Google announced a series of updates for Pixel and Android devices as part of its December feature drop. The updates include new Gemini tools, an enhanced Pixel Screenshots app, more expressive captions, and improved accessibility options.
Android Updates
Google is expanding Gemini's capabilities with extensions for Spotify, messaging, calling, and smart home controls. These enhancements let users browse songs, manage playlists, and make calls or send messages through default apps. Soon, Gemini will also enable users to control smart home devices.
Additionally, Gemini Advance is being updated to remember user preferences, such as dietary choices, to offer tailored suggestions like recipes.
The Lookout app for visually impaired users now includes Gemini 1.5, which allows voice-driven image Q&A and AI-generated image captions.
Android's new expressive captions feature conveys on-screen emotions by describing sounds and expressions such as [whispering], [cheers and applause], or [groaning].
Google Drive is getting an upgrade with auto-enhancements for document images, improving white balance and contrast. Meanwhile, the Gboard keyboard now includes more sticker combos, and users can generate QR codes for photos and videos in the share sheet.
Pixel Updates
For Pixel devices, Google is introducing a simplified mode with larger fonts and improved touch sensitivity for better accessibility. A new theft-protection update will require biometric authentication to change sensitive settings in unfamiliar locations.
Snap users will notice an improved photo picker that shows all folders, favorites, and cloud photos. The share sheet now displays album art for songs identified via the Now Playing feature, and call screening has been enhanced to show conversations between an AI agent and a caller before deciding to answer.
The Pixel Screenshots app, launched with the Pixel 9 series, now organizes screenshots using search filters and lets users save and act on content like tickets or passes, which can be added to Google Wallet. The app also provides recommendations for movies, music, and products based on screenshots.
Pixel 9 devices gain Gemini Nano, which offers contextual smart replies during calls. These devices also support posting and capturing HDR photos on Instagram. The Recorder app now features a clearer voice mode, and stickers created in Pixel Studio can appear in Gboard.
Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices now have a dual-screen portrait mode, allowing subjects to preview framing during a photo. The “Made You Look” feature, designed to capture a child’s or pet’s attention using screen animations, has also been expanded.
Pixel Watch and Tablet Updates
The Pixel Watch 2 integrates Nest Cam and Doorbell notifications, enabling users to see who is at their door. Loss-of-pulse detection, which alerts a contact if no heartbeat is detected, is now available for Pixel Watch 3 users in Germany and Portugal.
Fitness tracking features like cardio load are now supported on multiple devices, including Pixel Watches and Fitbit models.
The Pixel Tablet gains new VPN capabilities and support for lock screen widgets.