Skip to main content

March Pixel Drop: New personalization and AI tools

["What's new about the Pixel 10a?", "What can Gemini 3.1 do?", "How can I learn new AI skills?"]

March Pixel Drop: New personalization and AI tools

Mar 03, 2026

Explore the latest Pixel features, including new ways to shop with Circle to Search, safety features on Pixel Watch and restaurant recommendations from Magic Cue.

Michal Levin

Director, Product Management

General summary

The March Pixel Drop is here, so check out the new intuitive and personal features. Use Circle to Search to identify items in images and "Try It On" for clothing. Gemini can now handle tasks within apps, and Magic Cue helps find restaurant recommendations in chats. Plus, enjoy updates to Now Playing, At a Glance, custom icons, security features, and Pixel Watch capabilities.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Bullet points

"March Pixel Drop" updates your Pixel with intuitive AI tools and personalization features.
Circle to Search now identifies everything in an image, like plants or clothing items.
Gemini can now handle tasks like ordering groceries and finding restaurant recommendations.
The Now Playing tool is now a standalone app, so you can track your music history.
Pixel Watch gets security features like phone locking and express pay for convenience.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Basic explainer

Pixel phones got a bunch of cool updates this month. The "Circle to Search" feature can now identify everything in a picture. Gemini AI can now do tasks in other apps for you, like ordering food. Plus, your Pixel Watch can now help you find your phone and pay faster.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Explore other styles:

Listen to article

[[duration]] minutes

Our March Pixel Drop is here, and your Pixel devices just became even more intuitive, personal and helpful. Updates start rolling out today and will continue over the next several weeks. Check out what’s new below and learn about additional updates coming to Pixel devices in the latest Android launches.

Get the full picture with Circle to Search

Circle to Search is great at helping you learn more about something you see on your screen. And with multi-object image recognition you can get inspired by everything you see on your screen. Whether you want to identify every plant in a botanical garden, find out more about characters in a movie trailer or learn about the different dishes in a bento box you see online, Circle to Search can now help you explore every detail of an image. See an outfit that you love while scrolling? You can use Circle to Search on your Pixel 10 device to find every piece of the look. ¹ Simply circle the entire outfit, and Google will help you find all of the items you see — from the warm wool maxi coat to the oxford shoes — all in one search.

Image on a phone screen showing a woman walking down the sidewalk in a long gray coat, with the coat being circled, and a resulting search for a “Maxi Wool Coat.”

To take the guesswork out of shopping, once you find an item you like, you can easily try it on right in Circle to Search. Just select an eligible product and tap the new "Try It On" button right within the image result. You can either upload your own photo or select a model to see how the item looks. ²

Offload your to-do list to Gemini

Let Gemini handle your busy work. From ordering groceries to booking a rideshare service to reordering your usual coffee, Gemini works with your apps in the background to complete everyday tasks. ³ And you have the option to view or end tasks, too, so you’re in control. ⁴ This is available as a beta feature in the Gemini app.

Image showing a glowing home screen and Gemini being asked to “Reorder my last order on DoorDash,” followed by a pop-up window from Gemini prompting task completion after preparing the order.

Find restaurant recommendations with Magic Cue and Gemini

Finding the right place to eat just got a lot easier: When you’re texting with friends about restaurant ideas, Magic Cue prompts you to use Gemini to find the perfect spot. With just a tap, Gemini opens a new window within the chat with restaurant options based on your conversation, without you having to switch apps. You never have to leave the chat, so you can stay in the moment with your friends. ⁵

Image of a group chat called “Travel buddies” where Christian asked, “Okay, the eternal question: where are we eating tonight? I’m starving.” Sophie responded, “I’m down for anything with vegan options. Maybe outside on the River Walk? The view is amazing down there.” Then, Magic Cue’s suggestions for vegan-friendly restaurants with a great view near River Walk.

Keep track of your tunes in the Now Playing app

Your Pixel’s built-in music recognition tool is getting its own home. Now Playing is now a standalone app, so you can keep track of all your music — from new discoveries to old favorites. You can also use the history tab to see everything in one place and then play tracks in your preferred music app. ⁶

Image showing the default screen, prompting users to “Tap to see what’s playing,” and Now Playing’s history, including songs from 5 Seconds of Summer and Conan Gray.

See more at a glance

Need quick updates on transit delays affecting your commute? ⁷ Or real-time game scores? ⁸ How about a look at your financial portfolio? ⁹ At a Glance can now help you find the best route home, follow your favorite sports team, stay updated with Google Finance and so much more.

Image showing At a Glance updates for Google Finance, real-time transit delays and a soccer match score.

Generate custom icons that suit your home screen

Make your home screen even more you. Choose from five AI-generated styles that will give all the icons across your display a consistent aesthetic that matches your unique personality. You can also try them in the new SpongeBob SquarePants Theme Pack, too!

Image showing two home screens with different custom icon styles. The left home screen is pink-toned with rainbow app icons, and the right home screen is golden-toned with gold app icons.

Access AI features in more regions

Scam Detection in Phone by Google is now available on Pixel phones in France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Germany and Japan. Designed for your peace of mind, this feature recognizes speech patterns common by fraudsters and alerts you when a conversation turns suspicious. ¹⁰

And in India, Call Notes allows you to easily review your phone conversations. Your Pixel phone will record and transcribe your calls, making it easy for you to look back on calls whenever you need to. ¹¹

Side by side phone images showing a Scam Detection notification during a call warning and Call Notes generated as a recorded call is played back.

Protect your phone with your Pixel Watch

Pixel Watch now works proactively to secure your phone: It sends instant alerts if you accidentally leave it behind and automatically locks your phone the moment you move out of range. ¹² Plus, a connected watch and phone now offer faster identity checks ¹³ for smooth, secure access.

Get the peace of mind that finding your belongings is always just a tap away. Now you can also find your misplaced devices and essentials in seconds, right from your wrist with Find Hub on Pixel Watch. Directly ring any device that’s within Bluetooth range, or if it’s out of range, you’ll get the device’s location and directions on a map.

Use more AI-powered magic and one-handed gestures on Pixel Watches

The intuitive, one-handed gestures we brought to Pixel Watch 4 are now expanding to Pixel Watch 3. Whether you’re carrying groceries or grabbing a coffee, double pinch or turn your wrist to answer calls, snap a photo or pause your workout music — all without touching the screen. ¹⁴

Plus, pay even more conveniently without compromising security. After you toggle on the new express pay feature, and when it’s enabled, just turn and tap your Pixel Watch to the reader to buy — no need to open the Google Wallet app first ¹⁵ !

Stay safe and alert

We’re expanding our suite of safety tools to make Pixel Watch even more essential. The new standalone earthquake alerts notify you of nearby earthquakes in real-time and can provide seconds of warning so you can take protective action. ¹⁶

Satellite SOS, first launched on Pixel Watch 4 in the contiguous U.S., is now available in Canada, Europe, Alaska and Hawaii. ¹⁷ ¹⁸

You can visit our community forum post for the full list of new features arriving on your Pixel devices this month.

POSTED IN:

Internet connection required. Works on compatible apps, surfaces, and Circle to Search compatible devices. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Available where AI Overviews or AI Mode is available, only on Pixel 10 phones and newer.

Limitations may apply. Google account required, users 18+. Available only in the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and India on Pixel 10 phones and newer.

Supervise closely, interrupt when needed. Select apps only. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+

Only available for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Only available for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold in select countries and languages. Available to users aged 18+. Gemini app must be downloaded and set as the default assistant on the device.

Download Now Playing app from the Google Play Store.

Real-time transit info on At a Glance available only on Pixel 7 and newer, excluding Pixel Tablet. Language restrictions may apply. Available globally except Europe and the UK. Connection to Google account and Google Maps required.

Live sport scores on At a Glance not available on Pixel Tablet. Language restrictions may apply. Requires following your selected sports team on Google.

Market trends on At a Glance not available on Pixel Tablet. Connection to Google Finance platform required.

Available on Pixel 9 phones and newer (except A-series Pixel devices) in selected markets and languages only. Scam Detection is not 100% accurate and scammers constantly change tactics. Always use caution when answering calls from unknown numbers. See g.co/pixel/scam-detection-help for more details.

Only available for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Availability may vary by country and language.

Available only on Pixel 8 and newer mobile devices & Pixel Watch 2 and newer. Requires Bluetooth connection between Pixel phone and Pixel Watch.

Available only on Pixel 8 Pro and newer excluding Pixel 8 and A-series Pixel devices. Available only on Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4. Requires Bluetooth connection between Pixel phone and Pixel Watch.

Only available on Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4.

Available only on Pixel Watch 2 and newer. Opt-in is required to turn on the feature. Watch must be unlocked in order to pay.

Earthquake alerts are detected by ShakeAlert and by Android. This feature is not supported in all regions and not all earthquakes can be detected. See here for details.

Pixel Watch Satellite SOS may not be available in all countries, regions, or circumstances. It is included at no additional charge for 2 years after activation. Your device, location and contact info may be shared with Google, emergency service and satellite service providers.

Google Pixel Watch 4 works with most phones running on Android 11.0 or newer. Requires Google Account and Google Pixel Watch app. Some features require a Fitbit mobile app and/or Fitbit Premium membership. See g.co/pixelwatch/specs for technical and device specifications.