Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Google’s March Pixel Drop introduces 10 new features for Pixel devices, including a standalone Now Playing app with music history tracking and improved Circle to Search capabilities.
- Tech Advisor reports that Circle to Search now recognizes multiple objects simultaneously, while Magic Cue receives Gemini-powered restaurant recommendations and enhanced AI functionality.
- The update will roll out to compatible Pixel smartphones and smartwatches over several weeks, arriving ahead of the expected release of Android 17.
The March Pixel Drop has arrived, with Google offering its Pixel users a selection of several new features and upgrades for Pixel phones and smartwatches.
According to a new blog post from Google, the latest major Pixel firmware update is now rolling out and will steadily make its way to all compatible Pixel smartphones over the coming weeks.
This also sounds like a big one – especially considering that the next full version of Google’s mobile operating system, Android 17, is likely just a few months away.
Here are the most exciting additions from March’s Pixel Drop.
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Circle to Search is getting smarter
Circle to Search has always felt like one of the most magical and downright useful features of the current AI revolution, and it just got even smarter – at least for Google Pixel 10 owners.
Multi-object image recognition means Google’s tool can now distinguish individual objects within your hastily drawn circle, rather than just focusing on one thing.
Google provides some useful illustrations, such as identifying every plant in a botanical garden, every character in a movie trailer, or every element of a bento box.
There’s also a new ‘Try It On’ button within Circle to Search that allows you to overlay an outfit over an image of yourself.
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Gemini becomes a real assistant (sort of)
In the latest case of digital assistants getting better at the whole “assistant” thing, Gemini just gained the ability to use third-party ordering apps like DoorDash and Uber to order groceries and taxis on your behalf.
The feature is currently only in beta and only works with Pixel 10 series devices.
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Magic Cue gets some flavor
Magic Cue was one of the most impressive AI features to arrive alongside the Pixel 10 series in August. Or at least it was in theory.
The much-touted ability to provide useful contextual information when you need it didn’t seem to work as advertised during our first time with Google’s flagship phones.
Google seems to be working on making Magic Cue smarter and more useful. With March’s Pixel Drop, while you’re texting with friends about where to eat, Magic Drop will give you a Gemini prompt to find restaurant recommendations. You don’t even have to leave the chat.
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Playing now is a great success
The Now Playing tool is perhaps my favorite aspect of Pixel ownership. The way it constantly listens to music playing in the background never fails to impress, and it also seems to be much more consistent than it used to be.
With March’s Pixel Drop, Google Now rewarded Playing for its good service by turning it into a dedicated app. It provides a go-to place for you to view old music discoveries through the History tab, and an easy way to then listen to those songs on your chosen music service.
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And the rest
Those are the features Google got to work on in March’s Pixel Drop preview, but there are a number of other additions to look out for, including some that relate to the Pixel Watch.
- New insights from At a Glance
- AI-generated custom icons
- Key AI features coming to more regions
- Pixel Watch alerts and protection when you leave your phone
- Hand gestures are coming to Pixel Watch 3
- Earthquake alerts and extended satellite SOS on Pixel Watch
