March Pixel Drop: AI Scam Detection & Live Location Sharing

Google’s March Pixel Drop: New Features and Updates

On Tuesday, Google revealed a series of software enhancements for Pixel phones as part of its ongoing “Pixel Drop” initiative for March. These updates extend beyond phones, encompassing Pixel Watches and a range of Android devices.

Key Updates in the March Release

The latest release introduces several significant improvements. Among these are the implementation of AI-powered scam detection for both messages and phone calls, and enhanced organization within the screenshot application.

Further additions include menstrual cycle tracking functionality specifically for the Pixel Watch 3. Users can now also conveniently share their real-time location with contacts via the Find My Devices app.

Enhanced Security with AI

A core component of this update is the integration of AI to identify and flag potentially fraudulent communications. This feature aims to protect users from scams delivered through messaging and voice calls.

Improved Screenshot Management

The screenshot app has been refined to offer more intuitive categorization. This allows users to quickly locate and manage captured images.

Pixel Watch 3 and Location Sharing

Pixel Watch 3 owners gain access to menstrual cycle tracking. The Find My Devices app now facilitates effortless live location sharing with trusted individuals.

These updates collectively demonstrate Google’s commitment to enhancing the user experience across its Pixel, Pixel Watch, and Android ecosystems.

Pixel Phone Updates and New Features

Google is introducing a new call scam detection capability for Pixel devices. This feature, powered by the Gemini Nano model, will initially be available to all Pixel 9 series users in the United States who communicate in English. Currently, the functionality is being rolled out as a beta program.

Initial testing involved two distinct approaches: Gemini Nano on Pixel 9 phones, and on-device machine learning for Pixel 6 and later models. Following evaluation, Google concluded that Gemini Nano provides the most effective performance.

The company emphasizes that all conversation processing occurs directly on the user’s device and is designed to be temporary. Real-time warnings regarding potential fraudulent calls will be provided throughout the duration of any conversation.

Expanded Camera Support

Alongside the scam detection feature, the March update brings support for connecting multiple external cameras to Pixel 9 series phones. This allows users to integrate devices like GoPros or additional Pixel phones for diverse streaming perspectives.

Pixel Studio Enhancements

The Pixel Studio app is receiving an update that enables the creation of images depicting people through text prompts. Support for this feature extends to English, Japanese, and German languages. Previously, the app lacked the ability to generate images of individuals.

The screenshot application is also being improved. It will now intelligently suggest relevant screenshots for inclusion in collections, based on their content. Furthermore, the app is now accessible for work profiles on Pixel 9 devices.

New Features for Foldable Devices

Pixel Fold users will benefit from the ability to monitor recordings in real-time using the external screen. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s outer screen gains the “Add Me” function, which leverages AI to seamlessly incorporate the photographer into group photos.

Expanded Connectivity and Accessibility

Satellite messaging support is being extended to Pixel 9 users who are subscribers of Verizon or T-Mobile. The availability of this feature is also expanding to include Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska.

A new capability allows users of Pixel 6 and newer phones, Pixel Watches, and Pixel Tablets to transfer recordings from other devices and transcribe them using the Recorder app.

Gemini Feature Enhancements

Google is implementing updates to the multimodal functionalities of Gemini Live, extending support to Pixel 6 and subsequent models, alongside Pixel Fold devices.

These enhancements empower users to incorporate images, files, and YouTube videos into their interactions with the AI assistant, enabling more complex queries.

Multilingual Conversation Support

A new capability allows for seamless multilingual conversations with Gemini Live, eliminating the need for manual language selection.

Currently, this feature accommodates over 45 different languages, broadening accessibility for a global user base.

Upcoming Video and Screen Sharing

During the Mobile World Congress event, Google revealed plans to integrate video and screen sharing functionalities into Gemini Live.

This addition is scheduled for release within the coming weeks, further expanding the collaborative potential of the AI assistant.

Android System Enhancements

Owners of Android devices, excluding Pixel phones, are set to benefit from a range of new functionalities. Google’s latest update places significant emphasis on bolstering scam detection capabilities. The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to identify suspicious messaging patterns.

Should the system recognize a potentially fraudulent message during a conversation, users will be alerted with a warning in real-time. This proactive approach aims to enhance user security.

Expanded Find My Devices Features

Updates to the Find My Devices application introduce the ability to share your current location with trusted contacts. Reciprocally, you can also view the live location of your friends and family within the app.

Improved voice input is also being implemented through a new voice toolbar within the Gboard application. This enhancement is designed to streamline the dictation process.

Entertainment and Productivity Updates

Android Auto users will soon have access to a selection of games while their vehicles are stationary. Supported titles include Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing.

A new shopping insights feature is being integrated into Chrome for Android devices. This tool allows users to examine a product’s price fluctuations over time.

Users can track price reductions and perform comparisons across various retailers, facilitating informed purchasing decisions.

Key Features Summary

• Enhanced scam detection using AI.
• Real-time scam message warnings.
• Location sharing within Find My Devices.
• New voice toolbar for Gboard.
• In-car gaming via Android Auto.
• Shopping insights in Chrome on Android.

Pixel Watch Feature Enhancements

Recent regulatory approval has been granted to Google by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the loss-of-pulse functionality integrated into the Pixel Watch 3. This critical feature is designed to automatically alert emergency responders when the wearer exhibits unresponsiveness due to events such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, circulatory system failure, or instances of overdose and poisoning.

Users of the Pixel Watch 3 will also gain the ability to activate on-device menstrual cycle tracking. This allows for convenient logging and the receipt of daily notifications related to menstrual health.

The Pixel Watch 2 is receiving an update that introduces automatic bedtime detection. The watch will now intelligently recognize when the user has begun to sleep.

Improvements to step tracking are being implemented across the entire Pixel Watch lineup. These enhancements aim to provide more precise activity recording, accounting for actions like pushing a shopping cart or utilizing a wheelchair.

Expanded Step Tracking Capabilities

• More accurate tracking while jogging with a stroller.
• Improved data collection during hiking with poles.

Furthermore, new audio controls are being added to Pixel Watches. These controls will facilitate common media interactions, including functions like fast-forwarding, rewinding, adjusting playback speed, and managing the playback queue.