Google has rolled out its latest Pixel Drop for November, bringing new AI-powered tools and smarter notification controls to its Pixel lineup.
The update enhances user experience across Maps, Messages, and Photos while expanding features like scam detection and call transcription to more countries.
The Pixel Drop — Google’s quarterly feature release — adds a series of updates aimed at improving productivity, personalization, and performance. Among the highlights are AI-driven photo remixing, smarter notifications, a low-power Maps mode, and enhanced scam detection across multiple regions.
Google’s popular Nano Banana image model is now powering a new feature called Remix in the Messages app. With Remix, users can reimagine photos using simple prompts — for example, transforming a casual selfie into a themed portrait. The feature is rolling out to users in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand, with RCS and English support.
Additionally, Google Photos now includes a “Help me edit” option that lets users issue natural language commands such as, “Remove Riley’s sunglasses, open my eyes, make Engel smile and open her eyes.” The tool recognizes faces using Google Photos’ face grouping technology and applies the requested edits automatically.
Smarter notifications and Pixel vIPs
Following Apple’s lead, Google has introduced notification summaries for longer conversations, debuting on Pixel 9 and newer devices. A follow-up feature — coming in December — will automatically silence low-priority notifications.
Building on its Pixel VIPs feature launched in June, Google is also giving priority to updates from eight selected contacts. If a crisis such as a flood occurs in a VIP’s area, a crisis badge will appear next to their name in the contacts widget, helping users stay informed about loved ones’ safety.
Battery-saving mode for maps
To extend battery life, Google has introduced a low-power mode for Maps, available on Pixel 10 series phones. When enabled, the feature darkens the screen and shows only essential navigation details like routes and upcoming turns. According to Google, this mode can save up to four hours of battery life during navigation.
Expanded scam detection and call features
The Gemini Nano-powered scam detection system, which analyzes phone calls for fraudulent activity, is now available in the U.K., Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada, expanding beyond the U.S.
A related feature, “Likely a scam” message labeling, adds a warning in the notification for potentially fraudulent messages — further enhancing user safety.
Google’s Call Notes feature, which automatically transcribes calls, is also expanding to Australia, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Japan, making it easier for users to keep track of conversations.
The November update also brings a “Wicked: For Good” theme pack inspired by the movie. It includes wallpapers, system icons, sounds, and GIFs for Pixel 6 and newer models, giving users a refreshed visual experience.
