Google announced the November edition of its Pixel update, “Pixel Drop,” making Gemini-powered everyday task automation available in Japan on the Pixel 10 and 11 series. Some eligible models and features may require a subscription.
In the November edition of Pixel Drop announced by Google, some features previously available only on the Pixel 11 series have been ported to the Pixel 10 series, and the Japan-specific content was introduced on the official Japanese blog. Distribution to eligible devices began on the same day, with the rollout scheduled to proceed in stages depending on the model and carrier. Many Gemini-powered features may require a subscription for users aged 18 or over who meet the applicable country and language requirements.
“Screen Automation,” which allows Gemini to handle everyday tasks using apps, is available as a beta feature on the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel 10 series, excluding the Pixel 10a. Gemini can operate in the background to process shopping, ride bookings, takeout orders and restaurant reservations. Progress can be checked on screen, and tasks can be stopped partway through.
“AI voice typing,” which removes unnecessary words from spoken input and reflects corrections, and “Proactive Assistance,” which makes suggestions based on screen notifications and location data, will also become available on the Pixel 10 series. The latter can assist with sharing an arrival time and finding a shop with one tap, and support for the Google Pixel Watch 4 is also planned soon.
In addition, “Car mode” can detect when the user is riding a train and turn on automatically, and Motion Assistance can be enabled. In Japan, when a call comes in during a journey, the Assistant is expected to answer and provide fully hands-free call transcription and summaries. The feature will be available on devices from Pixel 6a onward. It is turned off by default and must be enabled manually.