The first Pixel Drop of 2025 is here, and it’s bringing a range of new features for security, productivity, and more. A ‘Pixel Drop’ refers to the day a new update launches for a Google Pixel device to celebrate the new features and improvements. Previously, it was known as a ‘Feature Drop.’ 

The March Pixel Drop is massive for several reasons. Not only is it the first Pixel Drop of 2025, but it’s also one of the first major updates for the new Pixel 9 range. The updates aren’t only for the latest models; they’re for older Pixels, too.

The last Pixel Drop was back in December 2024 and introduced many new features, including updates to Google’s AI Gemini. The December 2024 Pixel Drop even brought in new security features like theft protection and identity checks.

This year’s March Pixel Drop is aiming to be even bigger. This article will cover everything you need to know about the latest Pixel update. This includes all the new features and what phones will receive them.

What Is In The Latest Google Pixel Update?

The new Pixel Drop update includes new artificial intelligence features, safety and health software, and productivity tools. We’ve split up all the new features into easy-to-read categories and provided a brief overview below.

New AI Features

One of the biggest updates is Google’s Gemini Live. The AI assistant, using the power of 2.0 Flash, will be able to better understand the user and also multilingual conversation. Gemini Live will now be able to understand over 45 languages without the user having to change their language settings.

Google is also planning to roll out an update for Gemini Live that’ll allow users to interact with the AI through live video and screen sharing. This feature was first shown at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona.

A new ‘suggestions’ feature has also been added to Pixel Screenshots. It’ll recommend that you add your screenshots to particular collections based on the content. This feature will even work for work profiles, so you can easily organise receipts, e.g., from client dinners.

It’ll also be possible to create unique images of people using Pixel Studio. All you need to do is enter a description of the person and/or scene, and the app will bring your idea to life. *This is only available on the Pixel 9 series in certain countries.

Health & Safety

Scam detection is also getting a major upgrade with the new March Pixel Drop. Users will be able to power scam detection through on-device AI using Gemini Nano. The feature will also be available in Google Messages (as well as calls) to flag any conversational text patterns commonly associated with scams and receive real-time warnings.

*Some of the following features are currently only available in certain regions.

• Loss of pulse detection on the Pixel Watch 3 is now available in the United States. It can detect when the user’s heart suddenly stops beating from an event like primary cardiac arrest and alert authorities for potentially life-saving care.

• The ‘Find My Device’ feature can now be used to share your live location wth friends and family. Similarly, friends and family will also be able to share their location with you.

• The Pixel Watch 3 now has a new on-device menstrual tracking system. So, users can conveniently log periods, check their cycle status and predict their next period.
  

The Pixel Watch has also received other improvements as part of the update. This includes the ability to track steps with greater precision and identify when the user deviates from a typical walking pattern (like jogging with a stroller). 

The auto-bedtime mode that was initially a Pixel Watch 3 exclusive feature will now also be launching on the Pixel Watch 2. It can automatically detect when the user falls asleep and turn the watch face off and disable notifications to conserve battery and minimise distractions. 

Camera Updates

The Pixel Fold’s exclusive Dual Screen Preview feature has also received an update. The app now supports video recording. Pixel 9 Pro Fold users can also now use ‘Add Me’ with Dual Screen Preview to include more people. 

The March Pixel Drop has also introduced a new feature to make streaming easier on Pixel devices. The new feature, ‘Connected Cameras’, allows users to easily connect the device to another camera, like from another Pixel phone or a GoPro, and use all the cameras at once to stream to social media platforms from different angles and easily swap between them. 

Productivity

Users will now be able to transfer any old recordings on their older phone or Pixel watch to their new Pixel device and have them automatically transcribed in the Recorder app. Google has also made it easier to access voice-to-type with the Gboard’s new Voice Toolbar. You’ll be able to access voice-to-type without needing to open/access the full keyboard. 

Finally, this new update has also brought new personalisation tools so the phone can adapt to your life. In the ‘Modes’ setting, users will be able to see options alongside ‘Do Not Disturb’, like bedtime and driving. Users can set up these modes to start/end at certain times, block out notifications from certain apps, and more. 

Features To Spot On Your Google Pixel Phone After the Update

As the new Pixel Drop update is rolling out, the two new features you should try are the new safety/health tools and routine personalisation. The routine personalisation/new ‘Modes’ are a great way to minimise any distractions and further control your phone’s notifications and settings throughout the day.

For example, users can set up a bedtime mode for when they want to settle down and block out anything but alarms and/or emergency notifications. It’s a great way to improve your sleep hygiene and habits. Users can also create their own custom modes and adapt them for certain situations. For example, a mode for studying or during work.

The advanced safety and health tools are also worth enabling. In particular, the new ‘Find My Device’ feature is a great way to track the important people in your life. Being able to share (and view) the location of your friends and family and have it seamlessly integrate into the rest of Google’s ecosystem is essential.

Which Phones Will Receive The Update?

Google supports its older Pixel phones for a minimum of five years, while its newer models (Pixel 8 and later) are supported for seven years. Multiple generations of Pixel devices are receiving the new March Pixel Drop. Below, we’ve outlined the models:

• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a

• Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a

• Pixel Tablet

• Pixel Fold

• Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a

• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold

It’s important to note that not all the new features from the March Pixel Drop will be available on the older models. For example, the new AI Pixel Screenshot feature isn’t available on the Pixel 6 range. Along with the new March Pixel Drop, the Pixel phones are still receiving the usual Android OS firmware updates.

At the time of writing, the last major Android operating system update was Android 15. It was released in September 2024. Android 15 is available on every Pixel phone from the 6 onward.

What Makes The Google Pixel Phones So Great?

The Google Pixel phones are so popular because of their cameras, amazing (and speedy) support from Google, and clean Android experience. Because Google develops the Android operating system, it’s optimised on Pixels, and they’re always the first to receive any new updates.

The Google Pixel phones are also one of the few devices in the Android ecosystem that run the ‘stock’ operating system. That means it remains completely unchanged. While manufacturers like Samsung and OPPO use Android, it is heavily edited and, in some cases, comes with third-party apps installed.

So, with the Google Pixel, you’re guaranteed no bloatware or third-party apps. It’s the pure, original Android experience. The Pixel phones are also renowned for their camera, which is generally regarded as the best in the smartphone industry.

While Pixel phone cameras don’t always have the highest megapixel count, they are supported by Google’s amazing post-processing software and AI tools. Pixel phones are also integrated seamlessly into the rest of Google’s ecosystem.

From the Pixel watches to the Google search engine and Gemini AI, the Pixel integrates seamlessly with every other Google product. All your data and account information is shared for quality of life and personalisation.

The user interface is also a major selling point of the Pixel series. The UI is designed around simplicity and minimalism, making it easy to navigate. It’s like the iPhone equivalent of the Android market, crafted to be intuitive and easy to learn.

There’s also a wide range of Pixel models to suit every budget and individual, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone—the Pixel ‘a’ series—or a phone-tablet hybrid with the Pixel fold. 

Buy The Latest Refurbished Google Pixel Phones at OzMobiles

OzMobiles is proud to stock a range of refurbished Google products, including the latest Pixel phones, like the Pro Fold, and Google Nest products. If you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10* (terms and conditions apply).

We’re also a one-stop shop for all your mobile phone needs. So, along with buying a refurbished phone through us, you can also order accessories, like a screen protector and case, saving you time and money.

All the devices we sell, including our Pixel range, go through an extensive refurbishment process. During this, a qualified technician using industry-grade tools inspects and restores the phone to like-new condition to ensure it is running optimally.

If any repairs are required during this process, only genuine parts are used. Our phones also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy. So, you can shop with confidence.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about our Pixel phones, reach out and contact us today. Our team would love to hear from you.