ByGoogle today announced four new features for Android and Pixel users as part of the March Pixel Drop, and several Pixel-exclusive features.
New features for Android
1. AI-powered scam detection
Thousands of people fall victim to fraud via text messages every year. Now the Google Messages app for Android has added an AI-powered scam detection feature, which will immediately alert users when they receive suspicious messages. This feature can identify text patterns that are associated with scams in SMS, MMS, and RCS messages. This feature will only work for messages coming from unknown numbers and its processing will be done entirely on the device.
This new Scam Detection feature has been launched first for the English language in the US, UK, and Canada and will soon be available in other countries as well. Apart from this, the availability of call scam detection has also been increased for Pixel 9+ users.
2. Live location sharing in Find My Device:
Now the feature of sharing live location is available in the Find My Device app. With this, users can share their location with others in real-time, so that everyone will get the correct information about each other during a meeting or an event.
3. New games in Android Auto:
Now Android Auto will allow you to play games like Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. Users can download them on their smartphones and access them on Android Auto.
4. Price tracking in Google Chrome:
Google Chrome’s new price tracking feature will allow users to view the price history of a product, track price drops and compare prices on different websites. Users can access this feature by tapping on the “Price is low” notification in the Chrome address bar. This feature is currently available in the US and requires Chrome’s “Make Searches and Browsing Better” setting to be enabled.
Exclusive Features for Pixel Users (March Pixel Drop)
Gemini Live Upgrade: Improved understanding and multilingual conversations in 45+ languages.
Gemini Live Multimodal Support: Experience Gemini Live with live video and screen sharing on Pixel 6 and newer devices.
Suggestions feature in Pixel Screenshots app: Automatically organize screenshots.
Pixel Studio: Unique image creation for Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro users (available in English, Japanese, and German).
AI-powered Summary in Recorder app: Automated recording summary for Japanese.
Expansion of Satellite SOS: The service will now also be available in Hawaii, Alaska, Europe and Canada.
Loss of Pulse Detection in Pixel Watch 3: This feature will be available in the US.
On-device period tracking in Pixel Watch 3.
Improved step tracking accuracy in Pixel Watch.
Expansion of Auto-Bedtime mode in Pixel Watch 2.
Video recording with Dual Screen Preview in Pixel Fold.
Add Me feature in Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Connected Cameras: Social media streaming feature from different angles on Pixel 9 phones. This feature will connect to the camera of Pixel 6 and new Pixel phones or GoPro HERO10 Black via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It will work with apps like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
Recording Transfer and Automatic Transcription: Allows for easy transfer of recordings and automatic transcription to existing Pixel phones.
New Voice Toolbar in Gboard: Makes voice-to-type access easier.
Customizable Pixel Modes.
New audio control actions in Pixel Watch.
These new features launched by Google are another step towards further improving Android and Pixel devices’ security and user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the new Scam Detection feature work in Google Messages?
An AI-powered scam detection feature has been added to the Google Messages app. This feature identifies suspicious text patterns in SMS, MMS, and RCS messages and warns users. This feature will only apply to messages coming from unknown numbers, and the entire processing will be done on the device itself.
2. In which countries is the Scam Detection feature available?
This feature was first launched for the English language in the US, UK, and Canada. It will soon be made available in other countries as well.
3. What is a live location sharing in Find My Device?
Now in the Find My Device app, users can share their live location with others, so that friends and family will keep getting information about your exact location.
4. What are the new games added to Android Auto?
Now you can play Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2 and Beach Buggy Racing games in Android Auto.
5. What does the new price tracking feature of Google Chrome do?
This feature in Google Chrome allows you to view the price history of a product, track price drops and compare prices on different websites. It can be accessed by tapping on the “Price is low” notification.
6. What’s new in Gemini Live Upgrade?
Gemini Live is now able to better understand multilingual conversations in 45+ languages and multimodal support has also been added for Pixel 6 and newer devices.
7. What is Pixel Studio and which devices support it?
Pixel Studio is a new feature that allows users to create unique images. It will be available only for Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
8. What is Loss of Pulse Detection in Pixel Watch 3?
This feature makes health monitoring of users better and will be available in the US.
9. What is On-Device Period Tracking in Pixel Watch?
In Pixel Watch 3, users can now track their menstrual cycle on the device itself, making health monitoring easier.
10. What is the Connected Cameras feature and how does it work?
The Connected Cameras feature allows live streaming from different angles on Pixel 9 phones. It can be connected to the camera of Pixel 6 and newer Pixel phones or GoPro HERO10 Black. It will work with apps like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
11. What does Gboard’s new Voice Toolbar do?
Voice Toolbar has been added to Gboard, making voice-to-type access easier.
12. What are Pixel Modes and how can they be customized?
Pixel Modes are new customizable modes that allow users to optimize Pixel devices according to their needs.
