Ahead of the release of Google Android 16, the latest Android 15 update introduces several new features. These include improved notification management, expanded emergency satellite communication access, external camera broadcasting, a new head-up keyboard interface, multimodal Gemini AI, third-party voice recording transcription, enhanced screenshot management, new image generation tools, a fraud detector, and more. Most of these updates are currently available only on Google Pixel devices.
The new Modes menu allows for quick and easy access to different notification formats that adjust based on location, schedule, or calendar events. Users can configure these settings in the Notifications section of their phone’s settings app. The Pixel 9 series now supports emergency text messaging via satellite when terrestrial networks are unavailable. This feature is available across most of the United States for T-Mobile and Verizon subscribers, except for some areas in Alaska. It has also rolled out to Canada, Europe, and the UK. Google has promised that the service will remain free for two years after the first activation.
Camera Sharing, AI Enhancements, and Scam Protection
Pixel 9 smartphones can now connect to and switch between external cameras, including other Pixel 9 devices or GoPro action cameras (Hero10 Black and later), using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This feature is already supported in apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Additionally, Google Gboard’s voice input now features a new interface inspired by the Gemini environment, available not only for Pixel devices but for all Android phones.
Pixel 6 and later models now have access to the multimodal Gemini Flash 2.0 AI model, which supports commands in 45 languages. Users with a Gemini Advanced subscription can also utilize screen sharing and video broadcasting in Gemini Live. Meanwhile, the Pixel Recorder app now supports transcription of voice recordings from other devices, allowing users to import recordings from an old phone or a Pixel Watch.
The Pixel Screenshots app has also been updated, introducing the ability to create collections and sort images by topic. Additionally, the Pixel Studio image generator, currently exclusive to Pixel 9 series devices, can now generate images featuring people—removing previous restrictions.
New Smartwatch Features and Scam Detection
For Pixel Fold users, the foldable smartphone now allows simultaneous camera broadcasting on both the external and internal screens. The new Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces the “Add Me” feature, which enables the phone owner to insert themselves into a group photo.
Google has also introduced a fraud detection feature for Pixel devices, reminds NIXSOLUTIONS. This tool monitors phone calls, detects conversation patterns associated with scams, and alerts users of potential threats. In the Google Messages app, a text-based version of this feature is available across all devices. Additionally, in select regions, Pixel Weather now includes a pollen level indicator, beneficial for allergy sufferers in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK.
Smartwatches have also received updates. The FDA has approved a heart rate loss tracking feature, and new capabilities for menstrual cycle tracking, step counting, and audio playback improvements have been introduced.
The rollout of these updates has already begun, yet we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.