Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Pixel owners can make overlooked tools easier to remember, but not all five picks are standalone apps: Recorder and Personal Safety are apps, Digital Wellbeing lives in Settings unless you show its icon, and Now Playing and At a Glance are Pixel features. Use the shortlist below to decide what fits your routine and how to surface it. The examples describe documented capabilities, not personal testing on a particular Pixel model.
1. Recorder: make spoken notes searchable
Recorder is useful if you regularly capture meetings, interviews, lectures or quick spoken reminders. Its search function can help you find a recording later instead of scrolling through a list and guessing which file contains the moment you need.
Google’s June 1, 2020 announcement described starting, stopping and searching recordings with Google Assistant, and saving a transcript to Google Docs. That is a dated description, not a guarantee that the same controls or export options appear on every current device. Check the Recorder app on your Pixel for available transcription, language and sharing options before relying on them. Google’s announcement
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Put Recorder on your home screen if you often need to begin recording quickly or tend to forget that your spoken notes can be searched. For sensitive conversations, consider who might access the recording and any transcript you share.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
2. Personal Safety: keep safety tools within reach
Personal Safety brings together tools such as Safety Check, Emergency Sharing and Emergency SOS-related options. It may be worth making easy to reach if you want to review the available settings or use a check-in feature when a situation calls for it.
Google cautions that emergency features depend on connectivity and other factors, may not be available everywhere, and may not reliably communicate in an emergency. They are not a substitute for contacting local emergency services. Review the current options and limitations for your location in Google’s Pixel privacy and security information.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
3. Digital Wellbeing: make screen-time controls visible
Digital Wellbeing can show app usage information and provide controls such as app timers and Focus mode. It is accessed through Settings, but Google documents an option to show its icon in the app list—helpful if you want to use those controls without having to remember where they are buried.
- Open Settings and select Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Open the menu or settings for Digital Wellbeing and enable Show icon in the app list, if that option is available on your device.
- Open the new app-list icon when you want to check usage or configure available tools, such as app timers or Focus mode.
Labels and steps can vary by device and Android version, and some features are limited to certain Pixel generations or software versions. Google’s Digital Wellbeing help page describes the documented controls and qualifications.
Rank #3
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
4. Now Playing: remember what you heard
Now Playing is a Pixel feature, not a separate app to pin. It can identify music playing nearby and show song information on the home screen. It is most useful if you often hear a song you want to identify but forget to open a music-recognition tool in time.
Check your Pixel’s current settings to see whether Now Playing is available and enabled, and confirm what song-history or display options your software version provides. Google’s Pixel feature overview describes the capability; availability and interface details can vary by device and software.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. At a Glance: bring useful information to the screen you already check
At a Glance is a home- and lock-screen feature rather than an app. Depending on what is enabled and available, it can surface information such as events, tasks, weather, severe-weather warnings, tickets, and commute or transit details. This is a good fit if you forget to check separate apps for information that would be more useful when it appears where you already look.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteReview the At a Glance settings on your Pixel to choose the information you want displayed. Available items can depend on country and language. Google explains the feature and its qualifications in its At a Glance help page.
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
Which ones belong on your home screen?
Choose based on the task you want to remember, not on a claim that one option is universally best. Recorder and Personal Safety are apps; Digital Wellbeing can gain an app-list icon; Now Playing and At a Glance are features you configure rather than standalone apps to pin.
- Capture and retrieve spoken information: Recorder.
- Review safety tools or check-in options: Personal Safety, with the emergency limitations in mind.
- Use screen-time controls more deliberately: Digital Wellbeing’s app-list icon.
- Identify nearby music: Now Playing, if supported and enabled on your Pixel.
- See selected daily information at a glance: At a Glance, where the relevant items are available.
Before rearranging your home screen, check which tools your Pixel and Android version actually offer. A feature is only worth surfacing if it solves a recurring problem for you.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
