The Latest Pixel Drop Lets Gemini Remember Details About You
Lifehacker.1 Days Ago
It's Pixel Drop time again, and the December 2024 edition of Google's regular phone and tablet upgrade series brings with it improvements to Gemini AI, photo sharing, instant messaging, device security, accessibility, and more.
A smarter Gemini
There's a lot to cover, and with AI making waves across the tech industry, it's only fitting to kick things off with Google Gemini. This AI-powered assistant is stepping up its game by having the ability to recall personal details about users, such as their favorite movies and food preferences. Users can view, delete, or even turn off these memories altogether, shifting the assistant to provide answers more aligned with individual tastes.
But that's not all. Gemini is also rolling out new extensions, aiming to surpass the functionality of Google Assistant. Users can now employ Gemini to control Spotify, manage smart home devices via Google Home, and inquire about locations on Google Maps. Imagine asking your assistant to play your favorite playlist or check the traffic on your way home!
If you own the Pixel 9 with the Gemini Nano model, there's even more to get excited about. Smart, contextual auto-replies allow you to engage with callers without picking up the phone. If you decide not to take the call, transcripts of these conversations will pop up on-screen for your review.
Improvements to photos and photo sharing
For photography enthusiasts, Google is enhancing the photo-sharing experience. Seamless integration with platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat means users can effortlessly pick and share images. If you happen to have the foldable Pixel 9 Pro, you can utilize dual-screen previews to peruse portrait photos right on the main screen! The newly launched "Made You Look" function is perfect for capturing young children’s attention, especially on the Pixel Fold.
New security features
With security being more important than ever, Google has introduced Identity Check, now available in beta form. This feature requires face or fingerprint authentication whenever users try to modify sensitive settings, even if their phones are already unlocked. This adds yet another layer of protection against unauthorized access.
AI-powered captions
On the accessibility front, Google is rolling out what it's calling Expressive Captions. This feature uses AI to enrich the existing live captioning function on Android devices. It provides more than just basic transcriptions, employing emotional signifiers like capital letters and audible cues, for example, indicating when someone gasps.
More accessibility features
If visibility is ever an issue, the new Simple View feature, available for Pixel 6 and newer phones, increases font size and screen sensitivity, making it easier for users with reduced vision. Another feature, "clear voice," minimizes background noise during recordings so voices stand out more distinctly. The Now Playing feature will also identify songs playing around you, complete with album art.
Additional upgrades
The Pixel 9 range isn't left out either, with Pixel Studio stickers now being accessible straight from the Gboard keyboard and the Pixel Screenshots app integrating tighter Circle to Search connections. Along with this come updates for Google Wallet syncing and smarter emoji navigation.
Beyond phones, Pixel tablet widgets are now swipable directly from the lock screen, and users can access Google’s VPN. Also, those with the Pixel Watch 2 will soon enjoy features like live feeds from their Nest cameras right from their wrists. Exciting updates are also coming to older Pixel Watches and Fitbit devices!
These updates are rolling out now, and users can check for the new functionalities on their devices by going to 'Settings' followed by 'System' and 'Software updates.'