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Pixel 9 Pro and other Google smartphones get satellite connectivity and AI upgrades via Feature Drop

Google has release a big Android update for Pixel smartphones (Image source: Google)
Google has release a big Android update for Pixel smartphones (Image source: Google)
Google has released a major software update for Pixel smartphones that enables satellite connectivity for European Pixel 9 owners. The latest Feature Drop also improves screenshot management and AI features like the Pixel Studio.

In addition to the major update for the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, Google has started to roll out a Feature Drop for Pixel smartphones, such as the Pixel 6 or newer. The update introduces a range of new features. First and foremost, the SOS emergency calls feature of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro is now also available for European users. These emergency calls via satellite are free for the first two years after activating the device, and they work even when no cellular connection is available.

Additionally, Gemini Live now supports over 45 languages that can be switched and mixed without manually adjusting the language setting. After the software update, Gemini Live now supports multimodal conversations on older Pixel smartphones, which means that YouTube videos or photos can be added to prompts. The Pixel Screenshots app receives new features, one of which makes it easier to organize receipts, for example.

Google has improved the Pixel screenshot app
Google has improved the Pixel screenshot app

Furthermore, Pixel Studio can now generate images with people using artificial intelligence. The Weather app now offers pollen tracking and an AI-powered weather forecast in more countries, and voice memos from older Pixel devices to be transferred to a newer smartphone, and then automatically transcribed via AI.

Google is also introducing modes similar to those found on Apple’s iPhone. In the control center, Pixel owners can now create different profiles for activities such as sleeping, working, or skiing and quickly switch between them. Among other things, this allows users to adjust which incoming messages and notifications are hidden.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 03 > Pixel 9 Pro and other Google smartphones get satellite connectivity and AI upgrades via Feature Drop
Hannes Brecher, 2025-03- 4 (Update: 2025-03- 4)