Google has started rolling out its latest March security update and it also brings a number of new feature add-ons for various supported Pixel devices thanks to the new feature drop. The size of the security patch is approximately 742MB (on our Pixel 8 review unit) and is eligible for a number of Pixel devices, from the latest Pixel 8 Pro to the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel 5a 5G, which is currently the oldest device. It was supported after the Pixel 4a received its last official security update in November last year.
Google Pixel March Security Update
Tagged as software version AP1A.240305.019.A1, the March security update is available for several Pixel smartphones, Pixel tablets, and the only Google foldable in existence, the Pixel Fold. As always, security updates bring many bug fixes and improvements.
These include general stability and performance improvements “with certain apps” and a fix for the Google Assistant when it refuses to respond on all recent Pixel smartphones in “certain situations.” Feedback also notes improvements in fingerprint recognition on the Pixel 8 Pro through Pixel 6 Pro.
Google March security update size is 742MB
There is also a camera fix for all recent Pixel smartphones where the camera would stop working completely. It’s unclear if this is related to the Night Mode bug we saw in our Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro reviews. The update is also said to bring general improvements to system stability and performance, which will hopefully put an end to the stuttery/junky scrolling issues faced by many users.
Other fixes included are for sensors (refuses to vibrate when new texts come in), telephony (fails to route calls to a connected Bluetooth device) and even an issue where users would receive a message while on a call. You can hear distortion in the audio. There are also several improvements to the user interface, ranging from the game dashboard stopping working, home screen icons disappearing, live wallpapers getting stuck, taskbar icons and buttons becoming unresponsive in certain situations.
Google Pixel March Feature Drop
As far as Google Feature Drop is concerned, it will automatically direct the update to different devices owned or connected to your smartphone. The Pixel feature drop is limited to devices that run Android 14, and the rollout, as always, will be phased. Those who received the March security update will also need to update their individual apps to reflect some of the new features.
Supported Pixel smartphones will get improvements to the call screen feature, which is only available in certain regions. The new update improves the call screening feature when the caller goes silent on the other end. The update adds a “Hello” chip to the interface, which, when activated, will now prompt the caller to speak.
While recently launched Pixel models are already capable of shooting high contrast 10-bit HDR videos, users can now share these HDR videos and photos directly to Instagram Reels. Strangely, Samsung smartphones received this feature before Google’s Pixel devices.
Google Pixel Watch gets a new Workout user interface with the latest Pixel feature drop
Photo Credit: Google
Another feature that was made available simultaneously on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 series was Circle to Search. And Google has announced that it’s finally making its way to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, too. However, Google has clearly mentioned that the Pixel 7 models will not be getting them immediately. Marked as “coming soon”, it’s a waiting game for Pixel 7 owners at the moment.
Moving on to the Pixel Watch, Google has finally added an update to its Pixel Watch 2, the older, first-generation Pixel Watch. It includes features like pace training (setting a target pace during exercise) and heart zone training (monitoring time spent in each zone). It also has auto-pause, auto-start, and auto-stop, reducing the need to manually start and stop the workout. However, Auto Workout Detection only works for running, walking, elliptical, spinning, outdoor biking, treadmill, and rowing exercises. Finally, Google updated the Workout interface to include larger text and brighter colors for better visibility and readability. New breathing exercises will also now be available to those with access to the Fitbit app on the first-generation Pixel Watch.
The Pixel Watch also gets public transportation directions right on the display. Various transit options will be available, including real-time departures and a compass-enabled map view.
For Pixel devices in general, Google has also introduced the ability to share exactly what’s on your screen instead of everything that’s visible on your screen when sharing a screen. Users can share just one app instead of showing the entire screen, whether it’s a phone, tablet or foldable Pixel device.
Google Docs now allows handwritten markup, which can be written using a dedicated stylus or even a finger. The Markup feature in Google Docs also includes a set of tools that offer a variety of pen colors and highlighters to choose from.
At last, Google’s Pixel tablets finally get a more sensible Gboard voice toolbar. When voice input is activated, the toolbar takes over and removes the keyboard from view, allowing you to view the content and direct text into the text field using a thin pill-shaped bar at the bottom.
