Google Unleashes March 2025 Feature Drop: Pixel 9 Innovations and Expanded Satellite SOS

March 2025 Feature Drop for Pixel Devices

• Android 15 QPR2 and App Updates: Google has announced new features and updates for the Pixel lineup, including improvements to first-party apps and new connectivity capabilities.

• Gemini Live Improvements: Powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, there are enhancements in understanding and multilingual conversations, supporting over 45 languages without pre-selection.

• Pixel 9 Connected Camera: The Pixel 9 introduces a 'Connected Camera' feature that allows users to connect devices like the GoPro HERO10 Black or newer and livestream from multiple angles. This feature supports various social apps and uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connectivity.

• Dual Screen Mode in Pixel Fold Series: The Pixel Fold series now supports Dual Screen mode for video recording, allowing subjects to see themselves on the external display. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also adds 'Add Me' functionality for easier alignment.

• Satellite SOS Expansion: Satellite SOS is expanding to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe on the Pixel 9 series. Users can contact emergency services in areas without cellular coverage, with free service for two years.

• Carrier Satellite Messaging: T-Mobile and Verizon users can access carrier satellite messaging, including 911 calls and texting other people, on select Pixel 9 devices.

• Pixel Studio People Generation: The Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people using AI, following the rollout of Imagen 3 to the free tier.

• Pixel Screenshots Enhancements: New features include automatic suggestions for Collections and availability in Work Profiles on the Pixel 9 series. AI summaries are also available for Japanese and German users.

• AI Weather Reports and Pollen Tracker: Available on the Pixel 9 series, these features provide AI-generated weather reports and pollen tracking.

• Real-time Scam Detection: The Phone by Google app now includes real-time scam detection, alerting users with vibrations and sounds. This feature is available on the Pixel 9 series in the US.

• Google Messages Scam Detection: A new card appears in conversations to detect common scams, allowing users to report or block suspicious messages. Available in English in the US, UK, and Canada.

• Gboard Voice Toolbar: This feature is rolling out to phones after its launch on the Pixel Tablet.