The latest Pixel Drop update from Google is about to arrive, bringing a number of improvements to the company’s devices. The features of Pixel phones are improved and expanded with Pixel Drops, which are released every three months. The fact that AI is a major factor in the changes being made to Pixels this time around is perhaps not surprising. Additionally, there are some additional choices for photography and connection.
Google’s Pixel Studio app, which comes preinstalled on the Pixel 9 series, is about to receive a long-overdue update. The program allows you to create AI photos, but due to well-known issues with the Imagen 3 model’s propensity for diversity, human generation was not available at launch. Person generation on the web was re-enabled by Google approximately six months ago, but Pixel Studio is only now acquiring this capability.
Google’s artificial intelligence will also start to interfere if it thinks a caller or message is trying to con you. According to Google, this feature—which was previously only available in limited beta—is not infallible because con artists frequently alter their strategies. Nonetheless, it might aid in identifying some of the less complex frauds that frequently victimize your less tech-savvy relatives and acquaintances. Although this function will be accessible in Google Messages on Pixel 6 and later, the phone call fraud detection feature, which relies on on-device AI features exclusive to Google’s most recent phones, will require a Pixel 9. It is a little less eerie as a result.
Additionally, Google says that this update will bring some of its existing AI features to new markets. Just in time for human generation, the Pixel Studio app, AI weather insights, and the Pixel Screenshots app will be sent to both Germany and Japan. Google’s Recorder app’s AI summarizing functions are also available in Japan.
Regarding the non-AI features, the new Pixel Drop will include more satellite messaging. One of the few phones with satellite connectivity is the Pixel 9 series. Pixel phones may link to suitable satellite networks to receive emergency assistance while you’re not in cellular coverage. Previously available exclusively in the mainland United States, this function is now expanding to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe. Additionally, carrier satellite features are becoming more widely supported. Google’s satellite SOS system, which is being given away for free for the first two years, was the only one used by Pixels at launch. T-Mobile and Verizon will now be supported satellite messaging providers on the new Pixel Drop.
A clever new video recording feature will also be included to the Pixel 9 family. You can shoot video from two distinct views at once by connecting a Pixel to a GoPro camera or another Pixel after installing the Pixel Drop update. According to Google, this will increase shooting possibilities and give mobile recordings a more polished appearance. One phone can be a Pixel 6 or later; the other does not have to be a Pixel 9. However, only Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are supported apps, and if you’re using a GoPro, it must be the 2021 GoPro HERO10 Black or later.
Something For Everyone
Despite not owning a Pixel phone, Google has some treats in store for you. All currently supported Android phones, including Pixels, will soon have these functions.
All Android devices will have a more limited version of the AI scam-detection capability found in Pixel phones. Similar to a Pixel 6 or 8, the AI will be able to (maybe) identify and alert you if someone is attempting to defraud you via text in the Google Messages app. However, the phone call fraud notifications are only available on Pixel 9 phones.
Over the years, Google has allowed Android users to share their location in a variety of ways, but a new method is on the horizon. Sharing device locations with contacts is now an option on Google’s newly redesigned Find My Device platform. You can remove access or set a timeout at any moment, but this gives you the same real-time location data as your app.
It’s going to be easier to kill time in parking lots if your car has Android Auto. Google claims that a variety of additional games, expanding from the basic GameSnacks from a previous update, will soon be accessible on the screen of your automobile. Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Farm Heroes Saga, and Beach Buggy Racing are just a few of the options. However, how much complexity do you actually want in your in-car time-killers? That’s a lot of mindless free-to-play corn. The games will be accessible on the car screen as long as they are installed on your phone. Fortunately, you will only be able to play the new Android Auto games when your car is not moving.
Finally, as early as today, a new Chrome shopping tool will be available to all Android users (some may have even seen it before). To begin, check for the new “Price is low” button next to the URL bar, which is the price-tracking symbol that is being upgraded. You can choose to receive price decrease notifications by tapping that, which is nothing new. Similar to what you would get from a service like CamelCamelCamel, this pop-over now offers a useful historical price graph.
You won’t need to install an OS update to activate these functions, unlike the Pixel Drop features. The Chrome pricing tracker is one example of a server-side feature. Others will come covertly through Play Services, such as AI scam detection. According to Google, the upgrades will start to roll out today, though it might take some time for them to get to every phone.
