Google expands Pixel features for VIP contacts, scam alerts and Pixel Watch 5

Google has announced its latest monthly Pixel update, adding new tools for staying in contact with VIPs, identifying potential scam messages and controlling Pixel Watch devices.

Pixel 6 and newer phones will receive expanded home-screen widgets for quickly calling or texting VIP and favourite contacts. New notification badges will indicate urgent or unread messages from VIP contacts.

Google is also expanding Scam Detection to notifications across chat apps in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Mexico, Japan and France. In the US, Gboard will alert users to potential scam messages within the keyboard. The feature identifies potential fraud and does not confirm that a message is fraudulent.

Google is rolling out Wear OS 7 to Pixel Watch 5 devices, with offline access to Gemini and more accurate GPS route tracking. The update also expands one-handed controls, allowing users to double-pinch to open the notification centre, scroll through Gemini responses and Wallet cards, and move between Google Maps reviews.

Eligible Pixel 6-and-newer users can apply Harry Potter audiobook-themed wallpapers, icons and sounds to their phones. Google says eligible users in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan and Australia will also receive two free months of Audible, subject to applicable eligibility and regional terms.