Google releases a “Pixel Drop” feature update for all supported Pixel devices every month, but the December edition is one of the biggest of the year.
A total of 20 new features are rolling out to Pixel phones and Pixel tablet today, many of which significantly improve the experience of using them. This is in addition to the six versions rolling out to all Android phones.
In this article, we'll go over them all and make sure your Pixel device is one of those that receives the update.
What's new in Google's December Pixel Drop?
Here's everything you can expect:
Gemini
- Saved Information – Gemini can memorize their interests and preferences (like dietary requirements), so that responses (like a recipe) are most relevant
- Better app support – Gemini can be used to make calls, send messages, set alarms, control settings and open the camera app, with Spotify, Google Maps and smart home controls added “in weeks to come.”
- Better call screening responses (Pixel 9 phones only): When screening a call, Gemini Nano's one-click suggestions will be “more contextual.”
- Live call screen transcripts: Follow the conversation between the caller and the AI agent as it unfolds, and answer or decline at any time.
Cameras
- Ultra HDR on Instagram (Pixel 9 phones only): Take and post Ultra HDR photos from the Instagram app
- Snapchat integration with Google Photos – Snapchat's photo picker will now include all your folders, favorites and cloud photos from Google Photos
- Dual screen (Pixel Fold and 9 Pro Fold only): When you take a photo in the Camera app, the subject can see a preview on the cover screen
- Made You Look updates (Pixel Fold and 9 Pro Fold only): Cover screen animations to draw kids' attention to photos now available on older foldables, plus Joy from Inside Out movies available
Keyboard
- Pixel Studio Stickers in Gboard: Any AI-generated stickers you created in the Pixel Studio app can be sent directly from the keyboard
- Emoji Kitchen in Gboard – create and send emoji mash-ups from the keyboard
Pixel Screenshots
- Add Circle to Search Products (Pixel 9 phones only): Save any product you've identified to its own folder for later.
- Automatic categorization (Pixel 9 phones only): All screenshots are assigned a category as soon as they are saved, making it easier to find the information they contain later
- Tickets or cards added to Google Wallet (Pixel 9 phones only): Any boarding passes, driving licenses, credit cards, and more captured with a screenshot can all be added.
- Gboard Suggestions (Pixel 9 phones only): Get suggestions for movies, music, products, or other text from screenshots when searching in “relevant apps.”
General
- Clear voice in recorder (Pixel 9 phones only): When enabled, focuses on speakers while reducing background noise
- Simple Display (Pixel 6 and later): When enabled, increases font size and touch sensitivity, making the device easier to use
- Now Playing Artwork – after identifying a song, it will now be displayed next to the album art in the Now Playing history.
- Faster Pixel tablet controls (Pixel tablet only): Swipe right from the lock screen to quickly access smart home, timer, music, and other controls.
- Identity Verification (Beta) – requires face or fingerprint authentication to change sensitive settings
- Google VPN on Pixel tablet – previously only available on Pixel phones
Will my device benefit from Google's December Pixel Drop?
Yes, provided Google still supports it with feature updates. For the December Pixel Drop, the list of phones and tablets is as follows:
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro foldable
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel folding
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
If you have one of these phones, make sure it's running the latest software version. The December Pixel Drop has started rolling out, but it may take a while before it's available on all devices.
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