Google has started rolling out Android 17 to eligible Pixel phones, which brings a refreshed design and a variety of new features and improvements. At the same time, the company is releasing its June Pixel Drop update, which introduces new multitasking tools, AI-powered creative features, improved calling experiences, and additional safety features for Pixel Watch users.
Bubbles bring a new way to multitask
The biggest addition in this Pixel Drop is Bubbles, a new multitasking feature that lets users keep supported apps floating over other apps on screen. Apps such as Gemini, browsers, and calendars can remain accessible in small movable windows, making it easier to switch between tasks without constantly jumping between apps.
Pixel Fold devices are also getting a dedicated Bubble Bar, which provides a central place to organize and manage active bubbles. Google says the feature is designed to make multitasking more convenient on larger foldable displays.
Screen recordings get built-in reaction videos
Google is also adding Screen Reactions, a feature that places a selfie video overlay directly into screen recordings. This allows users to create reaction videos, tutorials, or gameplay commentary without needing separate recording or editing software.
Gemini can now create videos and music
Gemini Omni has also arrived on Pixel devices with this update. It is an AI-powered video generation tool that can create custom videos from text prompts. Users describe what they want to see, and Gemini generates a video based on that description. It is worth noting that this feature is only accessible on the Gemini app if you have a Gemini Pro subscription.
Google is also rolling out Lyria 3, which can generate original music tracks from text prompts or images. Factors such as style, vocals, and tempo can be adjusted to create personalized songs.
Several existing Pixel features are expanding
Google is bringing several previously announced features to additional devices and regions. Voice Translate is expanding to the Pixel 10a, while Manual Call Screen is launching in India, allowing users to have Google answer unknown callers and display the reason for the call before answering.
The company is also expanding conversational photo editing in Google Photos to Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy. Meanwhile, Magic Cue is coming to more messaging apps, and Take a Message is getting custom greetings and wider availability.
Pixel Watch gets upgraded emergency features
Pixel Watch users are receiving a new Emergency Sharing integration that works with Fall Detection, Car Crash Detection, and Loss of Pulse Detection. If a serious event is detected, the watch can contact emergency services and notify selected emergency contacts automatically, similar to the Crash Detection feature available on newer Apple Watches.
Some of the June Pixel Drop features are limited to certain devices and regions, but Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 series onward that are eligible for Android 17 will get Screen Reactions, the new Bubbles multitasking feature, and AI music creation through Lyria 3.
