Aside from Apple, only Google tends to make a big deal out of software updates, and the March Google Pixel feature drop is full of exciting treats for Pixel phones, watches, and tablets. Pixel device owners in the U.S. will have to wait a week until March 11 for the software update.

It's been almost five months since the fall 2023 Pixel event, when the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 were officially announced. And these devices continue to get better thanks to these Pixel's frequent feature-decreasing updates. Most recently, the Pixel 8 gained access to Circle to Search, which launched exclusively with Samsung's Galaxy S24 phone in January. Thankfully, the latest drop in functionality also includes goodies for the Pixel Watch and Pixel Tablet.

There are still a few months until Google I/O 2024. There we will undoubtedly see the first sneak peeks of Android 15 and other phones (possibly Pixel 8a and Pixel Fold 2). But there is no doubt that Google will continue to release other updates between now and then. Here's what to expect when the March Google Pixel feature drop arrives on your phone, watch, or tablet.

The Pixel 8 series has already been given access to Circle to Search, but the new software update will expand support to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, so these older devices will be able to take advantage of this new Google Search feature in any app The new software update expands support to Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, so these older devices will be able to take advantage of this new Google Search feature in any app. To perform a search this way, press and hold the phone's home button and circle what you want to search for on the screen. We like this implementation because it is so simple and users stay in the app they are using. [This is because the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, and Pixel Fold will support 10-bit HDR Video. This new video recording option provides wide dynamic range performance for vivid colors and high contrast. Additionally, these 10-bit HDR videos can be uploaded directly to Instagram along with Ultra HDR photos.

Finally, one of our favorite Pixel features receives a long-awaited update. The "Next Generation Call Screen" feature will help you start a phone conversation when you receive an incoming call and the person is silent and not speaking; there will be a "hello" chip that you can tap while sorting through the call for the Google Assistant, prompting the caller to speak.

The nice thing about this Pixel Drop feature update is that both the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 will have the same new feature: with Pace Training, you can set a target pace during exercise, and a notification will help you stay within target if you start to deviate from it.

Similarly, Pace Training will allow users to set a goal pace during a workout and receive a notification when they begin to deviate from that goal, allowing them to stay on target.

Similarly, Heart Zone Training will allow users to monitor their time in the zone. If you are able to maintain your intensity (or drop a little), Pixel Watch will notify you with tactile notifications and audio when you move from one heart rate zone to another.

An automatic workout mode, available only on the Pixel Watch 2, will also be available on the original Pixel Watch. This feature automatically starts and stops the workout when it detects activity, so you won't miss out on tracking your workout if you forget to start it manually.

And finally, the Pixel Watch and Watch 2 will have access to the Fitbit Relax app; Google is also rolling out Transit Directions to all Watches running Wear OS 3+, which will include real-time departure times and directions on the smartwatch, including a compass-enabled map display.

These last Pixel feature drops target the Pixel Tablet and other Android-powered devices. One of the coolest new features is app screen sharing on the Pixel Tablet, Pixel 5a, and newer models. Instead of sharing the entire screen when casting, you can now share just the app. This will also work for video calls and screen recordings for presentations.

Instead of having to pair your favorite Bluetooth accessories every time you use a new device, FastPair Subsequent Pairing simplifies the process by allowing you to access previously configured Bluetooth devices FastPair Subsequent Pairing This is effective when switching between Android devices continuously.

Finally, Docs Markup makes it easy to add handwritten annotations to documents from tablets and phones running Android 8 or later. This can be easily done using a finger or stylus; Android tablets with Gboard 13.9+ will see some changes to the digital keyboard when voice input is enabled.