Google's Pixel 9 range comes with these new AI features
What's the story
Google has officially announced its latest smartphone range, the Pixel 9 series. The lineup gets a handful of new Pixel-exclusive AI features.
Also, the Pro models are getting a year of Google One AI Premium, which offers access to the company's most capable AI system, Gemini Advanced.
Let's have a look at the biggest AI features the tech giant announced today.
Microsoft homage
Pixel screenshots
The Pixel 9 series brings the ability for users to manually take screenshots, and search for information on it later conversationally. It is a bit like Microsoft's Recall feature that uses AI to track everything on your device.
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Gemini can now understand your screen
Gemini, the AI system integrated into the Pixel 9 series, has been significantly enhanced. It can now respond based on what's displayed on your phone screen when summoned.
This means it can perform tasks like adding a list of restaurants from a YouTube travel video to Google Maps.
Google has also introduced new models such as Gemini 1.5 Flash for faster responses and fewer errors, further extending Gemini's capabilities.
AI expansion
Gemini's extended functionality
Gemini's functionality has been expanded to interact with apps such as Keep, Tasks, Utilities, and Google Calendar.
A new feature called Gemini Live allows natural conversation with the assistant even when the screen is locked. However, this feature is exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers.
Other notable additions include Magic Editor for photo editing by typing out desired changes, and an "Add Me" option for easy group photos without needing strangers' help.
Creative tools
Pixel Studio and Pixel Weather
Pixel Studio is a new feature that allows users to create illustrations using text prompts. However, it requires an internet connection to function.
The Circle to Search feature has been updated to enable users to share parts of an image or screen after circling it.
Additionally, the new Pixel Weather app will provide AI-generated weather reports, showcasing Google's commitment to integrating AI into everyday tasks.
User convenience
AI-powered call summaries
Google has introduced Call Notes, a feature that uses AI to create summaries of phone calls after you hang up.
This feature is designed to help users extract details from a call.
Google assures that the calls and summaries are "never sent to the cloud," notifying everyone on a call before it transcribes and summarizes it.