Google has released its November software update for Pixel devices — known as the “Pixel Drop” — bringing several new features aimed at enhancing both practicality and creativity. TechCrunch
One of the standout additions is a battery-saving mode in Google Maps that dims the display and shows only essential navigation info, such as the current route and next turn. Google estimates this mode can save up to four hours of battery life on supported Pixel models (notably the Pixel 10 series). TechCrunch+1
On the creative front, there’s an AI-driven photo-editing feature called “Remix” (powered by the Gemini Nano model). Users in regions including the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland and New Zealand (with RCS enabled) can prompt edits like “remove Riley’s sunglasses, make Engel smile and open her eyes.” This update also expands on Google Photos’ “Help me edit” capabilities. TechCrunch
In the notifications realm, Pixel 9 and newer devices now get notification summaries for longer chat threads, and starting in December Google plans to roll out a feature to automatically silence low-priority alerts. Additionally, the “VIP Contacts” widget will prioritise alerts from up to eight designated people and display a crisis-badge when an emergency is detected in their region. TechCrunch
On the security side, Google is expanding its scam-detection features: “Likely a scam” labels will appear in message notifications, and call transcription and spam detection are being brought to more markets including the UK, India, Australia, Canada and Ireland. TechCrunch
In short: Google’s latest update blends practical utility (longer battery life, fewer distractions) with on-device AI tools (photo remixing, smart notifications) — signalling a push to deliver meaningful experiences rather than just hardware upgrades.
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