Google's Latest Pixel Drop Adds Three Important New Features

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Google's September Pixel Drop is here. While the update doesn't ship with a ton of new features, what is new here is going to be quite obvious. If you have a Pixel that can run Android 16, your phone is going to look and act quite different. Plus, if you have Pixel Buds Pro 2 or a Pixel Watch, there are some new updates to explore as well.

Google says that these updates are rolling out starting today, though they will continue "over the next few weeks." As such, you might see some of all of the features hit your devices today, but don't be surprised if they take more time to appear.

Material 3 Expressive

Back in May, Google announced Material 3 Expressive, the company's latest design language for Android. Material 3 Expressive has new UI elements, text styles, bright colors, and fresh animations, and while it's not a total design overhaul, it's not a particularly subtle update, either. It also comes with some additional features, like new iPhone-style Calling Cards for Google's Phone app.

This new design launched first with Google's Pixel 10 line of phones, so if you bought one, you've already experienced it. However, if you're still rocking an older Pixel, you no longer need to wait to try out Material 3 Expressive. Google announced that the new update is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer, including Pixel Tablet, starting today.

Adaptive Audio

If you have a set of Pixel Buds Pro 2, you're getting a pretty big update later this month. Google will be rolling Adaptive Audio, a feature that analyzes your surroundings and adjusts audio levels accordingly, to these earbuds. Google doesn't go into much detail here, but it seems similar to Adaptive Sound, which is available on previous Pixel Buds devices. Google also highlights "Loud Noise Protection," a feature that "protects" your ears if you encounter a loud sound. Again, few details here, but it sounds like Pixel Buds Pro 2 will limit the audio levels coming through the buds when something like a siren passes by.

Google Maps updates for Pixel Watch

I feel like smartwatches could be the ideal navigation device. When you're on the move, you don't really want to be looking at your phone all the time to see when the next turn is. Instead, I'd rather glance at my watch, and keep my eyes on my surroundings.

To that point, Google's latest Pixel Drop makes navigating with a Pixel Watch a bit easier. Now, you can start walking or biking directions on Google Maps on your phone, and your Pixel Watch will automatically pick up navigation. That way, you can set your course on your Pixel, put it away, and be on your way.