Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshots are two interesting AI-powered tools on the new Pixel phones. The Pixel Studio, which Google calls a “first-of-its-kind image generator,” uses the Imagen 3 text-to-image model and the Tensor G4 chipset to create images from text prompts. Pixel Screenshots, exclusive to the Pixel 9 phones, is a screenshot collation hub—but it does a lot more. The app uses the Gemini Nano AI model to analyze and extract information from screenshots for quick retrieval and referencing. The Pixel 9 devices also come with Gemini Live, which lets users have natural, free-flowing, two-way conversations with Gemini. Gemini Live is much more advanced and conversational than Google Assistant. Users can interrupt Gemini Live mid-response and choose from a variety of natural voices. Gemini Live will run in the foreground and background, so users can keep up with a conversation even when their Pixel 9 device is locked. Some use cases of Gemini Live include practicing for a job interview or brainstorming gift ideas. Another AI-powered introduction is Pixel Weather. The app generates a custom “AI-weather report using the same Gemini Nano AI model as Pixel Screenshots. Google says Pixel Weather will provide more accurate weather forecasts [than the Google Weather app]. The camera app has an “Add Me” mode that uses artificial intelligence to merge two photos into one. The feature is designed to help users capture group photos without a tripod or stranger’s help. On phone calls lasting 30 seconds or longer, Pixel 9 phones can generate an AI summary of your conversations. Google calls this feature “Call Notes,” and transcripts of recorded conversations will be available in the Phone app. All Pixel 9 models pack higher memory capacity (compared to Pixel 8) to ensure these AI features and apps run smoothly. The Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold each have 16GB RAM. The Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold ship with a year of free access to Gemini Advanced, Google’s $20/month premium AI plan. Pre-orders for all Pixel 9 models start August 22, while in-store availability for the Pixel 9 ($799) and Pixel Pro XL ($1,099) is scheduled for August 22. The Pixel 9 Pro will be available in stores at a later date—September 4 in the U.S. and other markets in the following weeks. Watch the #MadeByGoogle’24 event recap for more information on the AI features on the newest Pixel devices.
