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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The September 2026 Pixel Drop is formally rolling out.
- It brings a quicker solution to name and message contacts.
- The replace is accessible to Pixel 6 and newer gadgets.
The September 2026 Pixel Drop is formally rolling out, and whereas it’s not an enormous replace, it does deliver a probably very useful gizmo to your property display screen. That is separate from the September Android Drop, which launched a brand new solution to preserve observe of essential gadgets and a new motion sickness feature.
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Right here’s a have a look at what’s new.
A better solution to message or name your common contacts
Essentially the most helpful replace, and the one I’m most enthusiastic about, makes it so much simpler to name or message your most used contacts.
In June 2025, Google debuted Pixel VIPs, a widget that saved essential contacts for straightforward entry. The method nonetheless concerned a number of faucets, although, as you needed to faucet a contact contained in the VIP widget to entry that profile card, then faucet a second time to name or message that particular person. I had VIP contacts saved, however I not often used them as a result of the method wasn’t a lot shorter than utilizing the common technique.
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The widget is staying, however the September replace provides 1-tap direct name and textual content buttons proper on the house display screen card.
Google says the widget itself helps as much as 16 contacts, however early stories point out that for those who add greater than 4, it reverts to the outdated format to avoid wasting house.
New rip-off safety for textual content messages
Google can also be increasing Scam Detection, a function that already listens to your calls to maintain you secure from scams. Quickly, your Pixel cellphone will control what you kind throughout messaging apps. In case you begin to answer a suspicious message, you’ll get a “Probably rip-off” warning over your keyboard.
You’ll have observed a “Probably rip-off” flag on a textual content message earlier than, however this month’s replace expands that function’s attain and provides safety straight in Gboard. This processing occurs on machine and in real-time, Google says, so your conversations keep non-public.
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This replace shall be accessible on Pixel 6 and newer telephones. In case you don’t have already got it, it’s best to quickly. You’ll get a notification as soon as it’s accessible on your machine.
