Google has released the first Pixel Drop of the year, bringing a range of updates to its devices. The March update introduces enhancements to Gemini Live, scam detection in Messages, Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, Pixel Watch, and more.
Highlights
With these improvements, Google aims to refine user experiences by expanding AI capabilities, strengthening security features, and improving device connectivity.
Enhanced Gemini Live and AI-Driven Features
Gemini Live, Google’s conversational AI tool, now supports over 45 languages, allowing users to switch between languages seamlessly without manually adjusting settings.
Initially launched with the Pixel 9 series, this feature is now available on Pixel 6 and newer models, as well as the Pixel Fold.
Google also plans to introduce live video and screen-sharing capabilities in the coming weeks, providing real-time conversational assistance.
Security and Scam Detection in Messages
A key security upgrade in this update is scam detection in Google Messages. Using on-device AI, the system analyzes text conversations to identify potential scams and provide real-time warnings.
Initially available for English-speaking users in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, this feature extends Google’s existing scam protection capabilities beyond phone calls to text-based interactions.
Another safety enhancement includes the expansion of Satellite SOS, allowing users to contact emergency services even in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
This feature is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and Europe, ensuring connectivity in remote locations.
Pixel 9 Pro Introduces Multi-Camera Streaming
The Pixel 9 series now supports Connected Cameras, enabling users to pair their devices with other Pixel phones or external cameras like GoPros.
This feature allows for multi-angle live streaming on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat, making content creation more dynamic.
Pixel Fold Gains Dual-Screen Video Recording
Pixel Fold users now have access to Dual Screen Preview for video recording, an upgrade from its previous still-photo functionality. This feature allows users to monitor recordings in real time on the outer screen, improving framing and composition.
Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces the “Add Me” feature, which uses AI to insert the photographer into group photos, ensuring no one is left out of the shot.
Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio Enhancements
Google has introduced an organizational upgrade to Pixel Screenshots, where AI-based suggestions help users categorize and retrieve images more efficiently.
Work profile support has also been added, allowing professionals to manage personal and work-related screenshots separately.
Meanwhile, Pixel Studio introduces a new capability that lets users create unique images based on text descriptions, expanding creative possibilities.
AI Features – Pixel drop
Google is extending several AI-powered features to additional regions:
- Pixel AI Weather reports and Pollen Tracker are now available in Japan and Germany.
- AI-generated summaries in the Recorder app are now accessible to Japanese speakers.
Pixel Watch 3 Gains FDA-Approved Health Monitoring
A major health-related update includes Loss of Pulse Detection, a feature recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This functionality can detect conditions such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, overdose, or poisoning, and automatically contact emergency services if the user is unresponsive.
Additional health-focused updates include:
- On-device menstrual tracking for Pixel Watch 3.
- Improved step detection for enhanced fitness tracking.
- Auto-Bedtime Mode, now expanded from Pixel Watch 3 to Pixel Watch 2.
Android Auto Introduces In-Car Gaming
Google has introduced casual gaming to Android Auto, allowing users to play titles like Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, Beach Buggy Racing, and Farm Heroes Saga while their vehicle is parked.
Shopping Insights in Chrome for Android
A new shopping insights tool in Chrome enables users to:
- Track price history of products.
- Receive price drop alerts.
- Compare prices across multiple online retailers.
