Festive Pixel Audio Emoji and Enhanced Video Calling
Google's Pixel Phone app has introduced new Christmas and New Year-themed Audio Emoji, replacing the Halloween designs. The Christmas Tree emoji, complete with jingle bells and Santa's sleigh, replaces the Party Popper. Fireworks now stand in for the Crying Face emoji.
These festive additions are available with Pixel Phone app version 156. For other Pixel updates, see iOS 18.2: Apple Intelligence Transforms Messaging.
Prominent Video Call Shortcut
The Phone by Google app is testing a more accessible video calling shortcut. Currently, users can initiate video calls via the "More" button or a suggestion chip, both using Google Meet (legacy). This new test places a video call button directly in the top-right corner of the screen, offering greater visibility. This feature is similar to what's available on the iPhone 17 Air.
This update complements existing features like Call Screen AI replies and real-time Scam Detection. For more on AI integration, check out macOS 15.2: A Major Update with AI Focus.