6 Hidden Features in Google’s March Pixel Drop

Google has slowly improved the Android working system over the past 9 months. Whereas Android 16 was launched final summer season, a September replace was shortly adopted by one in November, which meant new options like AI summaries for texts and a Google Maps replace. 

In March, a brand new Pixel Drop included so many new options that it in all probability felt overwhelming for Pixel cellphone house owners. Don’t fear, although, I’ve gone by means of the free improve with a fine-tooth comb to seek out those you may not be benefiting from.

A brand new Consolation View that’s simpler on the eyes, new themes and icons, and a model new “strive on” function for procuring that may simply blow your thoughts are all definitely worth the obtain.

1. Consolation View

John Brandon / Foundry

This function appears a bit unheralded to me, particularly in gentle of the latest AI additions of the final two drops (a few of which I clarify under, however there are a number of you will discover on this piece in regards to the Samsung Galaxy S26).

But, the primary Pixel Drop of 2026 features a new show choice known as Consolation View, which truly works as marketed. I used to be blown away by how this setting helped with eye pressure virtually instantly, making the display look smoother.

To search out it, simply search in Settings for Consolation View after which allow the function. At the least for me, I observed the display seemed much less harsh and, over time, prompted much less eye pressure. You can too use a setting known as Dynamic that adjusts the colours and brightness to your environment. 

2. At a Look enhancements

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Commuters will recognize this new function. On the Dwelling display, there’s a small “At a Look” space slightly below the clock.

Normally, you may see climate updates and different fast notices, however with the March improve, you may as well see warnings about your commute. For instance, in the event you take a practice to work and there’s a delay, you’ll see the warning with out having to set a waypoint. 

I occurred to be visiting Austria on trip when this function grew to become out there. I observed it didn’t truly work – then noticed a word from Google that At a Look isn’t out there in Europe or the UK. That’s a disgrace, since commuting by practice is so well-liked right here.

3. Now Enjoying standalone app

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Android has included a widget known as Now Enjoying for a few years – it’s one in all our favorite options – however it’s considerably buried within the settings.

It labored equally to the Shazam app (which is now baked into Siri on the iPhone) in that you could possibly discover out which artist and music was taking part in in real-time. For instance, in a movie show, you could possibly establish the closing credit music and in addition see recognised songs in your lockscreen.

Google has now turned Now Enjoying right into a full app, which makes it simpler to seek out and use. Simply seek for the Now Enjoying app, then let the app take heed to the music for some time to establish the artist and observe. There’s additionally a historical past of the songs it has recognised, so you may revisit them.

4. Add the brand new SpongeBob SquarePants theme

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I can’t say I’m a giant fan of this animated present, however the theme pack proves Google is attempting new issues and interesting to a wider viewers.

You don’t have to make use of the default theme on an Android machine, and the SpongeBob pack virtually makes it seem to be you might have an all-new cellphone. To put in the theme pack, simply long-press anyplace on the house display and choose Wallpaper & Fashion, choose Theme pack, then search for the SpongeBob SquarePants theme and set up it.

You might need to obtain it (look within the higher proper for the obtain button). 

By the way in which, in the event you’re like me and you employ a launcher similar to Nova to imitate the feel and appear of an iPhone, you could want to decide on the default Pixel Launcher earlier than you may set up a brand new theme pack.

In Settings, seek for “launcher” and, beneath Default dwelling app, select Pixel Launcher.

5. Change the icons

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I’ve examined a number of apps that allow you to change the Android theme and the icons. My favourite is Nova Launcher as a result of you may match the look of the iPhone icons.

Within the March Pixel Drop, Google contains new icons that look surprisingly inventive. You possibly can generate them utilizing AI as effectively. The brand new kinds embody Scribbles, Cookies, Easel, Treasure and Stardust.

To make use of them, ensure you are utilizing the default Dwelling app known as Pixel Launcher (see above for the way to use it). Lengthy-press on the Dwelling display and choose Wallpapers & Kinds, then Icons. Choose the brand new Create choice after which choose the type you need. I used the Cookies choice and the icons took on a colourful type with vivid reds and browns.

6. Circle to go looking ‘strive on’ function

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I saved the perfect for final as a result of that is the one which made me assume AI tech isn’t solely useful however can also be a bit magical. Google has supplied “Circle to Search” (eg, on the net, you may circle something to seek out out extra about it) since early 2024.

The March drop features a incredible new function that improves the expertise. Should you discover clothes you want on the net, you may long-press on the navigation bar to activate Circle to Search. Then, if you circle an outfit, you’ll see the search outcomes.

Choose the choice ‘Discover the Look’ to see the outfit. You need to use a brand new function to strive on the merchandise. You need to use a mannequin or add an image of your self first to see the way it seems to be if you put on it. This function does require that the model works with Circle to Search.

I discovered many clothes manufacturers labored tremendous, similar to a number of Amazon shirts and pants I examined.