Google is rolling out a fresh batch of Android features alongside its latest Pixel Drop, bringing real-time location sharing to Google Messages, AI-powered shopping tools and new safety updates to Pixel phones and watches.
This update, like previous ones, continues Google’s steady push to bake Gemini deeper into Android, following recent additions like Circle to Search, Magic Compose in Messages and expanded AI-powered editing tools in Google Photos.
Now Google is combining its messaging, search, wearables and safety features into a broader ecosystem update that touches nearly every part of the Pixel lineup.
With Tuesday’s announcement, Google is introducing new Android-wide features — from app discovery in Google Play to kid-friendly games in cars — while also delivering a sizable March Pixel Drop with upgrades to Circle to Search, At a Glance and Pixel Watch safety tools.
Here’s everything that’s new.
Android updates: Live location sharing, lost luggage and more
Real-time location sharing in Google Messages
Google is adding live location sharing directly inside Google Messages, powered by its Find Hub network. Instead of switching between apps, you can now share your real-time location within a conversation and view each other on a live map, similar to features long available in other messaging platforms, but now fully integrated into Google’s default Android messaging app. Location sharing can run for a set duration or be stopped at any time, giving you control over when and how long they’re visible.
Lost luggage sharing with airlines
Google is also expanding Find Hub with a new «share item location» feature designed for lost luggage.
If you’ve attached a compatible tracker tag to your suitcase, you can now generate a secure, expiring link directly in the Find Hub app and share it with participating airlines, such as Lufthansa Group airlines, Turkish Airlines and Air India, with additional partners rolling out soon.
Google says location data is encrypted, sharing can be revoked at any time, and links automatically expire after seven days. The company has also integrated the feature into industry-standard baggage systems such as WorldTracer and NetTracer, which are used by hundreds of airlines worldwide, potentially giving the tool broader reach.
Google Play Shorts
Discovering apps on Google Play is getting a TikTok-style twist. Google Play Shorts introduces a vertical feed of short-form videos created by app developers. Instead of relying on screenshots and descriptions, you can now scroll through quick clips that show how an app works, without resorting to YouTube videos.
Calling Card in Phone by Google
The Phone by Google app is adding a customizable «Calling Card» feature. You can choose a photo, font and color theme that appears when you call friends, effectively personalizing their caller ID. Cards can be shared broadly or limited to saved contacts and edited or removed at any time.
Teacher-approved games on Android Auto
When parked, Android Auto will now offer a lineup of teacher-approved, kid-friendly games designed for ages 3 to 12. Titles range from educational writing apps to Disney and Marvel-themed games, giving families something to do while waiting in the car.
New Emoji Kitchen sticker combos
New Emoji Kitchen combinations are rolling out in Gboard, letting you mash up emoji into sticker-style graphics to share across apps.
March Pixel Drop: AI shopping, smarter widgets and deeper Gemini integration
Alongside the broader Android updates, Google’s March Pixel Drop brings a wave of new features to Pixel phones, many of them centered on AI-powered search, personalization and productivity.
Circle to Search gets fashion-focused upgrades
Google is expanding Circle to Search with two new tools aimed at shopping and visual discovery.
Find the Look can now break down an entire outfit in an image, identifying individual clothing items so you can search for each piece separately. Meanwhile, Try It On lets you preview how clothing might look on you after circling an item in a photo, video or even an image received in Messages.
The features are rolling out to the Pixel 10 lineup, including the Pixel 10 Pro models and Pixel 10a.
Gemini gets more proactive
Google is also deepening Gemini’s role across Pixel devices.
With Magic Cue, Gemini can proactively suggest restaurant searches when it detects relevant context in a conversation, making tailored recommendations without forcing you to leave the chat. On newer Pixel 10 devices, you can also offload certain tasks to Gemini, like booking services or placing routine orders, across supported apps.
Call Notes is expanding to India, using on-device Gemini Nano to transcribe calls, summarize conversations and suggest follow-up actions. Notification summaries are also expanding to Japanese on supported devices.
At a Glance becomes more dynamic
The At a Glance widget is getting several practical upgrades:
- My Commute adds real-time transit departures, delays and alternate routes directly to the home and lock screen.
- Sports scores now show live updates for the teams you follow.
- Finance updates provide end-of-day summaries from top movers in a Google Finance watchlist.
Personalization and accessibility updates
Pixel users are also getting new customization tools, including AI-generated custom app icons that apply a consistent visual style across the home screen.
Other additions include:
- Expanded Scam Detection in Phone by Google to additional countries, using on-device AI to analyze calls in real time.
- A refined Comfort View display mode designed to reduce visual overstimulation.
- Expanded language support for Guided Frame, the AI-powered camera feature that assists blind and low-vision users by describing scenes in real time.
- New connected camera support, including external DSLR compatibility via USB-C on supported models.
Google is also introducing a desktop-style experience on supported Pixel phones, allowing you to connect to an external monitor via USB-C for a multiwindow interface when paired with a mouse and keyboard.
Pixel Watch updates
Pixel Watch devices are also getting updates in this drop, including expanded one-handed gesture controls on Pixel Watch 3, left-behind phone reminders and automatic phone locking when the watch moves out of range. Google is also expanding Satellite SOS to more regions, including parts of Europe and Canada, and adding standalone earthquake alerts to supported watches to provide earlier warnings in affected areas.