Google releases its June Feature Drop for Pixel owners with the all-new astrophotography functionality

Late last week we learned that Google was preparing its next “Pixel Feature Drop”, and it has arrived today for Pixel owners. The update brings some pretty neat and nifty features to your Pixel, including some features introduced at Google I/O 2021.

The biggest new feature is the introduction of the new astrophotography / video lapse functionality. This allows you to point your Pixel at the night sky and as you take a video, your phone will snap pictures at the same time, using the same exposure. Introduced with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, the astrophotography mode is arguably one of the best features you can find on any smartphone today. The feature made its way to the Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, and Pixel 5, and although the processing is a bit slower, being able to capture clear images of the constellations with your phone is incredible.

Gboard is also getting some love this month for Pixel owners, as you can finally save multiple items in the clipboard. This makes it easy to have quick access to multiple bits of information without having to switch back and forth between several apps. In Google’s example, you can see a phone number and email address that have been saved in the clipboard, each with an identifiable icon to go along with the saved information.

At Google I/O 2021, it was clear that Google was focused on privacy, as it announced and introduced some new privacy-focused features. This includes Locked Folder, which is only available for Pixel owners. With a Locked Folder, you can move pictures from your gallery and into a secure folder. And with this Pixel Feature Drop, you can now take pictures with your phone and have them saved directly to your Locked Folder.

Finally, Google is including several new custom wallpapers designed by Ashton Attzs, along with some pretty cool ringtones and notification sounds. The arrival of these new options is to celebrate Pride Month, which started on June 1st and last’s all month long. Google likes to throw some extra goodies into the Feature Drops, and this is what we have received this month.

The update should be rolling out to your Pixel device today, and then you’ll have access to everything introduced in this Feature Drop.