On Tuesday, Google announced a new software update for the Pixel Phone as part of its March “Pixel Drop” program. Pixel Watches and all Android devices also receive some new features in this release. The most notable parts of the update include using AI to detect message and call fraud, better categorization in the screenshot app, menstrual tracking on the Pixel Watch 3, and the ability to find the My Devices app and share live locations with friends.
Pixel phone feature
Google is launching call fraud detection using the company Gemini Nano model for all English-speaking Pixel 9 series users in the US. This feature is currently in beta. The company ran a limited beta using two different models: Gemini Nano, Pixel 9 devices, and device machine learning for users of Pixel 6 and below. After testing, the company decided that using Gemini Nano was the best option.
The company handles conversations on the device, and said the process is essentially short. At any point in the conversation, you can alert the user 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 example, you can add a GoPro or other pixel phone camera to help stream on the platform through different angles.
Image credit: Google
The company also supports English, Japanese and German, and has added the ability to generate images of people through text prompts in the Pixel Studio app. Previously, the app did not support human image generation.
Meanwhile, the screenshot app is getting updates that automatically suggest that it will be added to the collection based on the content. Additionally, the app is available for working profiles on Pixel 9 devices.
Image credit: Google
The latest update allows Pixel Fold users to use the dual screen feature to see what is being recorded using the outer screen. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's outer screen gets the “Add Me” feature, which uses AI to place people taking photos in group photos.
Google is also adding satellite messaging support to Pixel 9 users, a Verizon or T-Mobile customer. The company is expanding the availability of satellite messaging capabilities to users in Canada, EMEA, Hawaii and Alaska.
Another feature involves everyone on a Pixel 6 or younger using a Pixel Watch or Pixel tablet, and transferring recordings from other devices and using the Recorder app.
Gemini Update
Google is updating the multimodal features of Gemini Live on the Pixel 6 and new devices, as well as Pixel Fold devices. This means that users can add images, files, YouTube videos while using Gemini Live and ask questions to their AI assistants.
The company also deploys ways to have Gemini Live and multilingual conversations without manually switching languages. This feature currently supports over 45 languages.
Earlier this week, at Mobile World Congress, Google announced that the company will introduce support for Gemini Live's video and screen sharing within a few weeks.
Android Update
If you own an Android device that isn't a pixel phone, you'll get some new features. Google is focusing on fraud detection with the latest updates. The company uses AI to detect patterns when someone is sending you a message. If the system detects a potential fraud message, the user receives a real-time warning.
The company is also adding my device app to the Find My Devices app, where you can send your current location to friends and family and receive live locations there.
Image credit: Google
Google has also added a new voice toolbar to GBOAR to make dictation easier.
With your phone via Android Auto you can play when you park your farm heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2 and Beach Buggy Racing.
The company is adding shopping insights for Chrome on Android. This allows you to compare prices across product price history, truck prices, and various sites.
Image credit: Google
Pixel Watch Updates
Google received clearance from the US FDA for the Pixel Watch 3's pulse loss feature. This feature automatically contacts emergency services if the person wearing the watch does not respond in the event of cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning.
If you have a Pixel Watch 3, you can turn on menstrual tracking on your device for logging or daily notifications.
Image credit: Google
The Pixel Watch 2 receives automatic bedtime support. This is detected when you sleep
The company adds excellent step tracking to every pixel watch to more accurately track events such as pushing a shopping cart or wheelchair, jogging in a stroller, or hiking on a pole. Finally, there is a new audio control on the Pixel Watch, with general interactions like fast forward, rewind, adjust playback speed, and control cue.