Google Pixel update adds battery-saving maps mode, AI photo remixing, and smarter notifications

Google has rolled out its November software update for Pixel smartphones, known as Pixel Drop. This quarterly update introduces a range of new features designed to enhance user experience and device functionality. Among the notable additions is a power-saving mode for the Maps application, which dims the screen and focuses on essential information such as navigation routes and upcoming turns. This feature, available to users of the Pixel 10 series, promises to extend battery life by up to four hours. Moreover, Google is implementing notification summaries for lengthy chats and conversations on Pixel 9 and newer models. This functionality, set to be enhanced in December with a feature to silence less important notifications, aims to streamline communication similar to Apple’s Priority Notification system. In an effort to combat spam and scams, Google is expanding its existing call scam detection, originally launched for U.S. users, to several countries including the U.K., Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, users will now see a “Likely a scam” button in message notifications to help identify suspicious messages. The update also introduces a creative tool called Remix, which allows users to transform photos using prompts, powered by the popular Nano Banana image model and Gemini technology. This feature is being made available to users in multiple English-speaking countries with RCS support. Furthermore, the Pixel Drop enhances the Pixel VIPs feature, enabling users to prioritize notifications from selected contacts and receive alerts about incidents in their areas, such as floods. An exciting new AI-driven editing tool for Google Photos allows users to request specific changes to images, such as adjusting facial expressions or removing objects. This feature utilizes Google Photo’s face recognition capabilities for more personalized edits. Lastly, the update expands the Call Notes transcription feature to additional countries and introduces a new themed pack based on the musical "Wicked," providing new wallpapers, icons, and sounds for Pixel 6 and later models.