Google’s December Pixel Feature Drop brings new Gemini features, security improvements and more

Google has announced the December Pixel Feature Drop update to eligible Pixel phones. The update brings new ways to use Gemini, camera improvements, and security updates. It also brings some “favourite” features to more countries. The December Pixel Drop and new Android features will begin rolling out to eligible Pixel phones starting today.

Here’s everything new with the latest Pixel Feature Drop

New Pixel Screenshots: As per Google, this feature will keep you organised. When using the ‘Circle to Search’ and you see something you like, you can save it to Pixel Screenshots with just a tap.

Pixel Screenshots can now automatically categorise the screenshots, which makes it easier to find what you need with new search filters. The feature also lets you add tickets or credit card screenshots to Google Wallet for easy access.

Gemini: Google Gemini now includes the ‘Saved Info’ feature, which lets you ask Gemini to remember your interests and preferences so it can offer more helpful and relevant responses. There’s also an option to view, edit or delete any information.

Gemini’s functionality is now accessible across more apps. Users can ask Gemini to call personal contacts or businesses, and draft and send messages with their default phone and messaging apps. Users can set alarms, control the device settings, and open the camera to click a picture.

The update also integrates more services like Spotify for music and control smart home devices that are linked to your Google Account. Lastly, Gemini Live is now available in more languages.

Others

The new Pixel Feature Drop allows you to capture and share Ultra HDR photos directly to Instagram.
Sharing photos and videos on Snapchat is also simplified, where users can access all the media folders directly through the Photo Picker.
Dual Screen in Portrait mode now offers better photo previews on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Emoji Kitchen in Gboard is now updated with new navigation, which makes it easy to find the perfect expression.
The Recorder app has been updated with the new ‘Clear Voice’ feature. This reduces any background noise and distractions automatically.
The new Simple View feature increases the phone’s font size and touch sensitivity, thereby making it easier to see and use controls, apps and widgets.
Now Playing is updated to show album art for each song, enhancing the music discovery.
Pixel Studio stickers are now available directly in the Gboard keyboard and this allows you to share them via messages, social media and more.

If you are travelling, you can now enable the Identity Check (in beta) feature, which requires face or fingerprint authentication before making any changes to sensitive settings on the phone.
Daily Readiness algorithm and new tools like Cardio Load and Target Load will be available on Pixel watches and Fitbit devices. These are claimed to help users know their body better and balance activity with recovery.