Google announced a new software update for Pixel phones, part of its so-called Pixel Drop program in March. Pixel watches and all Android devices will also receive some new features. The most notable parts of the update include using AI to detect scams in messages and calls, better classification in screenshot apps, menstrual tracking on Pixel Watch 3, and the ability to share your live location with friends through the Find My Device app.
Pixel phone function
Google is launching scam detection using the company’s Gemini Nano model for all English-speaking Pixel 9 series users in the U.S. This feature is currently in Beta. The company used two different models for limited beta (Pemini Nano on Pixel 9 devices, as well as Pixel 6 and new users’ device machine learning. After the test, the company determined that using the Gemini Nano was the best choice.
The company says it can handle conversations on your device, and its processing is inherently transient. It can warn users of potential scams anytime in a conversation.
In other news, Google is adding support to add multiple external cameras to the Pixel 9 series as the March update. For example, you can add GOPRO or other pixel phone cameras to help you stream on the platform through various angles.
The company can also enhance people’s images with text prompts in the Pixel Studio app and support English, Japanese and German. So far, the app does not support the generation of human images.
The Screenshot app will also get updates, which will automatically suggest adding screenshots based on content. Additionally, the app is suitable for working profiles for your Pixel 9 device.
With the latest updates, Pixel Fold users can use the dual-screen feature to view content recorded using the external screen. Additionally, the external screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is obtained “Add me” function This uses AI to place the person taking pictures in a group photo.
Google also added satellite messaging support for Pixel 9 users of Verizon or T-Mobile customers. The company is expanding the availability of satellite messaging capabilities to users in Canada, EMEA, Hawaii and Alaska.
What’s more, everyone using the Pixel 6 and the newer, Pixel watches and Pixel tablets can transfer recordings from other devices and transcribe them using the Recorder app.
Gemini Update
Google is updating Gemini Live’s Pemini Live’s multi-mode features for the Pixel 6 and update devices, as well as Pixel Fold devices. This means that users can add images, files, and YouTube videos when using Gemini Live and ask questions to AI assistants.
The company is also not manually switching languages for multilingual conversations. Currently, this feature supports over 45 languages.
Earlier this week Mobile World CongressGoogle announced that the company will introduce support for Gemini video and screen sharing in a few weeks.
Android update
If you have an Android device that is not a pixel phone, you will also get some new features. Google focuses on scam detection with the latest update. When someone sends you a message, the company is using AI to detect patterns. If the system detects a potential scam message, the user will receive a real-time warning.
The company has also added new features to the Find My Devices app, which allows you to send your current location to your friends and family and get their live location here.
Google has also added a new voice toolbar to Gboard to make dictation easier.
When you use your phone via Android Auto, you will be able to play Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2 and Beach Buggy Racing while parking your car.
The company is adding shopping insights for Chrome on Android, allowing you to view product price history, track prices drop and compare prices for different websites.
Pixel watch update
Google has been approved by the U.S. FDA for its pulse loss feature on the Pixel Watch 3. This feature automatically contacts emergency services when a person wearing a watch is in cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning.
If you have a Pixel Watch 3, you can turn on menstrual tracking on board with login or daily notifications.
The Pixel Watch 2 is getting automatic bedtime support, which detects the time you sleep
The company is adding better step tracking to all pixel watches to track more accurately events such as pushing a shopping cart or wheelchair, jogging with a stroller or hiking with a pole. Finally, there are new audio controls on the pixel watch for common interactions such as fast forwarding, rewinding, adjusting playback speed or controlling queues.
