Android’s big UI overhaul, Material 3 Expressive, was announced earlier this year and is preinstalled 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 coming to Pixel 6 devices and up, 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 take within apps, and the splash of color throughout gives the OS a somewhat youthful and fresh feel. 

While some Android phones receive only major version releases and security updates, Pixel owners not only typically get these updates sooner but are also treated to 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, which patch the latest identified vulnerabilities. 

While the big news from this update is the addition of Material 3 Expressive, a handful of other features have also been added in the latest drop:

• Google’s keyboard, Gboard, is getting new AI writing tools that will fix 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 library of stickers and favorite them 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 toggle between sending files and files you’ve received, creating a more fluid experience. 

New for Pixel Buds Pro 2

Coming later this month, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will also see an update that will give it a few new and welcomed features, too. Here’s what’s on the way:

• Adaptive Audio will automatically adjust to your environment to stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Loud Noise Protection will give your ears some added protection from, well, loud noises. 
• Have an uninterrupted experience with Gemini when your environment is particularly noisy, like when your TV is on or people are talking around you. 
• You’ll soon be able to accept calls or dismiss replying to texts by nodding or shaking your head.

For more, don’t miss our hands-on with Samsung’s latest Galaxy Tab S11 tablets.