Google has rolled out a major Pixel Feature Drop for eligible Pixel devices, and it is packed with some truly useful and fun updates. It brings AI-powered notifications to scam protection, photo editing with Gemini, and some other smart improvements to make Pixel phones even more powerful.
Let us take a closer look at the biggest new features.
Remix any photo right inside Google Messages
The most interesting addition is the new Remix feature in Google Messages. It lets you edit and reimagine any photo directly inside a chat. You can add creative touches or completely transform a picture without leaving the app. Remix is powered by Google’s Gemini-based Nano Banana model, which handles image generation and editing. The best part of the feature is that even users on non-Pixel phones can see your remixed photos. And if both users have Google Messages, they can remix the same photo back and forth for fun interactions.
Add some magic with Wicked: For Good theme packs
Google has also introduced Wicked: For Good theme packs inspired by the upcoming film Wicked. These themes give your Pixel a magical look with wallpapers, icons, system sounds, and even custom GIFs. You can choose between three styles: For Good, Glinda, and Elphaba, to match your mood. It is a small touch, but it makes your phone feel fresh and fun.
AI-powered notification summaries
If you often get long chat threads or group messages, your Pixel can now help you stay on top of them. AI-powered notification summaries quickly recap lengthy conversations so you can see what is important without opening the full chat. Starting in December, Google will expand this feature to automatically sort and silence lower-priority notifications, helping you focus on what matters most.
Automatic scam alerts in chats
Pixel 6 and newer devices in the U.S. will now show “Likely scam” warnings when suspicious messages appear in chat notifications from popular apps. This AI-based feature can identify messages that look like scams, giving users an early alert before they fall for any tricks.
Better control over VIP contacts
Google is also improving how you stay connected to your most important people. Messages from your VIP contacts will now be prioritized so you never miss them. Plus, the Contacts widget gets a crisis badge that shows critical alerts related to your VIPs — for example, safety updates or emergency notifications.
Smarter and more personal photo editing in Google Photos
The Google Photos app is getting a major AI upgrade. You can now make personalized edits just by asking Photos to fix specific things — like removing sunglasses, opening someone’s eyes, or adding a smile. It uses your existing photo library and face groups to make natural-looking changes. This feature is currently rolling out to eligible Android users in the U.S., and it is powered by Gemini Nano.
Save battery while navigating in Google Maps
For travelers, there is a new Power Saving Mode in Google Maps. When enabled, it simplifies the navigation layout to show only the most important information while saving up to four extra hours of battery life. This is perfect for long trips when you need your phone to last.
Pixel’s smart features expanding globally
Google is also expanding several Pixel-exclusive features to more countries. Scam Detection for phone calls, which warns users about potential scams based on voice patterns, is now available for Pixel 9 and newer devices in the U.K., Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada.
Another big feature, Call Notes, is also expanding to more regions. It uses Gemini Nano to record calls, create transcripts and summaries, and even list next steps based on your conversation. This makes it easier to remember important details without writing them down manually.
More timely suggestions with Magic Cue
Finally, Magic Cue now delivers smarter and more timely suggestions using Google’s new Private AI Compute technology. This system processes data securely in the cloud while maintaining the same privacy protection as on-device AI.
This Pixel Feature Drop shows how Google is using AI to make everyday smartphone tasks simpler, smarter, and more fun. From chatting and photos to notifications and safety, these updates give Pixel users plenty to look forward to.
