Here’s What’s New in Google’s Massive March Pixel Update.
It’s been a busy month for Google. The company released its newest phone, the Pixel 10a , introduced real-time location sharing in Google Messages , released the Nano Banana 2 , and issued a security update fixing 129 Android vulnerabilities . Now, the company is launching its latest Pixel Drop , this time for March, with a number of features and changes for Pixel phones and watches. Here’s what’s new.
Google now lets you set up business cards on Android.
Both iOS and Android now feature full-screen contact pages that appear when you receive a call, but both platforms implemented it differently. When iOS introduced this feature, it allowed you to customize the appearance of your ” contact page ” when you receive a call. Android, on the other hand, decided that you should control the appearance of other people’s ” business cards ” when they call you. Now, Android is changing its approach to match iOS . In the latest Pixel Drop update, you can now customize your own personalized business card.
Airlines will soon be able to help you find lost luggage.
Here’s another Android feature borrowed from Apple : if you have a Find Hub tracker, you can share its location with airlines so they can help you find lost luggage. Currently, this feature is only compatible with 10 airlines worldwide, so it’s somewhat limited compared to Apple’s integration , but hopefully this list will expand soon.
The Now Playing widget now has its own app.
Pixel users love the “Now Playing” widget. It can automatically identify songs in real-world situations, and it doesn’t require an internet connection. With the release of the Pixel Drop update in March , the widget received its own app . Once you install the app on your Pixel, the widget’s playback history will automatically transfer, allowing you to see all the songs it’s recognized.
Gemini can perform tasks on your behalf.
In the world of artificial intelligence, the current trend is turning passive assistants into active ones. In other words, asking AI bots to perform tasks on our behalf. Google says Gemini can now do this as part of the Gemini app beta. You can long-press the power button and ask Gemini to do something for you, like create a shopping list, order an Uber, or order takeout. This feature is currently only available on the Pixel 10 series.
The Circle feature now allows you to search for entire clothing sets.
The “Circle to Search” feature lets you, well, circle to search. When you see something on your phone, you can simply circle it to find it. It’s a fairly intuitive feature that received a minor update in the latest Pixel release. Google now says you can circle clothes you see on your Pixel 10 to find “all the elements of a look.” Let’s say you’re watching a movie and you like a character’s style. You can use “Circle to Search” to circle the outfit, and Google will break each item down into individual items for you to search for “Find a Look.” You can see how much coats, shoes, hats, and more cost individually and decide whether to buy part or all of the look. Google didn’t miss the opportunity to tie this into its ” Try It On ” feature, which lets you virtually try on clothes online.
Magic Cue can recommend restaurants associated with the sign of Gemini.
Magic Cue is a contextual AI feature that makes recommendations based on what you do on your Pixel. For example, as part of this Pixel Drop update, Magic Cue can now recommend restaurants based on conversations with friends. If a contact suggests finding a restaurant downtown that offers vegan options, Magic Cue might pop up a “Find Restaurants” popup. Tap it, and Gemini will suggest several options that match those descriptions. (Of course, this is generative AI, so the feature may make some incorrect recommendations or even make up restaurants entirely .)
New updates have been added to the Overview section.
The Pixel’s At-A-Glance feature has received new tracking data. Google says At-A-Glance can now suggest the best route home based on transit delays, track your sports scores, and provide updates on your financial portfolio. These updates appear passively on the home screen, so you don’t have to unlock your phone to check them.
Google is bringing AI-powered art styles to the home screen.
Android has always made it easy to customize your home screen style, including, crucially, app icons. But the latest Pixel Drop update adds five new AI-powered graphic styles for generating custom icons. Google claims these options will help make your home screen more personal, but they may not be suitable for those who aren’t fans of AI-powered graphics .
Your Pixel Watch can now alert you when you walk away from your phone.
If you have both a Pixel phone and a Pixel Watch, your wearable can alert you if you leave your phone behind. Google says you’ll receive an “instant alert” if you move away from your phone, and your phone will lock once you’re out of range. (Google doesn’t specify, but I’m guessing this is the Bluetooth range, which is typically 30 feet.) This feature is available on the Pixel 8 and newer, as well as the Pixel Watch 2 and newer.
Pixel is getting a desktop mode
Smartphones are essentially mini-computers these days, so why not turn your phone into a desktop PC? Google is implementing such a feature with Pixel Drop, allowing users to connect their Pixel 8 or newer models to an external monitor. You’re still using Android, but this feature lets you run multiple apps simultaneously, just like on a traditional computer. This echoes a similar feature from Samsung ( DeX ), which the company has offered for years. Furthermore, if you have a Pixel tablet, you can now run multiple apps in free-form windows, similar to how Apple manages windows in iPadOS .
Connect the camera to your Pixel phone.
Pixel smartphones have been known for their cameras for years. But Google’s latest innovation, Pixel Drop, allows you to connect an external camera to the Pixel to get different angles for live streaming.
These are just some of the small changes in the latest Pixel Drop update.
Google has made a slew of changes to the Pixel Drop, some less significant than others. For example, a new display color filter mode tones down “high-intensity” hues and saturated colors for a more subdued look. The Guided Frame feature, which helps users take photos, now supports more languages, making it more accessible. The Journal app also received new AI features that make it easier to record your feelings and experiences. The Pixel Watch 3 will also gain one-handed operation, like the Pixel Watch 4, which allows you to double-pinch or twist your wrist to perform actions like answering calls and pausing music.