By and huge, Google’s Pixel software program expertise is well-refined from prime to backside. The firm’s proprietary skin over top of Android is clear, streamlined, and sprinkled with useful features all through. That being mentioned, not each single Pixel function is a slam dunk, and there are a pair particularly that I discover to be under-baked or in any other case not prepared for prime time.
Here are three such instances of Pixel software program options that, regardless of sparking intrigue, nearly all the time find yourself on my disabled record each time I arrange a brand new Google handset. Conceptually, I’m a fan of all three entries on this record, however I discover they merely do not ship sufficient of the products to justify holding them up and working.
Magic Cue
Lots of potential, however not fairly there but
Magic Cue is a marquee manmade intelligence function that launched alongside the Pixel 10 sequence final yr. The concept right here is that AI could be leveraged to proactively floor context-appropriate info as you employ your telephone, which may find yourself saving you time and result in much less app juggling. For instance, in case you’re actively on the telephone with an airline to rebook a flight, Magic Cue is theoretically able to digging up your current flight quantity from Gmail and displaying it on-screen for comfort.
Unfortunately, at the least in its present state, Magic Cue is underwhelming. I’ve been utilizing my Pixel 10 for a number of months now, and I’ve but to return throughout an occasion the place the function has built-in into my circulation in an indispensable method. The excellent news is that the AI fashions that energy Magic Cue are completely updatable, and so I count on enhancements to reach as time goes on.
Rules
Third-party options are way more sturdy
Rules is a built-in utility throughout the Pixel’s Settings software that allows you to automate a restricted set of motion, that are configured through if / then eventualities. I’ve written about Rules in the past, and I’m a fan of the approachability of the function general, however the reality of the matter is that it is too rudimentary by 2026 requirements. Where Samsung and Apple function sturdy automation choices within the type of Modes and Routines and Shortcuts, respectively, the Pixel is restricted to adjusting the ringer standing primarily based on location or Wi-Fi connection.
I’d like to see Google evolve Rules right into a full-fledged automation system that may rival different market options, particularly if it will probably handle to protect the function’s current consumer interface simplicity within the course of. For the time being, nonetheless, I’ll proceed to depend on the incredibly powerful Tasker app from the Google Play Store for mapping out all my shortcuts.
At a Glance
Not helpful sufficient to warrant dwelling on my dwelling display
At a Glance is a context-aware widget and consumer interface component that has been half and parcel with Google Pixels for so long as I can bear in mind. The function initially presents itself as a fundamental date and climate widget on each the house display and the lock display, but it surely’s additionally able to displaying upcoming calendar occasions, excessive climate alerts, commute and visitors insights, and rather more.
On the lock display, At a Glance is completely useful, however I do not discover it helpful sufficient to justify it taking over area on my dwelling display. When enabled, the function basically robs the primary dwelling display web page of its prime grid row, which is further irritating if you have already got a date and climate widget set as much as start with. Thankfully, as of the Android 16 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) 3 Beta, it is now potential to cover At a Glance from the house display, which is way appreciated.
