Google expands AI photo editing to Messages and rolls out power‑saving, scam detection upgrades in Pixel Drop
Key Points
- Remix in Google Messages brings Gemini‑powered AI photo editing to chats.
- Edited images can be shared with any chat participant, even non‑Android users.
- Power Saving Mode in Google Maps darkens the screen and can extend battery life for up to four hours.
- Scam Detection now warns users about potentially fraudulent messages.
- Notification Summaries condense group‑chat alerts on Pixel 9 and newer.
- Pixel VIP contacts receive prioritized message notifications.
- A new seasonal theme pack offers coordinated visual customization for Pixel 6 and newer.
Google’s latest Pixel Drop brings a suite of new features to Android devices, most notably Remix in Google Messages, which lets users edit photos with Gemini‑powered AI directly within chats. The update also adds a Power Saving Mode to Google Maps, extends Scam Detection to messages, introduces Notification Summaries, prioritizes Pixel VIP contacts, and launches a new seasonal theme pack. These enhancements aim to broaden AI capabilities beyond Pixel phones and improve user safety and battery life across the Android ecosystem.
AI‑Powered Photo Editing Arrives in Google Messages
Google’s newest Pixel Drop introduces Remix in Google Messages, an AI‑driven photo editing tool powered by the same Gemini image model used in Google Photos. The feature allows users to tweak images—such as adjusting lighting, adding smiles, or opening eyes—directly within a chat conversation. Edited photos are viewable by all participants, even if they are not on Android, and can be sent over MMS. The rollout is currently limited to English‑speaking markets with RCS enabled, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Personalized Editing in Google Photos
In parallel, Google Photos receives enhancements that let eligible Android users reference people by name while editing, drawing on previously labeled photos to apply targeted adjustments. This personalization builds on the Ask Photos and Face Groups settings, making edits like adding a smile or opening eyes more intuitive.
Power Saving Mode Extends Battery Life in Google Maps
Owners of the latest Pixel 10 phones gain a new Power Saving Mode within Google Maps. The mode darkens the screen and displays only essential navigation information, which Google claims can extend battery life for up to four hours during trips. While the feature debuted on Pixel devices, Google has not announced plans to bring it to other Android phones.
Scam Detection Expands to Messaging
Scam Detection, Android’s built‑in tool for flagging fraudulent calls, now also monitors incoming messages. Users on Pixel 6 devices and newer will receive warnings in their notifications if a message appears suspicious. The feature has been expanded to the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Australia, and Canada.
Notification Summaries and Pixel VIP Prioritization
Pixel 9 devices and newer receive Notification Summaries, which compile frequent group‑chat alerts into a concise recap in the notification shade. Additionally, contacts marked as Pixel VIP—originally introduced earlier in the year—are now given higher priority in messaging, helping users avoid missing important conversations.
Seasonal Theme Pack Introduces New Visual Options
Google also launches a seasonal “Wicked: For Good” theme pack for Pixel 6 and newer devices. Accessible via the Theme Packs app, the pack lets users apply coordinated wallpaper and icon settings inspired by popular themes, simplifying the process of refreshing the device’s look.