Google today is rolling out a November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop that is quite sizable and coming out of cycle. This update is still based on Android 16 QPR1.
The Pixel 9 and later (but not the 9a) can now summarize long message notifications from first and third-party chat apps, like Google Messages and WhatsApp. Powered by on-device Gemini Nano, summaries will be badged with an AI sparkle icon at the beginning and italicized.
An update in December will group lower-priority notifications and silence them at the bottom of the notification shade. Under the “Silent” header, you might see categories like “News” and “Promotions” that you tap to expand.
Google is expanding Scam Detection to notifications from any chat app. You’ll see a “Likely scam” alert, including a red shield, on messages that seem suspicious. This is available on the Pixel 6 and newer in the US.
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Meanwhile, Scam Detection in the Phone app that listens for common patterns and warns you is now available on the Pixel 9+ (9a excluded) in Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and the UK.
Google is bringing Call Notes to Australia, Canada , Ireland, Japan, and the UK to the Pixel 9+ (9a excluded). On-device Gemini Nano is leveraged to record and transcribe calls, with Google also generating summaries and next steps.
Google Maps navigation is getting a Power Saving Mode. When driving, you can tap the power button for a simplified layout that shows only key information, like the map and next turns. Google says this can extend your battery life by up to 4 hours. This is available on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Messages from Pixel VIPs are now prioritized. Their notifications — from Google Messages or WhatsApp — will now be elevated in yellow, while their contact photo will appear in the status bar. Meanwhile, crisis alerts (like for weather events) will appear as a badge in the Contacts widget. This is available on the Pixel 6 and later.
Magic Cue on the Pixel 10 will offer “more timely suggestions” by leveraging cloud processing through Google’s new Private AI Compute.
Pixel Theme packs set a new Wallpaper, Color, App icons, Clock, Sounds, Gboard, and more. Go to Wallpaper & style for a “Try Wicked for Good theme pack” prompt. This pack has three options — For Good, Glinda, or Elphaba – that you have to download. Theme packs are available on the Pixel 6 and newer.
Google Messages is adding a “Remix” capability for photos powered by the Nano Banana generation and editing model. Simply pick an image and “Describe the changes you want” in the prompt bar, with Google suggesting ideas. Like the Gemini app, images are badged with a watermark in the bottom-right corner.
This is available on all Android phones, and is coming first in English to Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, the US, and UK with RCS enabled. It will be available in more languages and countries in the future.
Google Photos is offering “Personalized Edits” that make use of face groups. “Help me edit” will fix images using other pictures in your library that you’ve labeled. For example: “Remove Riley’s sunglasses, open my eyes, make Engel smile and open her eyes.”
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