Older Pixel models to get Pixel 9’s ‘Sound Matters’ feature inspired by birds

When Google introduced the Pixel 9 series of phones last week, the new line came with a set of ringtones and alarms called “Sound Matters,” which Google says consists of “The beautiful and diverse sounds of bird song.” The sounds come from “the dawn bird choruses found in the remote wilderness areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe.”
According to Google, “Research has shown that “bird sounds and songs can significantly benefit our mental and emotional health.” It can help reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. The calming melodies of birdsong can carry us to a peaceful and tranquil place, even in the midst of our busy everyday lives.

“We didn’t want it to be just another collection of nature sounds. We looked for sounds that have deep meaning and reflect our natural world in both a positive and thought-provoking way. Sounds that are different from what most people hear every time. day, whether you live in urban areas or in less nature-rich ecosystems.” — Google

The upcoming “Sound Matters” collection will be available for devices ranging from the Pixel 4 series to the Pixel 9 series. To access six notifications and ringtones from the “Sound Matters” collection on your compatible Pixel phone, go to Settings > Sound & vibration. Last year, Google launched a new set of notification and alarm sounds called “Gems.” This collection features eight ringtones (Cosmic Play, Amber Beats, Sapphire, Ethereal Vibration, Crimson Dreams, Mineral Chimez, Enchanted, and Fracture), nine alarm sounds (Echo, Prism, Rituals, Sublime, Fusion, Aquamarine, and Little Wonders),

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And nine notification sounds (Liquid Sunshine, Reveal, Glitz, Opal Bell, Occasion, Magic Wand, Radiate, Swerve, and Mercury).

Six notifications/ringtones

• Limpopo Savannah at dawn
• Botswana Bushveld at dawn,
• Zimbabwe Savannah at dawn
• Limpopo River at dawn
• The bed of the Limpopo River at dawn,
• Zimbabwean hills at dawn

Four notification sounds:

• Meyer’s parrot at dawn
• The bed of the Limpopo River at dawn,
• Crested francolin at dawn
• African fish eagle at dawn,

The latest “Sound Matters” collection is available in Version 3.1 (642123347) of the Sounds app, now accessible on the Google Play Store.

By thoughtfully integrating birdsongs into our products, we aim to inspire users to connect with nature, appreciate its beauty, and take action to protect it. Our sustainability approach takes into account both environmental and human impacts, and we are excited to introduce new ways for you to engage with the natural world. Together, we can celebrate the power of sound and strive for a more sustainable future. Let’s take a few moments to reflect and appreciate all of our planet’s inhabitants—from tiny insects to magnificent birds—and listen to what nature has to say.