Google's March Pixel Drop just arrived with 10 serious upgrades – here's what's new

Google is rolling out its March 2025 Pixel feature drop, bringing some serious upgrades to the entire Pixel family. 

Also: 4 Pixel phone tricks every user should know – including my favorite

Most Pixel phones are getting new scam detection, the Pixel Watch 3 is receiving a first-of-its-kind feature, there’s a new option to share your location with friends, and more. 

What’s new in the March 2025 Pixel feature drop?

Among all the new features in this month’s drop, 10 stand out. For example, your Pixel phone is gaining a new way to protect you, and your Pixel Watch is receiving a never-before-seen feature.  Here’s what’s new.

Also: This $100 Android phone reminded me of my Pixel 9 Pro in the best way

1. Real-time alerts for suspicious texts

First up: In addition to listening in on your calls for words associated with scams, your phone now monitors your text messages. 

With AI-powered Scam Detection on-device, Google says Messages will now flag text patterns commonly associated with scams and alert you about suspicious conversations. While the phone call version of this feature is only available on the Pixel 9, the text message version is available on the Pixel 6 and newer.

2. Share your location with trusted contacts

Find My Device now lets you share your location with trusted contacts. With the same app you use to find a lost device, your friends can now see your live location on a map, no matter which device they’re using. This is coming to all Android devices.

3. Loss of pulse detection

Pixel Watch 3 users are getting a first-of-its-kind, life-saving feature in the form of loss of pulse detection. If your watch detects that you’ve lost your pulse, it can automatically place a call to emergency services. This will start rolling out at the end of this month.

4. Generate images of people in Pixel Studio

If you use the Pixel 9‘s Pixel Studio, which lets you generate AI images from text prompts, you’ll soon be able to generate images of people. Just describe the person or scene you want, Google says, like “3D cartoon” or “video game,” and Pixel Studio will work its magic.

5. Stream like a pro with multiple cameras

You can now connect your Pixel phone with a GoPro or another Pixel phone camera and stream from different angles for more professional-looking and immersive videos (Pixel 9 series).

6. Satellite messaging on Verizon and T-Mobile

Verizon and T-Mobile users can connect to emergency services or text message friends and family with their Pixel phone if they don’t have a cellular connection (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold).

7. Auto bedtime mode

This feature, which launched with the Pixel Watch 3, is now coming to the Pixel Watch 2.

Also: The best Android smartwatches

It automatically detects when you fall asleep, turns off your watch face, and disables notifications to minimize distractions. This means you’ll save battery life and get your full sleep tracking data.

8. More photo and video tools for Pixel Fold

The Pixel Fold now supports dual-screen video recording, letting you use the outer screen to see what’s being recorded, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold now supports Add Me, a feature that gets everyone in a group shot.

9. Menstrual health on Pixel Watch 3

Pixel Watch 3 now has on-device menstrual tracking that lets you log periods, view cycle status, or predict your next period from your wrist.

10. Better step accuracy

Your Pixel Watch now tracks your steps with greater precision and accuracy, Google says, by recognizing when you deviate from a typical walking pattern, for example, pushing a shopping cart or jogging with a stroller.