Google revealed new features for its Pixel devices this month, including an update to VIPs that will make them easier to reach. On Pixel 6 and later phones, you can now see expanded widget options that you can use to quickly text or call your favorite VIPs or contacts right from the Home screen. You’ll also receive new notification badges that let you see at a glance if you’ve received an urgent message or if you have an unread one from a VIP.
The company is also expanding scam detection in the app and in messages. In the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Mexico, Japan, and France, Scam Detection can now alert you if it detects potential scam messages in chat apps in your notifications. If you’re in the US, the feature will alert you of potential scam messages right on your Gboard keyboard.
Google is also rolling out a Wear OS 7 update to all Pixel Watch 5 devices. It comes with a more personalized Gemini that you can access offline and more accurate GPS route tracking. The update also includes an expansion to its one-handed gesture control. With this update, you can now double-pinch to open the notification center from the watch face, scroll through Gemini replies, scroll through maps in Wallet, and switch between Google Maps reviews, among other things. As usual, simply turn your wrist to return to the previous screen.
Finally, you can personalize your phone (if it’s a Pixel 6 or newer) with Harry Potter audiobook packs. They can change your wallpaper, icons and sounds with elements from the new audiobooks. All eligible Pixel users in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan and Australia will also get two free months of Audible.
