- Kids games designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 are now available on Android Auto, allowing them to play on the car's infotainment display while parked.
Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.
Google has started rolling out a call-recording feature for Pixel phones, available for Pixel 6 and newer models running Android 14. The Phone by Google app now includes a Call Recording section under Settings → Call Assist. Users can activate the feature during calls with a visible recording button and a “Stop” button to end recordings. Recordings are stored locally within the app, emphasizing privacy. The feature is linked to the November Pixel Feature Drop and requires an updated Phone app. Availability may vary by device, and legal considerations regarding call recording differ by region, prompting Google to include safeguards like audible alerts when recording starts.
Google has extended the availability of its Journal app to users of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, in addition to the Pixel 10, as announced during the November 2025 Feature Drop. The app is currently exclusive to these devices and will not be available on non-Pixel smartphones. The Journal app functions as a personal digital diary and utilizes Google's advanced AI technology, Gemini Nano. Older models like the Pixel 7 cannot access the app due to hardware limitations. The November 2025 Feature Drop also includes notification summaries, Scam Detection for Pixel 6 and newer models in the U.S., and a “Wicked: For Good” theme with custom design elements.
