Google will reportedly unify existing and new machine learning (ML) features into a collection known as Google AI for Pixel. An anonymous tipster recently spoke to Android Authority and revealed what the tech giant might have in store.
Before we get into the details, remember that this report about a possible update comes from a single screenshot of a menu. Not much is revealed, so the conclusions mentioned in the initial article are mostly speculation.
As for existing features, both Circle to Search, already available on Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, and Gemini, the brand's current AI assistant, will be brought under this new Google AI umbrella. The first new feature mentioned in the report is “Add Me,” which is described as a way to “make sure everyone is included in a group photo.”
It's not known exactly what this means, but Android Authority believes it may be a revamped version of Best Take. If you're not familiar with it, it's an AI tool that combines photos to ensure everyone looks their best, and can help fix awkward shots. “Add Me” could be an update, as it can add the user to photos they weren't originally a part of.
“Studio” is the second new addition, and judging by the accompanying text, it's an AI-powered image generator. Google has been working on image-generating models for some time, and in February the company launched ImageFX as one of its first forays into the technology. This may be the mobile version that brings it to a wider audience.
Screenshot Scan
The final ML feature, Screenshots, is arguably the most interesting of all. According to the post, the tool uses artificial intelligence to examine device screenshots and provides insights into them to help answer questions.
That sounds very similar to Microsoft's controversial Recall feature. In case you didn't know, Recall was a search tool that recorded your activity on certain Copilot Plus PCs by constantly taking screenshots. It was widely criticized for being a privacy nightmare, and Microsoft has since retired the tool.
Google Screenshots differs from Recall because it's “more privacy-focused.” Instead of recording constantly, it only works on screenshots you take yourself. From there, the software inserts “additional metadata” into the files, such as app names and web links.
The images are then “processed by a local AI,” which can be used to search for specific images or answer questions about the content. Android Authority notes that this is a “better implementation of the idea than the one proposed by Microsoft.” [had] created.”
Analysis: AI competition
Google may be lumping everything together under one name to better compete with rivals like Apple Intelligence and Moto AI. Smartphone makers are injecting AI technology into their devices as a new way to stand out. Apple Intelligence is particularly interesting, as it will enable a lot of things in the Mac ecosystem when it launches later this year. For example, it will summarize messages, generate emojis, and respond to texts on the fly.
The Pixel series has similar capabilities, but Google's AI services don't feel as seamless as Apple's Intelligence. They're also missing important tools like an image generator and screenshot scanner.
It's unknown if or when the Google AI Collection will launch, though the report claims it will launch with the launch of the Pixel 9.
Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.
