While the Pixel 9 series is expected to make extensive use of LLM and Gemini features, a new leak suggests that these will all be available under a new “Google AI” banner on upcoming devices.
In late 2023, a report suggested that Google was working on Gemini powering an AI assistant called “Pixie” that would be exclusive to Pixel hardware. It would use Gmail, Maps, and other “data from Google products” on your phone to create a “highly personalized version of the Google Assistant.”
Not much was known about how this would manifest, but the details uncovered by Android Authority have given a taste of what to expect – including the new “Google AI” name. This report also suggests that the Pixel 9 will come with a feature eerily similar to Microsoft’s somewhat controversial Reminder feature.
Another touted feature of Google’s AI is “Add Me.” This camera feature is described as being able to “make sure everyone is included in a group photo,” according to screenshots. This could be an add-on or extension of the Pixel 8’s “Best Take” feature that lets you adjust the facial reactions of subjects in group photos.
“Studio” is another new feature in Google’s AI suite. According to the report, it’s simply the new name for the “Creative Assistant” app that was previously described as an extension of the generative AI tools. Interestingly, the accompanying screenshot briefly states that with Studio, you “imagine it” and “Pixel creates it.”
No further details have been shared on how this might be possible, but we could see some of Imagen 2, VideoFX, or Veo and ImageFX applied here to enable the Studio feature on Pixel 9 series devices.
The last new feature detailed in this leak is called “Pixel Screenshots.” It will let you use AI to search for screenshots and use them as an expanded library of information and context. You will be able to “summarize new and existing screenshots” to answer “questions about the information they contain.”
As noted, this is similar to Microsoft’s proposed implementation of the Recall feature in Windows 11. Like recent changes to the Windows feature, Google is making this an explicitly enabled AI feature. It can be disabled at any time, and will only apply to screenshots you’ve taken directly. This could make Pixel Screenshots more secure than actively scanning your entire image library on the device.
It will, however, be possible to extract metadata, web links, app names, and date to get a contextual image of each screenshot. Everything will be processed on-device, so nothing is sent out of the cloud, which is another potential privacy benefit.
We won’t have to wait long to see what “Google AI” will bring to the Pixel 9 series. Three foldable and slab-style phones are expected to be unveiled on August 13 at the Made by Google show in Mountain View.
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