In a significant update today, Google unveiled the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, introducing a range of enhancements across its first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The rollout of these updates begins immediately.
Innovative Features and Enhancements
At the heart of this update is the latest iteration of Gemini Live, now powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash. This upgrade brings notable advancements in understanding and multilingual conversations, allowing users to engage in discussions using any combination of over 45 languages without prior configuration.
The Pixel 6+ is set to enhance user interaction with the introduction of Talk Live, enabling conversations about images, files, and YouTube videos. Additionally, Google has teased forthcoming Live camera and screen sharing features, which are being developed under Project Astra.
For the Pixel 9 series, a new “Connected Camera” feature will allow users to connect a GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices, as well as the Pixel 6, to livestream from various perspectives. This functionality includes a floating vertical interface for selecting paired cameras and adding new devices, with compatibility for popular social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.
The Pixel Fold series is also receiving an upgrade with the introduction of Dual Screen mode in video recording, allowing subjects to view their recordings on the external display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will further support an “Add Me” feature for improved alignment during captures.
Safety and Communication Features
Expanding its safety features, the Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii and Alaska, as well as across Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 series users. This service enables users to contact emergency services even when cellular coverage is unavailable, free for the first two years.
Additionally, users on T-Mobile and Verizon can take advantage of carrier satellite messaging, which supports emergency calls and text messaging, enhancing communication capabilities in critical situations.
First-Party App Updates
On the application front, the Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series has been upgraded to generate images of people, following the rollout of Imagen 3 people generation to the free tier of Gemini. Meanwhile, Pixel Screenshots will now automatically suggest items for users’ Collections, allowing for easy approval or deletion through a new “Suggestions” carousel.
In Japan, Pixel 9 series users can now access Pixel Screenshots, Studio, and AI summaries from the Recorder app, while also benefiting from AI weather reports and pollen tracking in the Pixel Weather app. German users will receive similar enhancements, including access to Pixel Screenshots and AI Weather reports.
The Phone by Google app is introducing real-time Scam Detection, which alerts users to suspicious patterns commonly associated with scams. This feature will vibrate the phone and emit sounds to prompt users to check for potential scams. The update is powered by on-device Gemini Nano with Multimodality.
In a parallel effort, Google Messages will now display scam detection alerts directly within conversations, allowing users to swiftly report or block suspicious messages. This feature is launching first in English across the US, UK, and Canada.
Lastly, the Gboard Voice Toolbar is making its way to phones after its initial launch on the Pixel Tablet, further enhancing the user experience across devices.
