Google’s latest feature dropfor Pixel devices brings AI to its cheaper smartphones, including thePixel 8andPixel 8a. The update, which is rolling out now, features the mobile-ready Gemini Nano model currently available on thePixel 8 Pro.
To turn on features like Summarize in Recorder and Smart Reply, you’ll need to dive into the smartphones' developer options. Google says it made this decision to limit the features to those that understand the “potential impact to the user experience” running an AI model on a less powerful device might have, according to a recent interview with the tech giant’s Devices and Services President, Sean Chau on theMade by Googlepodcast (viaThe Verge).
This update also adds the ability to access more detailed summaries of recorded conversations. Other features include an update to Find My Device that allows you to locate your smartphone even if it’s off or its battery is drained (for at least 23 hours), and Display Port output via USB-C, allowing you to more easily hook your Pixel 8 series device up to a monitor.
Should you buy the Google Pixel 8a or wait for the Pixel 9?
With the Pixel 9 right around the corner, is the Pixel 8a a sensible buy?
Even older devices are also getting new features
Similar to past updates, Google is also bringing a few features to older Pixel devices like the Pixel Fold and thePixel 6and newer. This functionality includes a new shortcut in the call log that makes it easier to do a reverse phone number search, and the ability to identify the “best moment” in HDR plus images.
Other features like the ability to manually select your lens with thePixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro and Fold (the Pixel 8 Pro already offered this feature), are also part of this update. When this is turned off, the lens is automatically selected based on what objects are in the frame.
Google is updating thePixel Watch 2with Car Crash Detection, allowing the smartwatch to automatically dial emergency services if you’re in a car crash. Apple offers a similar Apple Watch feature that detects if the wearer has been in a vehicle crash. Further, all Wear OS 3 and newer smartwatches are getting a new Home app, and it’s now possible to add your most frequently used devices directly to a watch face.
For everything included in Google’s June Pixel update, follow thislink.
In other AI news, Apple revealed itsApple Intelligenceplatform during the tech giant’s recent WWDC keynote. On the smartphone side, Apple’s AI featureswill only work on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Maxwhen Apple Intelligence launches later this year.
Google Pixel 8
Google’s Pixel 8 offers most of the high-end Pixel 8 Pro’s key features, including a powerful processor, a great design and a stellar camera, for a lower price.
