Google Unveils March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, Powered by Gemini and Enhanced Connectivity
Google has officially announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, bringing a wave of innovative features and enhancements to Pixel devices. This update, accompanied by the release of Android 15 QPR2, focuses on leveraging the power of Gemini AI, expanding connectivity options, and refining core Pixel experiences. The updates are rolling out starting today, promising Pixel users a significant upgrade in functionality and convenience.
Gemini AI Takes Center Stage
A central theme of the March 2025 Feature Drop is the integration of Google’s advanced Gemini AI models. Google confirms that the enhanced Gemini Live experience is now powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, a faster and more efficient iteration of the AI model. This translates to improvements in understanding context during conversations and smoother multilingual interactions.
Notably, Gemini Live will now allow users to speak in any combination of over 45 languages without needing to pre-select languages in settings. This opens up unprecedented possibilities for seamless communication across language barriers, making Pixel devices more useful for international travelers and multilingual individuals.
The Pixel 6 and newer devices are gaining the ability to "Talk Live" about images, files, and YouTube videos. This feature utilizes Gemini’s understanding of visual content to allow users to engage in more in-depth discussions about what they are seeing on their screens. Google also teased upcoming Live camera and screen sharing capabilities powered by Project Astra, hinting at further advancements in AI-powered visual communication.
Expanding Connectivity Options
Beyond AI, the March Feature Drop introduces exciting new connectivity features, particularly for content creators and those in need of emergency communication.
The Pixel 9 series is getting a "Connected Camera" capability that allows users to connect a GoPro HERO10 Black (and newer) or a Pixel 6 as an external camera source. This enables livestreaming from multiple angles, with a floating vertical pill providing easy access to switch between paired cameras and add new devices. The Connected Camera feature will support popular social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, catering to the growing demand for versatile livestreaming options. The connection between devices is established via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for optimal performance.
For those who frequently record videos, the Pixel Fold series will now support Dual Screen mode in video mode. This allows the person being recorded to see themselves on the external display, making it easier to frame shots and adjust their appearance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes this feature a step further with "Add Me" functionality in Dual Screen mode, simplifying alignment for self-portraits and group shots.
Satellite SOS is being expanded to Hawaii and Alaska in the US, as well as Canada, the UK, and Europe, exclusively on the Pixel 9 series. This critical feature provides users with the ability to contact emergency services even when they are outside of cellular network coverage. The Satellite SOS service will be available free of charge for two years, offering peace of mind to adventurers and those living in remote areas.
In addition, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold users on T-Mobile and Verizon will gain access to carrier satellite messaging. This service will support both 911 emergency calls and text messaging to other contacts via satellite when no cellular connection is available.
First-Party App Updates
The March 2025 Feature Drop also includes a range of updates to Google’s first-party apps, further enhancing the Pixel experience.
Pixel Studio on the Pixel 9 series is gaining the ability to generate images of people, mirroring the recent rollout of Imagen 3 person generation to the free tier of Gemini. This feature provides users with new creative tools for generating personalized and realistic images.
Pixel Screenshots will now automatically suggest items for your Collections, making it easier to organize and manage your screenshots. Users can approve or reject these suggestions using a checkmark or delete button in the new "Suggestions" carousel. Furthermore, Google is making the Pixel Screenshots app available in your Work Profile on the Pixel 9 series, supporting English, Japanese, and German languages.
Specific to the Pixel 9 series in Japan, users will now have access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, and Recorder’s AI summaries. In Pixel Weather, Japanese users will also benefit from AI weather reports and a pollen tracker card, providing comprehensive and localized information. German Pixel 9 series users will gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, and AI Weather reports.
Enhanced Security and Scam Protection
Recognizing the growing threat of scams, Google is introducing new features to protect Pixel users.
The Phone by Google app is getting real-time Scam Detection, designed to identify suspicious patterns commonly used by fraudulent actors. When a potential scam call is detected, the phone will vibrate and make audible alerts to prompt the user to check the "Likely scam" warning. This feature is launching for the Pixel 9 series in the US and is powered by on-device Gemini Nano with Multimodality, ensuring privacy and responsiveness.
Similarly, Google Messages will feature Scam Detection, displaying a card directly in the conversation if "common scams" are detected. Users can quickly report and block the sender or mark the message as "Not a scam." This feature is launching first in English in the US, UK, and Canada, providing an extra layer of protection against fraudulent messages.
Gboard Voice Toolbar Expands to Phones
Finally, the Gboard Voice Toolbar, previously exclusive to the Pixel Tablet, is now rolling out to Pixel phones. This feature provides quick access to voice typing and editing tools, streamlining the process of composing messages and documents hands-free.
The March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop represents a significant step forward in enhancing the Pixel ecosystem. By leveraging the power of Gemini AI, expanding connectivity options, and refining core Pixel experiences, Google is delivering a feature-rich update that promises to improve productivity, creativity, and overall user satisfaction. As the updates roll out, Pixel users can look forward to a smarter, more connected, and more secure mobile experience.
