March 2026 Pixel Drop: Google rolls out Android update with new AI features

The new Pixel-exclusive March 2026 Android update brings advanced agentic generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) capability to the Gemini app and more

Search engine giant Google has begun rolling out the Pixel-exclusive Android update to all eligible devices worldwide.

It brings advanced agentic generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) capability to the Gemini app. Pixel owners will be able to assign work to an assistant, and the latter will complete it with minimal human supervision. Owners can share a list of grocery items to Gemini, and the latter will do the shopping for them. Also, users will have the option to view or end tasks, too, so they're in control all the time. This is a beta feature available in select regions, including the US.

Also, the Circle to Search is getting better on the Pixel 10 series. Once updated to the latest version, the AI feature will be able to detect multiple objects on the screen and list out the details. Currently, one object is used to get marked, and only that particular information gets displayed. Now, the Circle to Search, when used on a person, is capable of marking all minute objects such as the glasses on the face, the watch on the wrist, the shirt, the pants and the shoes, and retrieve all the information related to the brand and the price.

Circle to Search gets new feature.

Further, Circle to Search will also offer the option 'Try it on'. With the powerful AI tech, it can put clothes, glasses or shoes on to the phone owner, provided the latter uploads any of his/her full body length photo. This will surely find good traction among youth to try new fashion apparel before making an informed decision to buy it.

Circle to Search gets Try it on feature.

The Magic Cue feature, which made its debut with the Pixel 10 series, is getting better. For instance, whenever the user is texting with friends about restaurant ideas,' Magic Cue' on the Android Messages app prompts the user to use Gemini to find the perfect spot. With just a tap, Gemini opens a new window within the chat with restaurant options based on the conversation, without the user having to switch apps. He/she never has to leave the chat, so the user can continue the conversation with friends on the chat app.

Agentic feature comes to Gemini AI app.

Another notable handy AI feature, 'Playing Now' on Google Search, which is used to identify music or OST, has been turned to standalone app like Shazam on iPhone. With a standalone app, users will also get the history tab to see everything in one place and then play tracks in the preferred music app on the phone.

Now Playing app comes to Pixel phones.

The Pixel Drop is also bringing the 'At a Glance' feature. This can help users find the best route home, get live updates on their favourite sports team, and more on the lock screen, without having to open the phone and look for the Maps or news app to track updates.

At a Glance feature.

Another personalisation feature coming to the Pixel phone is the AI-powered themes for Pixel phones. With this, users can customise each app icon with their favourite colour or design on the Pixel phone. For beginners, there are templates too, he/she can try the fun new SpongeBob SquarePants Theme Pack.

AI-powered custom themes.

The March update also brings the much-awaited 'left behind' alert feature to the Pixel phone and Pixel Watch. Whenever the user moves away from his/her phone, the watch will alert them to return and get the handset. The Pixel Watch will now support Find Hub, and this will help the user to track any misplaced gadgets, such as Bluetooth-based Tags or accessories and phones, more easily than before.

Older Pixel Watch 3 will also be getting new AI-powered gesture support features, such as double pinch or turn the wrist to answer calls, snap a photo or pause the workout music.

Pixel Watches get new features in March 2026 Pixel Drop update.

And, with Google Wallet support, users can just get their Pixel Watch near any compatible PoS machine to complete the cashless transaction. This feature is limited to select markets such as the US. More regions will be added in the coming months.

List of Pixel phones eligible for the Pixel Drop March 2026 update:

Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9a, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro Xl, Pixel 10a and 10 Pro Fold.

How to install the Pixel Drop March 2026 update on Pixel phones:

Step 1: Open your device's Settings app.

Step 2: Tap System and then Software Update.

Step 3: You'll find your updated status. Follow any steps on the screen.

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