Google has released its December Pixel Feature Drop with improvements to various features of its devices relating to everything from the cameras to security. There are also new ways to use Gemini. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect.
Updates to Gemini
With Gemini, you can now access more apps and services through the intelligent assistant, including a new Spotify extension. You can use Gemini to control smart home devices that the Google account can access including lights, AC, and a TV via the Google Home extension.
There are also updates to Call Screen via Gemini Nano, providing more contextual, easy-to-tap replies. Additionally, you can get live transcripts of your screened conversations between the caller and the AI-agent using Automatic Call Screen. This allows you to see what’s going on in the conversation and decide to pick-up midway through if you believe it’s necessary.
A new saved info feature in Gemini Advanced lets you ask Gemini to remember your personal interests and preferences in order to provide more relevant responses. This might be details like that you’re a vegetarian or need wheelchair accessible accommodations.
Gemini can now also call personal or business contacts and draft and send messages for you using your default phone and messaging app. You can also leverage Gemini to set alarms, control device settings, and open the camera to take a selfie.
Device-Specific Updates
Some updates are specific to devices. For the Google Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, for example, there’s a new dual screen option in portrait mode as well as Joy from the Disney/Pixar movie Inside Out within the Made You Look outer screen animations. For Pixel Watch, meanwhile, there are Daily Readiness algorithms and tools for Cardio Load and Target Load available for all Pixel Watches beyond just the Pixel Watch 3, as well as all Fitbit smartwatches and trackers that support Readiness.
Feature Updates
New features updates include Pixel Studio stickers now available in Gboard keyboards; Emoji Kitchen for creating unique emoji combinations, also available in Gboard; and better organization for Pixel Screenshots into logical categories along with helpful suggestions, like creating calendar invites or finding directions. If you screenshot a ticket or credit card, you can also easily add it to Google Wallet.
Safety and Security Features
In the safety space, there’s the new Identity Check feature, available in beta, which requires your face or fingerprint authentication to make any changes to sensitive settings on the phone. The ability to see a live view of your door from a compatible Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell has now also been extended beyond the Pixel Watch 3 to include the Pixel Watch 2.
Additional features
There are a few additional upgrades worth mentioning.
Expressive Captions: Available for Android phones, this feature uses AI to capture the intensity and emotion of how someone is speaking for any content with sound on your phone, even livestreams. When you’re watching live sports, texting, using social media, or watching a video message, you’ll see things like a gasp at a juicy secret, cheers and applause for a big win, and all caps when someone is excited.
Cleaner Audio: Reduce noise and distractions automatically with an update to the Recorder app. Enable the “Clear voice” feature on Recorder to focus on speakers and reduce background noise.
Simple View: Affording a smoother, faster Pixel experience, Simple View increases your phone’s font size and touch sensitivity, making it easier to see and use controls, apps, and widgets.
Now Playing: Discover more songs and artists with Now Playing’s latest upgrade. You’ll now be able to see album art for each song in your Now Playing history, so it’s easier to explore new music.
Pixel Tablet Controls: On the Pixel Tablet, you can now jump straight into using your go-to controls by swiping right from the lock screen to access widgets. These may include quick controls for smart home devices, timers, music, and more. The tablet now affords access to free built-in Google VPN.
The December Pixel Drop has already begun rolling out.