Google Pixel update adds battery-saving maps mode, AI photo remixing, and smarter notifications

Google has announced its November Pixel Drop, the company’s quarterly software update that brings new features and AI upgrades to existing Pixel phones. The latest rollout includes notification summaries, a new low-power Maps mode, Gemini Nano-powered photo edits in Messages, and advanced AI editing in Google Photos.

Smarter Notifications and Priority Summaries

Following Apple’s lead, Google is now adding notification summaries for long chats and conversations — available first on Pixel 9 and newer devices. The feature condenses multiple messages into an easily readable summary, helping users stay on top of busy conversations.

Google has also confirmed that in December, it will roll out a setting to silence low-priority notifications, giving users more control over what alerts appear on their screens. Apple introduced a similar Priority Notification feature last year as part of its Apple Intelligence suite.

Image credits: Google

Maps Gains a New Low-Power Mode

One of the most practical updates is a new power-saving mode for Google Maps, exclusive to the Pixel 10 series. The feature automatically dims the display and shows only essential navigation data — such as the route and upcoming turn — helping users extend battery life by up to four hours during long drives.

Image credits: Google

Expanded AI Scam Detection

Google’s Gemini Nano-powered scam detection for phone calls — first launched in the U.S. — is now expanding to the U.K., Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada. The feature monitors for suspicious patterns during calls and alerts users in real-time.

Additionally, a new “Likely a scam” label will now appear directly on message notifications, providing users with a faster way to recognise and avoid potential fraud attempts.

Gemini Nano Comes to Messages

Google’s popular Nano Banana image model is now integrated with Gemini Nano in the Messages app via a new feature called Remix. It allows users to transform photos using text prompts — for example, converting a selfie into a cartoon or a scenic portrait.

The feature is rolling out to users in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand, provided they have RCS messaging enabled and use the English language setting.

New Pixel VIP and Crisis Notifications

Building on its Pixel VIPs widget introduced earlier this year, Google now allows users to prioritise alerts from up to eight key contacts. If a natural disaster, such as a flood, occurs in one of their areas, users will see a crisis badge appear beside that contact’s name in the widget.

AI Photo Editing Gets Smarter

Google Photos is getting a significant upgrade with the new “Help me edit” feature. Users can now type natural prompts — such as “Remove Riley’s sunglasses, open my eyes, make Engel smile” — and Google’s AI will automatically adjust faces and expressions using face group recognition.

This feature represents one of Google’s first integrations of Gemini Nano directly into Photos, enabling on-device AI editing for privacy and speed.

Other Updates

The Call Notes transcription feature, which converts phone conversations into searchable text, is now available in Australia, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Japan.

Google has also added a playful touch to the update with a new “Wicked: For Good” theme pack, inspired by the upcoming film. The pack includes wallpapers, icons, sounds, and GIFs for Pixel 6 and newer devices.