Google on Tuesday introduced four new Android features to keep users connected and simplify daily life. Alongside these updates, the March Pixel Drop rolls out fresh tools for Pixel devices, enhancing functionality and safety.
New Android Features for March 2025
Scam Protection with Real-Time Alerts
Google Messages now uses on-device AI to detect scam-like text patterns, issuing real-time warnings to block and report suspicious chats. For Pixel users, Scam Detection for phone calls, powered by Gemini Nano, spots shady call patterns while keeping conversations private.
Google also announced the expansion of Satellite SOS to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and Canada, ensuring emergency service access without cellular or Wi-Fi.
Live Location Sharing
With Find My Device, users can share their live location with trusted contacts. View friends or family on a map—regardless of their device—with full control over who sees it and for how long, plus regular sharing reminders.
More Gaming in Android Auto
While parked, Android Auto users can access additional gaming apps on their car’s screen. Download a game to your phone and enjoy puzzles or racing titles during downtime.
Smarter Shopping in Chrome
Chrome on Android now provides price tracking, history checks, and cross-site comparisons. A “Price is low” alert in the address bar helps users secure better deals.
March Pixel Drop Highlights
New AI Features for Pixel
- Gemini Live Upgrade: Powered by 2.0 Flash, Gemini Live now supports over 45 languages seamlessly—no settings change required. Multimodal support, including images, files, and YouTube videos, extends to Pixel 6, newer models, and Pixel Fold. In the coming weeks, Gemini Advanced users can add live video and screen sharing.
- Organized Screenshots: Pixel Screenshots suggests collections for your shots and now supports work profiles for managing receipts or reports.
- Creative Imaging with Pixel Studio: Type a description into Pixel Studio to generate unique images of people or scenes for sharing with friends and family.
- AI Tools for Japan and Germany: Pixel users in Japan and Germany gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, AI weather reports, and pollen tracking in the Weather app. Japanese users also get AI-powered summaries in the Recorder app for notes or meetings.
Connectivity Boosts
- Verizon Pixel users can text or contact emergency services via satellite without coverage. T-Mobile users can text 911 and loved ones over satellite during emergencies.
- Find My Device Enhancement: Share live locations with friends or family for safety. Set it up in the app, and they can track your journey—while you can see theirs too.
Pixel Watch Updates
- Loss of Pulse Detection: Cleared by the U.S. FDA, this Pixel Watch 3 feature detects sudden heart stoppage (e.g., from cardiac arrest or overdose) and auto-calls emergency services if unresponsive. Launches in the U.S. by late March.
- Menstrual Tracking: Log periods and predict cycles via the Fitbit app on Pixel Watch 3.
- Improved Step Accuracy: Enhanced tracking adjusts for activities like pushing a cart or hiking with poles.
- Auto-Bedtime Mode: Now on Pixel Watch 2, it detects sleep, dims the screen, mutes notifications, and saves battery until you wake.
Camera and Sharing Features
- Pixel Fold’s Dual Screen Preview now supports video recording.
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold adds “Add Me” for inclusive group shots.
- Connected Cameras let creators pair a Pixel with devices like GoPro for multi-angle streaming to social platforms.
Productivity Tools
- Transfer and transcribe old recordings from your phone or Pixel Watch to your current Pixel via the Recorder app.
- Gboard’s Voice Toolbar enables easy voice typing without the full keyboard.
- Customize modes like Driving or Bedtime from the quick settings menu.
- Pixel Watch adds audio controls: fast forward, rewind, adjust speed, or manage playback queues.
Availability
The March Pixel Drop and new Android features begin rolling out today and will continue over the next few weeks.