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Google’s June 2025 Pixel Drop is rolling out alongside the company’s Android 16 update for Pixel smartphones. The company has introduced a new Pixel VIPs widget that makes it easier for people to stay in touch with their favourite contacts, while users can now generate AI stickers directly in Gboard. The camera app on Pixel phones will now provide users with hints on how to use various camera features on their handset. Meanwhile, existing Pixel-exclusive features are rolling out to users in more regions.
Pixel VIPs Can Bypass Do Not Disturb Settings, Gboard AI Stickers Works on Newest Models
Users can now add a new Pixel VIPs widget to their home screen for quick access to their favourite contacts, according to details shared by the company. This widget is provided by the Contacts app on Pixel phones and uses information provided by the user such as addresses, emails, and birthdays to surface important information and reminders. Google also says that it will show users details of their last call or message from these contacts, and they can bypass the Do Not Disturb mode that silences incoming calls and notifications.
The built-in camera app on Pixel smartphones has been updated with a new feature that provides inspiration various camera modes on the device, including telephoto, panorama, Night Sight, and Astro. Users can access these camera hints via the question mark icon in the top right corner of the app.
Gboard users can now generate AI stickers, directly from the keyboard. Keep in mind that these are AI-generated stickers created by Pixel Studio, that require the company’s latest Pixel 9 series to function. Users can enter a prompt and select an “emotion”, and Gboard will generate a custom emoji using AI.
Pixel phones connected to hearing aids with Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) features will allow users to take calls via these devices, as well as access their presets. Users can type to search for objects while using the Magnifier app on a Pixel phone, and these will be highlighted when the app finds them.
These features are rolling out to users alongside the Android 16 update, which was released on Tuesday. Meanwhile, existing Pixel-exclusive features such as Satellite SOS is coming to Australia, while AI summaries in the Recorder app are now available in French and German.
