The September Pixel Drop is here – it brings key improvements to the VIP contacts widget, adds even more scam protections, expands Pause Point availability to older models and even celebrates the release of the new Harry Potter audiobooks.
All Pixel devices going back to the Pixel 6 series are eligible for this update except for the Pixel Tablet. Do note that while the rollout starts today, it will happen in stages and some models (especially carrier phones) may get it in the coming weeks rather than today. Also – and this is important – some of these features are region and language dependent.
The VIP contacts widget now has quick actions that allow you to call or message that most important person with a single tap. Additionally, there are badges indicating missed calls and messages. The update also makes it easy to switch between VIP contacts using the bottom floating menu.
The VIP contacts widget
Gboard now has a Scam Detection feature. It may sound a little odd to put this on a keyboard, but it makes sense – when you start to reply to a suspicious message, a “Likely scam” warning chip will appear above the keys. And that is if you even make it that far – there is Scam Detection for notifications too that brands iffy messages with the same “Likely scam” chip.
Scam Detection in notifications
Scam Detection works on the device itself to keep your conversations private. Note that this only supports six languages for now: Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Spanish. Initially, Scam Detection launched only in the US, but now nine new countries are covered: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Pause Point was introduced with the Pixel 11 series, but now Pixels going back to the 6-series get it. It’s a simple digital detox feature – it adds an extra step to launching certain distracting apps. Are you sure you want to open Facebook? The phone will give you a moment to reconsider.
Pause Point helps you break bad digital habits
Finally, Audible released the Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions audiobooks. To help you get in the spirit of things, Google made the Harry Potter Audiobook Packs, which are themes – they change your icons and wallpaper and even use sounds from the books.
Pixel users get a free Audible trial so that they can listen to the new Harry Potter audiobooks
Don’t worry, eligible Pixel users get a two-month Audible trial for free, so they can start listening to the audiobooks now. Here’s what “eligible” means – the Audible trial is available to users in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan and Australia until January 14. The themes are available until December 31.
This table shows you which features are available for which Pixel devices. Again, it’s all Pixel phones from the 6-series onward, while the Pixel Tablet misses out.
The September Pixel Drop is available for these models
PS. The Pixel Watch was also updated with improved Raise to Talk (it got a new gesture model), more One Handed gesture app integrations and a variety of bug fixes. You can find more details here.