Huge Pixel Drop free software upgrade adds 20 new features

Google releases a ‘Pixel Drop’ feature update for all supported Pixel devices every month, but the December edition is one of its biggest of the year. 

In total, there are 20 new features rolling out to Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet today, many of which significantly improve the experience of using them. That’s on top of six being rolled out to all Android phones. 

In this article, we’ll run through all of them, and make sure your Pixel device will be among those getting the update. 

What’s new in Google’s December Pixel Drop?

Here’s everything you can look forward to: 

Gemini

• Saved info – Gemini can remember interests and preferences (such as dietary requirements), so responses (such as 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 being added “in the coming weeks” 
• Better Call Screen responses (Pixel 9 phones only) – when screening a call, Gemini Nano’s one-tap suggestions will be “more contextual” 
• Live Call Screen transcripts – see conversation between caller and AI agent as it’s happening, plus answer or decline at any time

Cameras

• Ultra HDR in Instagram (Pixel 9 phones only) – take and post Ultra HDR photos from within the Instagram app 
• Snapchat Google Photos integration – Snapchat’s Photo Picker will now include all your folders, favourites and cloud photos from Google Photos 
• Dual Screen (Pixel Fold and 9 Pro Fold only) – when taking 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) – animations on the cover screen to get children’s attention for photos now available on older foldable, plus Joy from Inside Out films available 

Keyboard

• Pixel Studio stickers in Gboard – any AI-generated stickers you’ve made in the Pixel Studio app can be sent directly from the keyboard 
• Emoji Kitchen in Gboard – create and send emoji mash-ups from within the keyboard 

Pixel Screenshots

• Add Circle to Search products (Pixel 9 phones only) – save any product you’ve identified into its own folder for later 
• Automatic categorisation (Pixel 9 phones only) – all screenshots are assigned a category as soon as they’re saved, making information in them easier to find later 
• Tickets or cards added to Google Wallet (Pixel 9 phones only) – any screenshotted boarding passes, driving licences, credit cards and more can all be added 
• Gboard suggestions (Pixel 9 phones only) – get suggestions of movies, music, products or other text from screenshots while searching in “relevant apps” 

General

• Clear voice in Recorder (Pixel 9 phones only) – when enabled, focuses on speakers while reducing background noise 
• Simple View (Pixel 6 and newer) – when enabled, increases the font size and touch sensitivity, making the device easier to use 
• Now Playing artwork – after identifying a song, it’ll now be displayed alongside album art within Now Playing history 
• Faster Pixel Tablet controls (Pixel Tablet only) – swipe right from the lock screen for quick access to smart home, timer, music and other controls 
• Identity Check (beta) – requires face or fingerprint authentication to change sensitive settings 
• Google VPN on Pixel Tablet – previously only available on Pixel phones 

Will my device get Google’s December Pixel Drop?

Yes, provided Google is still supporting 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 Fold 
• Pixel 8a
• Pixel 8 
• Pixel 8 Pro 
• Pixel Fold 
• Pixel Tablet 
• Pixel 7a 
• Pixel 7 
• Pixel 7 Pro 
• Pixel 6a 
• Pixel 6 
• Pixel 6 Pro 

If you own one of these phones, make sure it’s running the latest software version. The December Pixel Drop has begun rolling out, but it may take a while to become available on all devices.