Google today announced a set of updates for Android alongside its March Pixel Drop for supported Pixel devices.
Android updates
“The latest Android update brings helpful new features that add a spark of joy to your everyday routine,” Google product manager Angela Hsiao explains. “From sharing your live location mid-chat to discovering your next favorite app through bite-sized shorts, the latest Android features are designed to help you express yourself and stay in sync with what matters most.”
Here’s what’s new on Android.
Location sharing in Google Messages. You can now share your location with others directly from Google Messages and see each other on a real-time map view.
Location sharing with Find Hub. You can now share the location of a tracker in a bag with 10 major global airlines–Ajet, Air India, China Airlines, the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss International Airlines), Saudia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines–so they can find it and provide you with updates if it’s missing.
Google Play Shorts. Google’s app store now provides a feed of short-form videos so you can explore new apps and games.
Custom calling cards. This feature debuted on Pixel and it’s now available on all supported Android versions so everyone can personalize a calling card with your own photo, font, and color that appears on-screen when you call others.
Teacher-approved games on Android Auto. Now, when you’re parked, your kids aged 3 to 12 can play teacher-approved games in Android Auto.
Emoji Kitchen stickers. You can now remix emojis into new combinations in Emoji Kitchen.
You can learn more about these updates on the Android website.
March Pixel Drop
“Between the new location sharing feature directly in Google Messages and the arrival of Find Hub on Pixel Watches, we’re making it easier than ever to connect with your loved ones and locate your devices and belongings on the go,” Google director Angana Ghosh writes.
In addition to the Android updates noted above, this Pixel Drop includes:
Pixel phones
Circle to Search improvements. Circle to Search can now identify individual pieces of an outfit from images. And Try on with Circle to Search allows you to see how clothing looks on you from videos, social content, or other images.
Magic Cue restaurant recommendations. Magic Cue will proactively suggest restaurants with tailored results.
At a Glance improvements. The At a Glance home and lock screen widget now provides real-time transit updates, sports scores, and end-of-day updates from top movers in your Google Finance watchlist.
Gemini improvements. You can now get assistance with tasks by starting UI automations.
Pixel Watch
Security improvements. Pixel Watch will now display left behind phone reminders, phone lock on disconnect, and mobile trusted location.
Express Pay. Now, you can turn and tap Pixel Watch to a retail terminal without having to open the Wallet app without compromising security.
One-handed gestures. Google is expanding one-handed gestures to Pixel Watch 3.
Safety improvements. Pixel Watch is getting new standalone earthquake alerts real-time. And Satellite SOS, which first debuted on Pixel Watch 4 in the U.S., is expanding to more users in Europe, Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska.