Google lets Pixel users create custom widgets

Google's November Pixel Drop brings new and expanded features meant to make Pixel devices more personalized, intuitive, and handy. The update covers smarter automation, next-level personalization, and upgraded connectivity. Its headline addition is Gemini Intelligence on Pixel 10 devices, along with a way to create personalized widgets. Updates start rolling out today and continue over the next several weeks.

Gemini Intelligence arrives on Pixel 10

Gemini Intelligence is now available on Pixel 10 devices. It brings Rambler, personalized suggestions, and the ability to take care of multi-step tasks, like placing a morning coffee order.

Rambler upgrades voice typing. It can automatically remove filler words like “um” and format spoken thoughts into clear, polished text. Users speak naturally, review, and send.

For multi-step tasks, Gemini handles the logistics of getting groceries, booking a ride, ordering takeout, or finding a reservation at a favorite restaurant. This is now available in Japan, UK, and India.

Proactive suggestions let a Pixel anticipate what the user needs with timely information and suggested actions. Examples include sharing an ETA with a tap when someone asks when the user will arrive, or helping find the perfect dinner spot. This is also coming soon to Pixel Watch 4.

Google is also adding custom widgets. Users can describe a widget that doesn't seem to exist, such as a tracker for monthly spending, a game day widget with team colors, or a getaway countdown that automatically pulls in flight and reservation details. This is coming soon to Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5.

Pixels can now summarize longer conversations so users can see what's important right away. This is available in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Hindi, and Traditional Chinese, and is coming to Pixel Watches soon.

Calls, icons, search, and messages

Call Screen has an upgrade on the Pixel 11 series. When a user screens a call from an unknown number, Gemini asks the caller why they're reaching out in a much more conversational manner. It handles the exchange until the user decides to jump in or end the call, and a live transcript on screen lets the user decide when to pick up. It is also coming to Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5 soon.

Following the launch of Custom Icons earlier this year, Google is adding more styles that apply across all app icons on the home screen.

Pixel search, now available on Pixel 6 and newer devices, finds items across the phone, from vacation photos and recent emails to messages, calendar events, and device settings.

HiLight now supports Google Messages. When the phone is face down, HiLight glows if a message arrives from a favorite contact.

Pixel Tag, Google Fi, and Pixel Watch

Pixel Tag is slim enough to fit in a wallet and durable enough to attach to belongings, with a battery that lasts over a year. The Find Hub network of more than 1 billion Android devices helps locate items even miles away, and UWB provides visual direction and distance guidance nearby.

Google Fi's new super network automatically switches between two of America's top 5G cellular networks and millions of secure Wi-Fi networks, for what Google calls the nation's fastest, most expansive coverage. It starts today on eligible Pixels. Existing Pixel owners not yet on Google Fi can get 50% off select unlimited plans for 12 months, ending 12/1/26.

On Pixel Watch, the watch will automatically unlock when it is on the wrist and the nearby phone is unlocked, so users can skip typing a PIN or pattern. This is coming in the next few weeks. Step-by-step workouts are rolling out to Pixel Watch 3 and newer models. They work with routines from the Google Health Coach or custom workouts built in the Google Health app. Users get step-by-step instructions, can log reps and weights, and can track metrics from the watch or phone.

Key Features at a Glance

• Rambler: removes filler words like “um” and formats speech into polished text, so voice typing needs less cleanup.
• Multi-step tasks with Gemini: handles groceries, rides, takeout, and reservations in Japan, UK, and India, so users can focus on other tasks.
• Custom widgets: built from a description, such as a spending tracker or getaway countdown, so the home screen can be as personalized as the user wants.
• Call Screen: Gemini converses with unknown callers on the Pixel 11 series, with a live transcript to guide when to pick up.
• Pixel Tag: battery lasting over a year, with the Find Hub network of more than 1 billion Android devices and UWB guidance, to locate belongings.
• Google Fi super network: switches between two top 5G networks and millions of Wi-Fi networks for broader coverage.
• Pixel Watch unlock: unlocks automatically when the phone is unlocked, so there is no PIN or pattern typing on the watch.
• Step-by-step workouts: instructions, rep and weight logging, and metrics on Pixel Watch 3 and newer.

Availability

Updates start rolling out today and will continue over the next several weeks. Gemini Intelligence is available on Pixel 10 devices, and Pixel search is available on Pixel 6 and newer. Pixel Watch unlock is coming in the next few weeks. Pixel Tag is available starting November 11 for $29.99 for one or $99.99 for a four-pack. Google's community forum post lists all new features arriving on Pixel devices this month.