In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Google’s March Pixel Drop brings major AI improvements, including enhanced Magic Cue with Gemini-powered restaurant recommendations and a standalone Now Playing app for music identification.
- Circle to Search on Pixel 10 now recognizes multiple objects simultaneously, while the Try It On feature allows virtual outfit testing on user images.
- These updates roll out over several weeks to compatible Pixel devices, significantly upgrading AI capabilities before Android 17’s anticipated release.
The March Pixel Drop is here, with Google bringing its Pixel users a selection of different new features and upgrades across Pixel phones and smartwatches.
According to a new Google blog post, the latest major Pixel firmware update is rolling out now, and will steadily make its way to all compatible Pixel smartphones over “the next several weeks”.
This sounds like a big one, too – certainly when you consider that the next full version of Google’s mobile OS, Android 17, is likely to be only a few months away.
Here are the most exciting additions coming with the March Pixel Drop.
Circle to Search gets smarter
Circle to Search has always felt like one of the most magical and downright useful features of a current AI revolution, and it just got even smarter – for Google Pixel 10 owners, at least.
Multi-object image recognition means that Google’s tool can now separate out individual objects within your hastily drawn circle, not just hone in on one thing.
Google supplies a couple of handy 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 lets you superimpose an outfit onto an image of yourself.
Gemini becomes a proper assistant (kind of)
In the latest instance of digital assistants becoming better at the whole ‘assistant’ thing, Gemini has just gained the ability to use third-party ordering apps like DoorDash and Uber to order groceries and cabs on your behalf.
The feature is only in beta at present and only works with Pixel 10-series devices.
Magic Cue gets some taste
Magic Cue was one of the most impressive AI features to arrive alongside the Pixel 10 series back in August. Or at least, it was in theory.
Its much-heralded ability to provide helpful contextual information when you need it didn’t seem to work as advertised during our initial time with Google’s flagship phones.
Google seems to be working to make Magic Cue smarter and more useful. With the March Pixel Drop, while texting with friends about where to eat, Magic Drop will provide a Gemini prompt to find restaurant recommendations. You won’t even need to leave the chat.
Now Playing hits the big time
The Now Playing tool might just be my favourite aspect of Pixel ownership. The way it constantly listens out for music playing in the background never fails to impress, and it seems to be far more consistent than it used to be, too.
With its March Pixel Drop, Google has rewarded Now Playing for its fine service by spinning it off into a dedicated app. It provides a set place for you to go and check on old music discoveries via the history tab, and an easy way to then listen to those tracks back on your chosen music service.
And the rest
Those are the features Google led with in its March Pixel Drop preview, but there are a bunch 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 come to Pixel Watch 3
- Earthquake alerts and expanded Satellite SOS on Pixel Watch
Author: Jon Mundy, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.