Google has begun rolling out its March Pixel Drop for Pixel phones and Pixel Watch models. The update introduces changes to Circle to Search, expanded Gemini app actions, new personalization options, regional AI feature availability, and additional Pixel Watch safety tools.
Circle to Search: Multi-object recognition and virtual try-on
Circle to Search now supports multi-object image recognition. Users can circle multiple elements on the screen to search for each item within a single query.
Use cases include:
- Identifying multiple plants in an image
- Learning about characters shown in a trailer
- Exploring different dishes in a food image
- Finding individual items in an outfit
On Pixel 10 devices, users can circle an entire outfit to receive search results covering each visible item.
Eligible product listings now include a “Try It On” button inside image results. Users can upload their own photo or select a model to preview how the item appears.
Gemini app completes tasks across supported apps
The Gemini app adds background task handling as a beta feature. Gemini can complete actions across supported apps, including:
- Ordering groceries
- Booking rideshare services
- Reordering frequently purchased items
Users can review or stop tasks at any time.
Magic Cue integrates restaurant search inside chats
When users are messaging about restaurant plans, Magic Cue prompts them to open Gemini directly within the chat.
Gemini opens in a new window inside the conversation and displays restaurant options based on the discussion, without requiring users to switch apps.
Now Playing becomes a standalone app
Now Playing, Pixel’s built-in music recognition feature, is now available as a separate app.
Users can:
- View their complete song recognition history
- Track previously identified tracks
- Open songs in their preferred music streaming app
At a Glance expands real-time updates
The At a Glance widget now supports additional live information, including:
- Transit delay updates
- Real-time sports scores
- Google Finance portfolio tracking
- Suggested routes home
AI-generated icon styles and theme pack
Pixel devices now offer five AI-generated icon styles that apply a consistent visual design across home screen apps. A SpongeBob SquarePants Theme Pack is also available as an optional customization.
Regional AI feature expansion
- Scam Detection in Phone app: Scam Detection identifies speech patterns commonly associated with fraud and alerts users if a call becomes suspicious.
- Call Notes in India: Call Notes records and transcribes phone conversations, allowing users to review calls later.
Pixel Watch: Phone protection and Find Hub
Pixel Watch now supports additional connected device features:
- Sends alerts if the phone is left behind
- Automatically locks the phone when it moves out of range
- Enables faster identity verification when watch and phone are connected
- Find Hub allows users to:
- Ring devices within Bluetooth range
- View device location and directions if out of range
One-handed gestures expand to Pixel Watch 3
One-handed gestures introduced with Pixel Watch 4 are expanding to Pixel Watch 3.
Users can double pinch or turn their wrist to:
- Answer calls
- Take photos
- Pause music
- Control workouts
A new Express Pay option allows users to tap the watch to a payment reader without opening the Google Wallet app first.
Safety features: Earthquake alerts and Satellite SOS
Pixel Watch now includes standalone earthquake alerts that provide real-time notifications and advance warnings of nearby seismic activity. Satellite SOS enables emergency contact when cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.
Availability
The rollout starts this week and will continue over the next several weeks.
- Scam Detection is available on Pixel phones in France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Japan.
- Call Notes is available in India.
- Satellite SOS is available in Canada, Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Availability may vary by device and region.