Google has unveiled a substantial update package for Android and Pixel devices, introducing AI-powered safety features, improved connectivity options, and new productivity tools. The March Pixel Drop and Android update started rolling out today and will continue deploying over the coming weeks across eligible devices.
AI-Powered Security Features Take Center Stage
The most notable addition is AI-powered Scam Detection, which now works both for voice calls and text messages. Using on-device AI, Google Messages can identify suspicious conversational patterns that might initially seem harmless but could develop into scams over time.
When the system detects potentially fraudulent activity, users receive real-time warnings allowing them to easily block and report the conversation. This happens entirely on the device, keeping conversations private.
"Protect yourself from fraud with AI-powered Scam Detection," Google highlights in its announcement. "Google Messages now uses AI to flag conversational text patterns commonly associated with scams."
For Pixel users specifically, Scam Detection on phone calls is powered by Gemini Nano. This Pixel-exclusive feature analyzes conversation patterns in real time and alerts users to suspicious activity while maintaining privacy.
Enhanced Location Sharing and Emergency Connectivity
The updates include significant improvements to location-sharing capabilities. Users can now share their live location with trusted contacts through the Find My Device app, making it easier to coordinate meetups or ensure family members arrive safely at their destinations.
Location data is securely stored, and users maintain control over who sees their location and for how long, with regular reminders about active sharing.
Emergency connectivity has also been expanded. Satellite SOS is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and Canada, enabling users to connect to emergency services even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Verizon and T-Mobile customers receive additional satellite functionality for emergency communication and text messaging with family and friends when off the grid.
Major Gemini Upgrades for Pixel Users
Pixel users receive several AI-focused upgrades. Gemini Live now supports over 45 languages without requiring language setting changes, and multimodal capabilities are expanding to all Pixel 6 and newer devices plus Pixel Fold. This allows users to incorporate images, files, and YouTube videos into their Gemini conversations for additional context.
"With the power of 2.0 Flash, we've made improvements in understanding and multilingual conversation," Google explains regarding Gemini Live's enhancements.
In the coming weeks, Gemini Advanced users will gain the ability to interact with Gemini Live through live video and screen sharing.
Entertainment and Productivity Improvements
Android Auto now supports more gaming applications for parked vehicles. Users can download games like Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing to their mobile devices and access them through Android Auto while waiting in their cars.
For online shoppers, Chrome on Android now offers enhanced shopping insights and price comparison tools. The browser will display "Price is low" notifications in the address bar and allow users to check product price history, track price drops, and compare prices across websites.
Pixel-Specific Camera and Health Features
Pixel Fold users gain video recording support for Dual Screen Preview, while Pixel 9 Pro Fold users can now use Add Me with Dual Screen Preview to ensure everyone appears in photos. Content creators benefit from Connected Cameras, which allows connecting multiple devices (like a GoPro or another Pixel phone) to stream to social media from different angles simultaneously.
Pixel Watch users receive several health-focused updates. Loss of Pulse Detection on Pixel Watch 3 has received FDA clearance in the U.S. and will roll out this month. This feature can detect when someone's heart suddenly stops beating and automatically call emergency services if the user is unresponsive.
Pixel Watch 3 also adds on-device menstrual tracking, while all Pixel Watches receive improved step tracking accuracy and the expansion of Auto-bedtime Mode to Pixel Watch 2.
Personalization and Productivity Tools
Additional productivity enhancements include easier voice-to-type access through Gboard's new Voice Toolbar, customizable phone modes for different situations like Driving and Bedtime, and simplified audio content management on Pixel Watch.
Users switching to Pixel phones can now transfer recordings from older devices, which will be automatically transcribed in the Recorder app.
"The March Pixel Drop, as well as new Android features, begins rolling out today and will continue over the next few weeks," Google confirmed in its announcement.