Google has released its November software update for Pixel phones, known as Pixel Drop, which brings a range of new features to existing devices. The update includes notification summaries, a power-saving mode for the Maps app, and AI-powered photo edits.
The latest Pixel Drop update is part of Google’s quarterly feature release cycle, which aims to enhance the functionality of its Pixel smartphones. According to the company, the update will be rolled out to Pixel 9 and later devices.
New Features in Pixel Drop
The update introduces notification summaries for longer chats and conversations on Pixel 9 and later devices, a feature Apple introduced last year with its Apple Intelligence suite. In December, Google will also roll out a feature to silence low-priority notifications, similar to Apple’s Priority Notification feature.
Additionally, Google is introducing a new low-power mode for its Maps app, which will darken the screen and display only essential information, including the navigation route and next turn details. This feature is expected to save up to four hours of battery life on Pixel devices.
Enhanced Security Features
The company has expanded its scam detection feature, previously available in the U.S., to users in the U.K., Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada. This feature uses Gemini Nano and on-device speech detection to identify potential scams. Furthermore, Google is adding a “Likely a scam” button in message notifications to help users identify suspicious messages.
Google is also enhancing its Messages app with a new feature called Remix, powered by the Nano Banana image model and Gemini. This feature allows users to reimagine photos using prompts, and it is being rolled out to users in several countries with RCS enabled and English language support.
AI-Powered Editing and Other Features
The November Pixel Drop update includes a new AI-powered editing feature for Google Photos, called “Help me edit.” This feature enables users to request specific edits, such as removing sunglasses or opening eyes, and applies them using Google Photos’ face groups feature.
The update also expands support for Call Notes, a call transcription feature, to several new countries, including Australia, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Japan. Moreover, a new “Wicked: For Good” theme pack is available for Pixel 6 and later devices, featuring new wallpapers, icons, system sounds, and GIFs.
As Google continues to roll out new features and enhancements to its Pixel devices, users can expect further updates in the future. The next Pixel Drop update is expected to bring additional features and improvements, although the exact timeline has not been announced.
