Android’s major UI overhaul, Material 3 Expressive, was announced earlier this year and is pre-installed on the new Pixel 10 series of smartphones. Now it’s time for older Pixel devices to get the makeover treatment, thanks to the September Pixel drop.
Material 3 Expressive is now rolling out to Pixel 6 and later devices, including the Pixel tablet. Google’s focus with the UI overhaul is to make Android more personalized, colorful, and livelier overall. It’s easier to identify actions you want to perform within apps, and the splash of color gives the operating system a youthful, fresh feel.
While some Android phones only receive major version releases and security updates, Pixel owners not only receive these updates earlier but also receive Pixel drop updates. These updates are quarterly and can take the form of a system update, Google app updates with new features, or both. The update also includes the latest security updates for supported Pixel devices that address the latest identified vulnerabilities.
While the big news of this update is the addition of Material Expressive 3, a handful of other features were also added in the most recent drop:
- Google’s keyboard, Gboard, is getting new AI writing tools that will correct grammatical errors and change the tone of your messages faster with a new Writing Tools button that will appear in the keyboard’s suggestion bar.
- Emoji Kitchen, Google’s emoji remixer, is now better than ever. You can now browse the entire sticker library and favorites for quicker access.
- Now you can share audio with someone directly or create a private broadcast that others can join just by scanning a QR code.
- The Android Quick Share menu has been revamped so you can switch between files you’ve already shared and files you’ve received, creating a more fluid experience.
New for Pixel Buds Pro 2
Later this month, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will also receive an update that will bring some welcome new features. Here’s what’s on the way:
- Adaptive audio will automatically adjust to your environment to stay aware of your surroundings.
- High noise protection will give your ears some additional protection from loud noises.
- Have an uninterrupted experience with Gemini when your environment is particularly noisy, such as when your TV is on or people are talking around you.
- Soon, you’ll be able to accept calls or dismiss texts by nodding or shaking your head.
To learn more, don’t miss our hands-on with Samsung’s latest Galaxy Tab S11 tablets.
