The Google Pixel 9 series is packed with “full of first” AI features others find a real game-changer and worth the upgrade. Meanwhile, some users find it more fun and “amusing” than practical.
With Google’s new AI-driven Android software and hardware upgrades, you can get a lot more things done with your Pixel 9 device. This article curates the best of Google AI that makes the Pixel 9 series outranks all the other smartphones in the market.
Do the New Pixels Have It All?
The new Pixel 9 phones do not currently support the Qi2 wireless charging compatibility. Google neither saw the urgency of adopting this wireless charging standard nor did it see the substantial benefits the original Qi standard could not provide.
Nonetheless, some users anticipated this adoption, especially since Android phones lack Apple’s MagSafe technology for magnetic and convenient wireless charging. Qi2 is supposed to provide better alignment and improved efficiency when charging wirelessly.
Meanwhile, other users do not find this a dealbreaker and consider simply using a third-party MagSafe Pixel 9 case. It’s the most efficient and cost-effective solution at the moment, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of MagSafe accessories when you prefer.
What’s Great About the New AI Features on the Pixel 9?
Google was up to something else when it finally released the 2024 Pixels, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’s a first in the Google event history to launch four Pixel phone models in a year, which includes two Pro sizes and a foldable.
The standard Pixel 9 was already a technological marvel for some users. Upgrading to the Pro devices unlocks a different kind of experience. Here, we’ll discuss specifically how Pixel’s latest Android software and hardware upgrades leverage AI to enhance overall user experience.
1. Made for the Gemini era
The Pixel 9 series integrates deeply with Gemini, Google’s state-of-the-art AI model. This integration enables the phones to perform various tasks more intelligently and efficiently. Gemini empowers the Pixel 9 with capabilities such as:
Natural Language Processing: The phones can understand and respond to complex language prompts in a more human-like manner.
Image and Video Analysis: Gemini can analyze images and videos more accurately, enabling features like enhanced object recognition, scene understanding, and automatic photo editing.
Contextual Awareness: The AI can understand the context of your interactions, providing more relevant and personalized suggestions.
Seamless Integration: Gemini is seamlessly integrated into the Pixel 9’s operating system, making AI-powered features accessible throughout the user experience.
2. New Google AI Assistant
The Google AI Assistant on the Pixel 9 series has undergone significant enhancements, leveraging the power of Gemini to deliver a more sophisticated and helpful experience. Thanks to Gemini’s advanced natural language processing capabilities, the AI assistant is now better able to understand complex queries and requests.
The Google virtual assistant can perform a wider range of tasks, including:
- Seamlessly managing your smart home devices
- Providing accurate and up-to-date information on a variety of topics
- Efficiently managing your calendar and tasks
Additionally, it can anticipate your needs and offer suggestions proactively, making your interactions more efficient. It learns your preferences and habits over time, providing more personalized recommendations and suggestions.
3. Pixel Studio App
This AI-powered app aims to elevate the user’s photo editing experience and make it more accessible and creative.
Pixel Studio offers a range of AI-driven editing tools, including:
- Smart selection automatically selects objects or subjects within an image for precise editing.
- Automatic color correctionapplies optimal color adjustments based on the scene and content.
- AI-driven background blurcreates professional-looking depth effects.
- Style transferapplies artistic styles to images, transforming them into unique works of art.
New additions to the photography AI tools are the Add Me and AutoFrame features.
Add Me allows users to add themselves to photos or videos, even if they weren’t present when the image was captured. The AI accurately places the user’s face into the scene, creating realistic and fun composite images.
AutoFrame automatically adjusts the composition of photos and videos to highlight the main subject. This feature ensures that your images look visually appealing and professional.
4. Pixel Weather
The Pixel 9 series introduces a revamped Pixel Weather app that leverages AI to provide more accurate and personalized weather forecasts. The app utilizes AI algorithms to analyze various data points, including temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and satellite imagery, to deliver highly accurate weather predictions.
Based on your location and preferences, the app can provide personalized weather recommendations, such as suggesting appropriate clothing or outdoor activities. Pixel Weather also offers real-time weather updates, always informing you about changing conditions.
5. Camera AI Features
The Pixel 9’s new cameras use AI-powered computational photography techniques to capture stunning images in various lighting conditions, such as:
- Night Sightlets users take clear and bright photos in low-light environments, even without a tripod.
- Portrait Modecreates beautiful depth-of-field effects, blurring the background to highlight the subject.
- Super Res Zoomuses AI to enhance zoomed-in images, providing sharper and clearer details.
6. Pixel Screenshots
This smart feature automatically captures additional context around the selected area, ensuring you capture all the relevant content. The Pixel 9’s screenshot editing tools are powered by AI, allowing for more precise and efficient edits.
From there, the system can suggest relevant actions based on the screenshot, such as copying text, searching for information, or sharing the image. Pixel Screenshots make it easier than ever to capture and edit screenshots, streamlining workflows and improving productivity.
7. Call Notes
The Pixel 9 series introduces a new Call Notes feature that utilizes AI to transcribe calls in real-time. Here are some uses:
Automatic Transcription: During a call, the phone’s AI will automatically transcribe the conversation, providing a written record for reference.
Keyword Search: Users can search through the transcribed notes using keywords, making it easy to find specific information.
Integration with Other Apps: Call Notes can be integrated with other apps, such as Gmail and Calendar, for seamless note-taking and task management.
Call Notes is a valuable tool for users who need to keep detailed records of their phone calls, whether for professional or personal purposes.
8. Live Transcribe and Live Caption
Both Live Transcribe and Live Caption leverage AI to provide accurate and timely transcriptions, making communication more inclusive and accessible for all users.
Live Transcribe converts spoken language into text in real-time, making it easier for users with hearing impairments to follow conversations.
Live Caption provides captions for videos, movies, and other audio content, making it accessible for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
9. Gemini Overlay
Gemini Overlay is a new feature on the Pixel 9 series that allows users to interact with their phone’s AI assistant in a more immersive and natural way. It appears as an overlay on top of any app or screen, providing contextual information and suggestions.
Users can interact with Gemini Overlay using natural language commands, making it easier to get things done. Based on your context and preferences, it can then provide personalized recommendations and suggestions.
Wrap Up
Google Pixel’s new AI features are definitely the type of “new” we’re hoping to see when deciding to upgrade: software and hardware advancements. The Tensor G4 chip, for instance, is a testament to Google’s commitment to providing a truly AI-powered experience. The Pixel 9 series offers a compelling package for users seeking a truly intelligent and versatile device.
