Pixel Drop is Google’s way of adding exciting new features to Pixel phones after they are launched. The Pixel Drop for December 2024 is finally here and is available for all Pixel 6 and newer smartphones, including Pixel Fold models, Pixel tablets, and the latest Pixel Watches.
Note: Great news for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 users—Google is extending OS support to 5 years and this includes Pixel Drops too. Here are the features included in this Pixel Drop:
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1. Gemini AI Remembers Your Preferences and Needs
Gemini AI now lets you save your preferences for even more personalized responses. For example, if you’re a vegetarian tell Gemini once, and it will remember that information. This means that Gemini will suggest vegetarian recipes without you needing to remind it every time. You can view, edit, or delete any info you’ve shared with Gemini. It’s like having a personal assistant who knows you and your preferences and needs. This memory feature launched on the Gemini web app a couple of weeks ago, and now it’s coming to Pixel via this Pixel Drop.
2. Preview Photos in Dual Screen Portrait Mode on Pixel 9 Pro Fold
If you have a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Dual Screen is now available in Portrait Mode meaning both you and your photo subject can preview the shot before taking it. So the person in the frame can see how they look in the photo while capturing.
3. ‘Made You Look’ Animations Now Available for Pixel Fold 1
When Made You Look is enabled, you will see fun animations appear on the outer screen to grab a kid’s attention, making it easier to snap the perfect photo. This was introduced with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and now it is available for the first-generation Pixel Fold as well. Pixel 9 Pro Fold users also got a new animation featuring Joy from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out.
Ultra HDR captures photos with enhanced brightness, contrast, and a higher level of detail, providing more vivid and lifelike images. Previously, sharing these photos on Instagram would often result in reduced quality, losing some of the enhanced details. Now, you can share these Ultra HDR photos directly to Instagram without any quality loss.
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Snapchat now uses the Android Photo Picker instead of its own gallery. This makes finding the right photo to share much simpler, as you’ll have access to all your favorite images and cloud photos in one spot.
6. Let Gemini Nano Screen Calls for You with Smart Replies
Gemini Nano helps you handle unknown callers with smart call screening. When you get a call from an unknown number, you’ll see suggested replies like “Yes,” “No,” or follow-up questions to help decide if you need to pick up the call. You will also see live transcripts of these calls, allowing you to peek into the conversation before deciding.
7. Save and Organize Screenshots with Pixel Screenshots Upgrade
The Screenshots app on Pixel has become even more useful. When you use Circle to Search and find something interesting, you can save it directly to Pixel Screenshots for easy access later. The new upgrade also categorizes your screenshots automatically and suggests actions like creating calendar invites or saving credit cards to Google Wallet.
8. Use Pixel Studio Stickers Directly from Gboard
Speaking of Gboard, Pixel Studio stickers are now available directly from your keyboard. You can easily share your creations through messages, social media, and more.
9. Get Creative with New Emoji Kitchen Mashups
Emoji Kitchen has some fun new mashups available. When a standard emoji doesn’t cut it, you can find something unique and funny with the updated Emoji Kitchen. It’s all about giving you more ways to express yourself.
10. Make Your Pixel Easier to Use with Simple View
The new Simple View feature makes your Pixel easier to use by increasing font size and improving touch sensitivity. Whether you want a cleaner, simpler experience or need better accessibility, Simple View is a great addition—available for Pixel 6 and newer devices.
11. Record Clearer Audio with Pixel Recorder’s ‘Clear Voice’ Feature
The Recorder app now has a “Clear Voice” feature that helps reduce background noise automatically. Whether you’re in a lecture or doing an interview, voices will come through more clearly with less distraction.
12. Access Widgets Faster on Your Pixel Tablet
Pixel Tablets have also received an upgrade. You can now swipe right from the lock screen to access widgets like music, timers, and smart home controls—all without needing to unlock the device.
13. See Album Art with Now Playing’s Latest Upgrade
Now Playing, the feature that detects music around you, got an upgrade too. You’ll now see album art for every song it identifies, making it easier to explore new music.
14. View Nest Camera Feed Right from Your Pixel Watch 2
Pixel Watch 2 users can now see live video from Nest cameras and doorbells directly from their watch. So, if someone’s at your door, you don’t even need to pick up your phone. The Loss of Pulse Detection feature has also expanded to more regions, providing crucial emergency support if needed.
15. Stay Secure on the Go with Identity Check
Identity Check adds an extra layer of security when you’re traveling. If you’re in a new location, the phone will require facial or fingerprint authentication before allowing changes to sensitive settings—keeping your information safe even if the device is lost or stolen.
That’s the December Pixel Drop—a ton of upgrades that make your Pixel smarter, more secure, and more fun to use. Make sure to check for the update in Settings → System → Software update, and start exploring these new features today!
