Google announced new software updates for the Pixel phones as part of its so-called Pixel Drop program for March. Pixel Watches and all Android devices are also receiving some new features. The most notable parts of the update include using AI to detect scams in messages and calls, better categorization in the screenshot app, menstrual tracking on the Pixel Watch 3 and the ability to share your live location with friends through the Find My Devices app.
Google is launching a scam detection feature for calls using the company’s Gemini Nano model for all English-speaking Pixel 9 series users in the U.S. The feature is in beta for now. The company ran a limited beta using two different models — Gemini Nano on Pixel 9 devices, and on-device machine learning for Pixel 6 and newer users. After the test, the company determined that using Gemini Nano was the best way to go.
The company said that it processes conversation on your device and its processing is ephemeral in nature. At any point in the conversation, it can warn users of a potential scam.
In other news, with the March update, Google is adding support for adding multiple external cameras to the Pixel 9 series. For instance, you can add a GoPro or other Pixel phone cameras to help you stream on platforms through various angles.
The company is also adding the ability to generate images of people through text prompts in the Pixel Studio app with support for English, Japanese, and German. Until now, the app didn’t support human image generation.
The screenshot app is also getting an update where it will automatically suggest screenshots to be added to collections based on the content. Plus, the app is also available for your work profile for Pixel 9 devices.
With the latest update, Pixel Fold users can use the dual screen feature to see what is being recorded using the outer screen. Plus, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s outer screen gets the “Add Me” feature that uses AI to place the person who is taking the photo in a group photo.
Google is also adding satellite messaging support for Pixel 9 users who are Verizon or T-Mobile customers. The company is expanding availability of the satellite messaging feature to users in Canada, EMEA, Hawaii, and Alaska.
What’s more, all people using Pixel 6 and newer, Pixel watches, and Pixel tablets can transfer their recording from other devices and transcribe them using the recorder app.
Google is updating Gemini Live’s multimodal capabilities for Pixel 6 and newer devices, as well as Pixel Fold devices. This means users can add images, files, and YouTube videos while using Gemini Live and ask questions to the AI assistant.
The company is also rolling out a way to have multilingual conversations with Gemini Live without manually switching languages. This feature currently supports over 45 languages.
Earlier this week, at the Mobile World Congress, Google announced that the company will introduce video and screen sharing support for Gemini Live within a few weeks.
If you own an Android device that isn’t a Pixel phone, you’ll also get some new features. Google is focusing on scam detection with the latest update. The company is using AI to detect patterns when someone is messaging you. Users will receive a real-time warning if the system detects a potential scam message.
The company is also adding new features to the Find My Devices App that allows you to send your current location to your friends and family, and receive their live location there as well.
Google is also adding a new voice toolbar to Gboard to make dictation easier.
When you use your phone through Android Auto, you will be able to play Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing when your car is parked.
The company is adding a shopping insights feature for Chrome on Android that lets you view a product’s price history, track price drops, and compare prices across different sites.
Google has received clearance from the U.S. FDA for its loss-of-pulse feature for the Pixel Watch 3. This feature automatically contacts emergency services when the person wearing the watch is unresponsive in cases of cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning.
If you have a Pixel Watch 3, you’ll be able to turn on on-device menstrual tracking for logging or day-to-day notifications.
The Pixel Watch 2 is getting auto bedtime support, which detects when you are sleeping
The company is adding better step tracking to all Pixel Watches to more accurately track events like pushing a shopping cart or wheelchair, jogging with a stroller or hiking with poles. Finally, there are new audio controls on Pixel Watches for common interactions like fast-forward, rewind, adjusting playback speed, or controlling the queue.
