Pixel 9 Phones: Google Embraces AI with New Features

Google's latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 9 series, introduce a host of advanced AI features designed to enhance user experience across various applications. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro / Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are all equipped with increased RAM—12GB for the Pixel 9 and 16GB for the Pro models—to support these resource-intensive AI functions.

Among the headline features is the Pixel Screenshots tool, which takes a manual approach to tracking activities, akin to Microsoft's Recall feature. This allows users to take a screenshot and later search for the information within it, making it easier to keep track of events, recipes, or anything else of interest. This feature is exclusive to Pixel devices.

Another significant AI enhancement is the integration of Google's Gemini model. By summoning Gemini and tapping options like “Ask about this screen” or “Ask about this video,” users can receive contextual information and actions based on what's currently displayed on their phone screen. Gemini can, for instance, extract a list of restaurants from a YouTube travel video and add them to Google Maps.

Google promises that Gemini will offer faster and more accurate responses, thanks to new iterations like the Gemini 1.5 Flash model. This model improves voice assistant interactions and extends Gemini's capabilities to interact with apps such as Keep, Tasks, Utilities, and Google Calendar, making it a more versatile assistant.

One noteworthy feature is Gemini Live, an AI-powered voice chat system similar to ChatGPT’s voice capabilities. Gemini Live allows for natural, fluid conversations that can be paused and resumed at any time, even if the device screen is locked. However, this feature is available only to Gemini Advanced subscribers.

The Pixel 9 series also introduces the Magic Editor, which leverages AI to allow users to edit photos dramatically. Users can describe changes they want to make to an image, such as replacing the sky or altering the background, and the Magic Editor will apply these transformations, redefining photo editing’s creative boundaries.

Building on its photo AI capabilities, Google introduces the “Add Me” option in the Pixel 9 camera. This feature simplifies the process of taking group photos by allowing users to take a picture of their friends and then integrate themselves into the shot using an AR overlay to guide the camera framing. This eliminates the need to ask strangers to take the photo.

The new Pixel Studio app adds yet another creative tool, enabling users to create illustrations from text prompts using a combination of on-device and cloud-based AI models. This feature transforms the way users generate visual content, providing a seamless blend of technology and artistry.

Enhancing sharing functionality, the AI-powered Circle to Search feature allows users to share parts of an image or screen easily. By circling the desired portion, users can tap a share button to instantly send the selected area via text, streamlining the sharing process.

In addition, the Pixel 9 series debuts a new AI-driven weather app, Pixel Weather, which uses the Gemini Nano model to generate personalized and detailed weather reports. Users can customize the layout of weather information, such as prioritizing the UV index, making the app both informative and user-friendly.

A practical feature for frequent phone users is the AI-powered Call Notes function, which automatically creates summaries of phone calls once they end. This tool helps users remember important details from their conversations, such as phone numbers or addresses, ensuring that information is not forgotten.

The array of advanced AI features in the Google Pixel 9 series not only highlights Google’s commitment to innovation but also sets a new standard for smartphone capabilities. Business users and tech enthusiasts alike can leverage these tools to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall user experience.