Tired of awkward selfie sticks and frantic timer races? Your Pixel phone offers a surprisingly simple solution: the built-in hand gesture timer. This feature simplifies group photos and selfies, letting you control the shutter with a simple hand raise.
This innovative timer eliminates the need for cumbersome setups or rushing to beat the clock. Simply raise your hand in front of the camera to signal your Pixel you’re ready to take a photo. This allows everyone to get into position comfortably, even those awkwardly placed at the back, without the pressure of a countdown.
Once everyone is ready, lower your hand to activate the timer. This provides ample time to strike the perfect pose, ensuring everyone is smiling and looking their best. This intuitive feature minimizes stress and maximizes enjoyment, allowing you to focus on capturing memorable moments.
The hand gesture timer, enabled by default, streamlines the photo-taking process. To verify its activation, open your Pixel’s Camera app, navigate to Settings, and check the Pixel Timer toggle.
Originally introduced in August 2024 for the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Pixel Timer is now available on all Pixel phones, from the Pixel 6 onwards. The March 2025 Feature Drop expanded its functionality to both rear and front cameras, previously limited to the selfie camera.
The March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop introduced significant enhancements, including AI-powered features, improved connectivity, and safety upgrades. Notable additions include AI-driven scam detection, which identifies potentially fraudulent calls and messages while prioritizing user privacy. The “Connected Cameras” feature allows Pixel 9 users to stream from multiple angles by linking to other Pixel devices or GoPro cameras. Expanded satellite support provides connectivity in areas lacking cellular or Wi-Fi, proving invaluable in emergencies.
Furthermore, the Pixel Watch 3 received health updates, including loss-of-pulse detection and improved menstrual tracking. This feature drop exemplifies Google’s commitment to intelligent and secure technology.
In conclusion, the Pixel’s hand gesture timer offers a convenient, user-friendly alternative to traditional timers and selfie sticks. This innovative feature, combined with other enhancements in the March 2025 Feature Drop, elevates the Pixel experience, simplifying photography and enhancing user safety and connectivity. So, ditch the selfie stick and embrace the ease of hands-free photography with your Pixel.
