Pixel 9 Series launch: Gemini AI is just one part of it. Google launched a bunch of new AI features

Google’s highly anticipated Pixel 9 lineup has finally been unveiled, and the spotlight is firmly on artificial intelligence (AI). With the introduction of a range of new AI-driven features, Google is doubling down on its commitment to integrating advanced AI into its devices. Powered by its cutting-edge AI models, Gemini and its most advanced version, Gemini Advanced, these features are set to redefine the smartphone experience.

While the hardware upgrades in the Pixel 9 series, such as increased RAM —12GB for the Pixel 9 and 16GB for the Pro models — are impressive, it’s the software enhancements that truly stand out. These upgrades are designed to handle the demands of on-device AI processing, bringing a host of groundbreaking features to users’ fingertips.

Pixel Studio
One of the most exciting additions is the Pixel Studio app, which empowers users to create stunning illustrations simply by using text prompts. This app is powered by an on-device diffusion model and Google’s Imagen 3 cloud-based model. With these tools, users can bring their artistic visions to life with ease, making it a powerful tool for both amateur and professional creators. Whether you want to create a simple sketch or a complex illustration, Pixel Studio provides the tools and flexibility to do so with minimal effort.

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A Smarter, Faster Gemini Assistant
Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant, is designed to enhance how users interact with their devices. Borrowing inspiration from Apple’s Siri, Gemini can understand and respond to the content displayed on your screen.

Users can initiate a contextual conversation by simply summoning Gemini and tapping “Ask about this screen” or “Ask about this video.” This feature offers endless possibilities, such as watching a city exploration vlog on YouTube and instantly asking Gemini to add the featured places of interest to your Google Maps.

The Pixel 9 series also introduces a more advanced Gemini assistant, powered by enhanced models like Gemini 1.5 Flash. This results in faster response times, improved accuracy, and a more natural conversational flow.

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Moreover, Gemini’s capabilities have been expanded with new extensions that allow it to interact seamlessly with other Google apps such as Keep, Tasks, Utilities, and Google Calendar. This means that users can now manage their schedules, create to-do lists, and even set reminders more efficiently, all through a more responsive and intelligent assistant.

Gemini Live
Pixel 9 users can now engage in more natural, free-flowing conversations with Gemini Live, a feature reminiscent of ChatGPT’s voice chat functionality. This feature adapts to the user’s conversational style, allowing interruptions, pauses, and resumptions without missing a beat.

Exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, Gemini Live even works when the screen is locked, providing a seamless experience across different scenarios. Additionally, owners of the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 can access Gemini Live through their headphones with a simple tap-and-hold gesture, making voice interaction more intuitive and accessible.

AI-Powered Pixel Screenshots
Inspired by Microsoft’s Recall feature, Google introduced “Pixel Screenshots,” a revolutionary way to capture and recall important information. Users can take a screenshot of anything they want to remember and easily search for it later using conversational language.

This AI-powered feature, exclusive to Pixel devices, understands the context of the screenshot, allowing users to retrieve the information they need without sifting through endless galleries. It’s a significant step forward in organizing and accessing information on the go.

Reimagined Magic Editor
Google’s Magic Editor takes photo editing to a new level, allowing users to transform their photos in remarkable ways with simple text prompts. Whether you want to select specific areas of an image, add or remove elements, change the background, or create entirely new scenes, Magic Editor makes it possible.

The creative possibilities are limitless, from replacing a dull sky with a breathtaking sunset to adding a whimsical hot air balloon to the background. This feature puts professional-grade editing tools in the hands of everyday users, making photo editing more accessible and enjoyable.

Add Me feature
The Pixel 9 camera’s “Add Me” feature eliminates the hassle of awkward selfie angles and asking strangers to take your group photos. Utilizing AR technology, the camera intelligently stitches together multiple images, ensuring that everyone is included in the shot. Users can take a picture of their friends, then step into a designated spot marked by an AR overlay, and the camera will seamlessly combine the images to create a perfect group photo. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that enhances group photography.

Enhanced Circle to Search
Google enhances its Circle to Search feature with AI-powered sharing capabilities, allowing users to circle specific portions of an image or screen and instantly share them via text. This eliminates the need for cumbersome cropping and editing, making sharing more precise and efficient.

Whether you want to highlight a specific detail or share a particular part of an image, Circle to Search makes it easier than ever.

AI-Powered Weather Summaries and Call Notes
Finally, the Pixel 9 introduces a redesigned Pixel Weather app, leveraging Gemini Nano to provide concise and informative weather summaries. Users can customize the app’s layout to prioritize the information that matters most to them, ensuring they always have the most relevant weather updates at a glance.

Additionally, the new Call Notes feature uses AI to generate summaries of phone calls after they end, ensuring that users never miss important details. This feature is particularly useful for busy professionals who need to keep track of key points from their conversations.

In conclusion, the Pixel 9 series not only brings powerful hardware upgrades but also introduces a host of AI-driven features that are set to redefine the smartphone experience. From creative tools like Pixel Studio and Magic Editor to practical enhancements like Gemini Live and Pixel Screenshots, Google’s latest lineup is a testament to the transformative power of AI in everyday technology.