Google’s annual Made by Google event unveiled more than just shiny new hardware like the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2. It was a stage to introduce a suite of exciting AI features that promise to make Pixel devices smarter and more intuitive than ever.
Gemini AI Assistant: The New Pixel Powerhouse
Google has officially retired the Google Assistant on Pixel 9 series phones, replacing it with the more powerful and versatile Gemini AI. Gemini is now the default AI assistant on the Pixel 9, accepting input in the form of text, images, or voice.
Gemini’s capabilities extend far beyond basic queries. It can handle complex questions, delve into your Gmail or Maps for specific information, and even offer real-time assistance with Gemini Live for subscribers of Gemini Advanced. This marks a significant step forward in AI integration, making the Pixel 9 series even more responsive and personalized.
AI-Powered Photo Magic
Pixel phones have always been known for their exceptional camera capabilities, and the Pixel 9 series takes this a step further with new AI-powered photo editing features.
- Add Me: This innovative feature lets you add missing people to group photos, ensuring everyone’s in the picture, even the photographer.
- Magic Editor Enhancements: Auto Framing intelligently realigns photos for optimal composition, and the AI-generated backgrounds feature lets you replace the existing background with a creative scene of your choice.
New AI-Powered Apps
- Pixel Studio: This on-device AI image generator leverages the Tensor G4 chip and Imagen 3 AI model to enable users to create and modify images using simple prompts. It offers features like style changes, sticker creation, and inline editing.
- Pixel Screenshots: This AI-powered app helps you recall information from your screenshots. It uses a multimodal AI model to search through your screenshots and retrieve the data you’re looking for, making it easier than ever to find that important piece of information.
- Pixel Weather: This minimalist weather app utilizes AI to provide traditional weather reporting and more accurate forecasts. It uses Gemini Nano to generate custom weather reports and lets you rearrange information for a personalized look.
Additional AI Features in Pixel 9 Series
- Google Keep Integration: Gemini AI can now help you create lists directly within Google Keep, making it even more useful for staying organized.
- Call Notes: This feature automatically generates summaries of your phone calls, making it easy to review key points and information.
AI on Pixel Watch 3
- Automatic Sleep/Wake Detection: The Pixel Watch 3 now utilizes AI to detect when you fall asleep and wake up, automatically enabling and disabling Bedtime mode for a more seamless experience.
- Advanced Running Metrics: The watch uses AI and machine learning to provide detailed analysis of your running form, offering insights to help you improve.
- Call Assist: Borrowed from the Pixel 8 series, this feature lets you screen spam calls and ask callers to hold, giving you more control over your communication.
AI on Pixel Buds Pro 2
- Enhanced Noise Cancellation: The Tensor A1 chip, combined with AI and machine learning, delivers twice the noise cancellation compared to the previous generation, ensuring a more immersive listening experience.
- Hands-Free Gemini Access: With voice mode, you can interact with Gemini directly through your Pixel Buds Pro 2, getting information and completing tasks even when your phone isn’t within reach.
Conclusion:
The Made by Google event highlighted Google’s focus on AI innovation, demonstrating how these advancements are woven into the fabric of the Pixel ecosystem. From smarter assistants and enhanced camera features to more intelligent apps and improved wearables, AI is playing a central role in making Pixel devices more helpful, personalized, and intuitive. The future of Pixel is undoubtedly AI-powered, and it’s an exciting future indeed.
