Google has begun rolling out the December Pixel Drop 2024 update, bringing a variety of new features and improvements to Pixel devices. These updates include upgrades to Gemini, new Pixel Screenshots features, enhanced camera options, and essential security fixes.

Key Features of the December Pixel Drop 2024

Gemini Enhancements

• Personalized Interactions: Gemini now offers a “saved info” feature, allowing users to save preferences like dietary habits (e.g., vegetarian). With this, Gemini provides tailored suggestions based on individual choices. Users can easily manage this saved information, including editing or deleting it.
• Expanded App Integration: Gemini’s capabilities have been expanded to more apps. You can now ask Gemini to make calls, send messages, set alarms, change settings, or even take selfies. In additiona, it integrates with more services, including Spotify for music and smart home devices. More languages are also supported now.

Smarter Call Screening

• Contextual Call Responses: The new Gemini Nano feature offers smart, pre-set responses during call screening. This allows users to handle unknown calls more efficiently with quick responses, especially useful for tasks like managing package deliveries.
• Live Transcripts: Users can now view live transcripts of calls during screening, making it easier to decide whether to answer or not.

Camera and Sharing Features

Improved Sharing

• Ultra HDR Photos: Users can now share high-quality Ultra HDR photos directly to Instagram, ensuring vibrant, high-contrast images. Sharing photos and videos on Snapchat has also been streamlined with direct access to media folders from the Photo Picker.

Dual Screen and “Made You Look” Updates

• Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold users will enjoy better photo previews in Portrait Mode. Additionally, the “Made You Look” feature adds fun animations, including a new addition for Pixel 9 Pro Fold users from Disney's Inside Out.

Gboard and Screenshot Enhancements

• Pixel Studio stickers are now available in Gboard for easy sharing of custom stickers. The Emoji Kitchen’s updated navigation makes it easier to explore unique emoji combinations. Pixel Screenshots have also received improvements, such as automatic categorization and easy search filters, along with a feature to save screenshots to Google Wallet for quick access.

Audio-Visual Tools

Expressive Captions
Android users can now enjoy expressive captions, which use AI to convey the emotion behind speech. This feature works across various content types, including videos and livestreams, adding depth to the viewing experience.

Cleaner Audio with Recorder
The Recorder app has received an update that includes a “Clear Voice” feature to reduce background noise, ensuring that the speaker’s voice is the primary focus during recordings.

A Smoother Pixel Experience

Simple View

The new Simple View feature increases font size and touch sensitivity, making it easier for users with visual impairments or those who prefer a simpler interface to navigate their devices.

Music Discovery and Control
The Now Playing feature has been enhanced to display album art for songs, improving the music discovery experience. Pixel Tablet users can now access music controls, smart home devices, and timers directly from the lock screen.

Security, Safety, and Health Updates

Identity Check for Enhanced Security

Travelers can now enable Identity Check, requiring facial or fingerprint recognition before any changes can be made to sensitive phone settings.

Google VPN on Pixel Tablets

The free Google VPN service, previously only available on Pixel phones, is now accessible on Pixel Tablets, ensuring secure data protection while using public Wi-Fi.

Safety Features on Pixel Watch

Pixel Watch 2 users can now view live video from their Nest Cam or Doorbell. The “Loss of Pulse” feature has been expanded to users in Germany and Portugal, along with other health and safety tools for Pixel Watch users.

Health and Fitness Updates

From December 9, Pixel Watch and Fitbit users will have access to new health metrics, such as Cardio Load and Target Load, helping them manage exercise and recovery for better fitness outcomes.

The rollout of these features will continue over the coming weeks, depending on the carrier and device.