The March Android updates and Pixel Drop are full of life hacks

March is here, and so are new Android updates. Google has several features for general Android users, as well as the latest Pixel Drop. There are better tools for finding everything from luggage to friends, improvements to Circle to Search, a much-requested app, and much more.

New on Android

Features deployed in the Android ecosystem

We’ll start with new features for Android users in general. As rumored last week, you can now share your live location directly in a Google Messages chat. It was previously possible to share a specific location via a Google Maps link. Now you can share your location in real time with Find Hub, and you have the option to set a time limit for how long you share your location.

Staying with Find Hub, if your bag goes missing, you can share a tracking link for your tag directly with a participating airline so they can help you find it. Google announced this feature almost a year ago, and we’re still waiting for the baggage with built-in support for July’s Find Hub, Mokobara, and Peak.

Last year, the Phone by Google app got a cool feature called “Calling Cards.” It allows you to create a caller ID screen for everyone in your contacts with a full-screen photo, custom font and colors. Now this functionality is reversed, so you can design the calling card that your friends will see when you call them.

Finally, Android Auto has teacher-approved games you can play while parked. Gboard also has even more Emoji Kitchen combinations to play with.

Related

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Pixel drop in March

Gifts for Pixel Owners

Moving on to updates exclusive to Pixel devices: Circle to Search is getting a few new tricks. You can now use “Find the Look” to find each individual piece of an outfit with a single search. If you’re wondering what the clothes might look like once you find them, the “Try It On” feature is now also available on Circle to Search.

Next up is some widget love. The “At a Glance” widget on the home screen and lock screen will now show real-time updates on public transportation, including delays and alternative routes. Sports scores from your favorite teams and stock updates will also appear here in real time.

Announced last month, Gemini can now handle repetitive, multi-step tasks for you. It’s not yet clear how this actually works, but Google gives some examples. You can ask Gemini to book a ride home or reorder your last meal delivery. These types of tasks require the same process every time, and Gemini handles it for you in the background.

Here’s a quick overview of a few other features worth noting. “Now Playing” finally gets its own app. The Pixel’s excellent scam detection functionality extends to France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Germany and Japan. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch can automatically lock your phone if you go out of range. You can create custom AI-generated icons to give your home screen a consistent aesthetic.

Be on the lookout for all these features coming to your Android and Pixel devices this month. Some have already started to appear, and the rest are expected to follow suit.

Source: Google, Google

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