Google brings AI photo remixing, smarter notifications, and a new Maps mode to Pixel phones

Google Pixel

Google has rolled out its November Pixel Drop, the company’s quarterly software update that brings new AI-driven tools and usability improvements to Pixel devices. The update introduces features like notification summaries, a low-power Maps mode, enhanced scam detection, and prompt-based photo editing powered by Gemini Nano.

The new notification summaries, debuting on Pixel 9 and newer phones, aim to condense longer chats and conversations into concise updates, helping users stay focused. In December, Google plans to expand this feature with a function that automatically silences low-priority alerts. The move mirrors Apple’s earlier Priority Notification system but with a stronger focus on contextual AI filtering.

One of the biggest upgrades is the new low-power mode for Google Maps, exclusive to the Pixel 10 series. It dims the display and highlights only key navigation data such as the next turn and route information. According to Google, this feature can extend battery life by up to four hours during navigation, offering practical benefits for frequent travellers.

Google is also broadening its scam detection tools. The company’s Gemini Nano model, which analyses phone calls and messages for suspicious behaviour, will now be available to users in the U.K., Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada. A new “Likely a scam” label will appear in message notifications, helping users identify potential threats at a glance.

On the creative front, Google is expanding its popular Nano Banana image model with a new Remix feature in Messages. This allows users to reimagine any photo using text prompts, blending Gemini’s generative AI capabilities with on-device editing. The feature will be available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand for English-speaking users with RCS enabled.

The Pixel VIPs feature, introduced earlier this year, is getting smarter too. Users can now receive priority notifications from their chosen eight contacts, with a crisis badge appearing in the widget if those contacts are in areas affected by natural disasters such as floods.

Google Photos is also becoming more interactive. The new “Help me edit” feature lets users request multi-person edits like “open eyes,” “remove sunglasses,” or “make someone smile,” using face recognition to automate changes.

The November Pixel Drop also expands Call Notes transcription support to Australia, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Japan, and introduces a “Wicked: For Good” theme pack for Pixel 6 and newer models. The themed update includes wallpapers, icons, and sounds inspired by the upcoming film.