folded or not.

That primary sensor isn't what you see on the new Pixel 6 series. Instead, this foldable Pixel phone (codenamed "Pipit") will reportedly use the Pixel 5's camera. The existing Pixel flagships have a larger sensor, which led to that distinctive camera bar on the Pixel 6. But with foldables that are typically built to be slim, that extra millimetre for the camera bump might not be the best idea.

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WhatsApp's iOS-to-Android history transfer tool comes to Pixel devices

WhatsApp's cross-platform chat history transfer tool from iOS to Android first debuted on Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 10 and above. But now, it's coming to other Android devices. Unlike Samsung's implementation, it's only limited to Android 12 phones, which means it's only accessible to the Pixel phones for now. But Google says it'll come to new smartphones launching with the latest version of the mobile operating system.

Similar to the setup with Samsung, you'll need a Lightning-to-USB-C cable to connect your two devices. It also involves a QR code you need to scan when you first set up your new Pixel/Android phone.

Source: Engadget

Pixel devices can record and upload videos taken in emergencies

Source: Cameron Faulkner via The Verge

Google's Personal Safety app is exclusively available on Pixel devices. One of the new features available allows you to record up to 45 minutes of a scene if you find yourself in an emergency. That time takes into consideration whether your phone has enough storage. If you're online, the video will get backed up automatically to your Google account, where it will be stored for seven days. You can let the app share the video automatically, and it will send a link for that video to any emergency contact you've picked.

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Google Pixel's Hold for Me feature shows up for some Canadian Pixel owners

It looks like the Pixel-exclusive Hold for Me is finally making its way here. This feature lets you use Google Assistant on your phone to hold the line until you're ready to speak or answer. It will stay on the line until a human being is detected on the other end, so you don't have to suffer through call hold music. Some Pixel owners in the country are now gaining access to the feature.

Hold for Me is powered by Google Duplex, the AI system that lets Assistant make appointments and check store hours over the phone for you. It works for Pixel models starting from the Pixel 3 until the Pixel 5. But it looks like the Android 12 Beta has been a precursor to activation on their devices, and the Google Phone app beta version required is 70.0.3.394259711.

Source: 9to5Google