This April, that archive became even smarter with new artificial intelligence features powered by Google Gemini.

Google just rolled out a new feature it calls Personal Intelligence, using Gemini-powered image recognition to help organise and search photos more intelligently. For users who back up their libraries to the cloud, the update could make finding old images much easier.

This development means a lot to Nigeria, where many smartphone users rely on Android devices and Google services.

While the feature promises more convenience, it has led to questions among privacy-conscious users about digital rights, data use and how personal information is handled.

The New Feature Explained

Before we go into privacy, it is good to actually understand what this new feature entails. Is it just a new AI feature with a nice name that users never use, or does it actually translate to higher convenience?

The truth is that this is really an innovative feature that revolves around the search functionality merged with advanced pattern or object recognition. This is not the basic object recognition of 2023.

This 2026 update integrates a multi-modal layer that does not just single out patterns and objects to be studied, it understands context.

With the new Ask AI feature, the AI does not just see the image of a document, it can understand that the document is a receipt in Naira from a specific vendor, or an NIN slip hidden in a folder that contains five thousand images.

For personal photos, it can scan your face on your photos to identify you, your friends and family, and even understand the relationships and physical appearance. It also analyses scenarios, and categorises them, like “walking”, “documents”, “receipts” or “party”.

For Nigerian users, the utility of this new feature is undeniable, especially for business owners, digital creators, or professionals generally, who work with photos. Small business owners can easily find specific transaction records, a hidden image that is too hard to find,  or a blurred photograph of a business card by simply promoting.

The Privacy Angle

Apparently, this new feature appears to be extracting both unimportant and sensitive data, and as more Nigerians become aware of their digital rights and footprint, it means it will be questioned. The core of the anxiety is from the word “scanning”.

Google says users shouldn’t be worried about privacy intrusion, but they shouldn’t also rush into it as well. Google reassured that:

• Personal photos will not be used to train their Global AI models, the learning stays within your Google account
• Your photos will not be used to target ads to you
• Automated systems will handle the indexing. Human reviews will only occur when a user flags a bug, an error or feedback

Altogether this looks like a promising upgrade to the most popular photo gallery app in the world, but the AI-first approach faces a unique challenge in Nigeria which is data cost and reliable internet.

The entire process uses Google’s higher-performance servers, meaning it will drain your phone’s battery and storage and data. For a country where users are sensitive to data cost, the background processing of a large photo library might feel like an unwanted pressure on data plans.

This new feature is not forced, Google has left an open door for anyone who is not interested or who no longer wants to use it. You can go to your settings and disable the Personal Intelligence feature. Doing so reverts the app to the standard gallery format.

For a busy professional, this feature is ideal, with caution. But for privacy-conscious users, it should still be studied for now.

The post Gemini AI is Now Scanning Your Google Photos: What Every Nigerian Android User Needs to Know appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

At the same time, the company is rolling out a redesigned navigation system that shows routes in a more detailed 3D view and offers clearer driving guidance.

The update was announced on Thursday and affects both exploration and driving features in the mapping service.

Google says the new tool, called Ask Maps, allows people to search for places using natural language. Instead of typing short queries, users can ask full questions about real-world situations.

For example, someone could ask where to charge a dying phone without waiting in a coffee shop queue. Another query might be about public tennis courts with lights available at night.

The feature can also help with trip planning. A user heading to locations such as the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Coral Dunes could ask for recommended stops along the route. Maps then provides directions, estimated travel times and suggestions drawn from reviews and tips shared by other users.

Google says the answers are personalised as the system uses signals from a person’s past searches and saved locations in their account. If someone often searches for vegan restaurants, the service may prioritise restaurants with vegan options when suggesting places to meet friends.

The company says the feature draws on information from more than 300 million places listed in Maps and reviews contributed by over 500 million community members.

Ask Maps is now rolling out in the United States and India on Android and iOS devices. Google says desktop access will follow later.

Alongside the conversational tool, Google is also updating the app’s navigation system with a new experience called Immersive Navigation.

The update brings a 3D view that reflects nearby buildings, overpasses and terrain. It also highlights important road details, including lanes, traffic lights, crosswalks and stop signs, giving drivers a clearer sense of their surroundings.

Maps will also provide a wider preview of the route ahead. Smart zoom features and transparent buildings help drivers prepare for lane changes or difficult turns earlier.

Voice instructions are also changing. Instead of standard directions, the app now provides more natural guidance. For example, drivers approaching a highway exit may hear instructions such as, “Go past this exit and take the next one for Illinois 43 South.”

In addition, the system explains alternative routes and the trade-offs involved. A longer route with lighter traffic or a faster route that includes toll roads may both appear, allowing drivers to choose.

The app will also alert drivers to disruptions along their route, including crashes or road construction. Google says these updates rely on information shared by users across both Maps and Waze communities.

Before starting a trip, users can preview their destination using Street View imagery. Maps can suggest parking areas and, as drivers get closer, highlight the correct entrance to a building and the side of the street where it is located.

“Our team set out to redesign the driving experience with the objective of taking the guesswork out of trips,” said Miriam Daniel during a briefing with reporters.

 “Immersive navigation is a complete transformation of the navigation experience. It’s got redesigned visuals, fresh real-world information that’s brought to you just in time, and more intuitive guidance.”

Immersive Navigation begins rolling out in the United States from Thursday. Google says the feature will gradually reach supported Android and iOS devices, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in systems.

Google had already begun integrating Gemini into Maps last year. That earlier update allowed the assistant to answer questions about locations along a route and use landmarks identified through Street View imagery to improve navigation directions.

The post Google Adds ‘Ask Maps’ Conversational Search, Rolls Out 3D Immersive Navigation appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Its Class-A shares climbed as much as 1.7% to $334.04, hitting a record high before easing slightly.

The company’s growth is underlined by a multi-year deal with Apple, which will use Google’s Gemini platform for its next-generation AI models. 

Samsung also plans to double the number of devices powered by Gemini in 2026, showing the platform’s influence in consumer technology. 

Meanwhile, Google Cloud posted a 34% revenue jump in the third quarter, with a $155 billion backlog in contracts. 

Alphabet has also started renting out its custom AI chips to external customers, and Meta is reportedly considering a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy them starting in 2027.

Alphabet recently surpassed Apple in market valuation for the first time since 2019, becoming the second most valuable company in the world behind Microsoft. It joins Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple in the exclusive $4 trillion club. 

Investor confidence has been further boosted by Berkshire Hathaway’s rare investment in the company and a September court ruling that allowed Alphabet to retain control of Chrome and Android.

“The one name that has surprised us all over the last 12 months is Alphabet,” said Phil Blancato, CEO of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management. 

“What I would give the company credit for is innovation. That’s what they’ve done to separate them from a lot of other firms in recent days, and you’re seeing it in earnings data.”

Alphabet’s advertising business remains steady despite economic challenges, while new AI offerings, including the well-reviewed Gemini 3 model, are strengthening competition with other AI companies. 

The post Alphabet Hits $4 Trillion Valuation on AI Growth, Strategic Deals appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Now the tech giant says it is finally fixing the experience, and preparing its next set of hardware.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Google revealed a redesigned Home app built to be faster, integrate better with Nest devices, and include new features powered by its Gemini AI assistant. The company also previewed its next-generation Google Home smart speaker, due in 2026.

“I want to be very direct, the Google Home app has not been the experience that we’ve always wanted it to be,” admitted Anish Kattukaran, chief product officer at Google Home and Nest.

Google says it tackled the app’s reliability before layering in AI. “Number one was performance. Performance is definitely a journey. We are not at the destination…It’s got to continue to evolve,” Kattukaran said.

The results include a 70% faster startup, 80% fewer crashes, and more than 100 performance updates in the past year. The app now supports over 800 million devices from more than 50,000 manufacturers.

Nest Finally Under One Roof

Over ten years after acquiring Nest, Google is making the Home app the central hub for all Nest devices. Thermostats, cameras, smoke alarms, doorbells, and locks are now fully managed within it, with emergency alerts, history migration, and scheduling included.

For cameras, live views load 30% faster, playback failures have been cut by 40%, and scrolling through footage runs at six times the frame rate. Notifications now show animated previews, making it easier to check events at a glance.

Gemini Integration and Paid Extras

The redesign simplifies navigation into three tabs — Home, Activity, and Automation. Swiping controls make moving through dashboards and camera views more fluid. AI features powered by Gemini include:

• “Home Brief,” a daily summary of household events
• “Ask Home,” where users can type or speak natural questions like “when did the kids come home?”
• AI-generated descriptions for camera events, adding context to alerts

However, features like Home Brief and natural-language automation will sit behind a Google Home Premium subscription, starting at $10 per month.

A New Smart Speaker on the Horizon

Google also previewed a new Google Home speaker that fully runs on Gemini. The $99 device will launch in spring 2026 in multiple colours — Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade.

“It’s got to work for the existing users. We don’t want to force you to buy a new one unless you want to,” Kattukaran said. “And by the way, we think you may want to, but you don’t need to.”

The speaker offers 360-degree sound, noise suppression, and surround-sound pairing with the Google TV Streamer. A glowing light ring will visually signal when Gemini is listening or responding. Its 3D-knitted fabric casing is designed to cut down on material waste.

Rollout Starts Now

The redesigned and Gemini-integrated Google Home app begins rolling out globally from October 1, 2025, with wider availability in the coming days. Early adopters can join the test through “Home Settings” in the app.

The post Google Integrates Gemini AI into Home App, Teases New Smart Speaker for 2026 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company announced the research preview on Tuesday, saying that 1,000 subscribers on its Max plan, priced between $100 and $200 per month, will be the first to gain access. A waitlist is also open for others.

Through a Chrome extension, selected users can summon Claude in a sidebar window that stays in sync with their browsing activity. The agent can summarise pages, interact with content, and, when granted permission, even perform tasks inside the browser.

The browser is quickly becoming a focal point in the competition among AI developers. Perplexity recently released its own AI-powered browser, Comet, while Google has integrated Gemini into Chrome, and OpenAI is reportedly working on its own AI-driven browser. 

These reveal browsing has gone beyond search to handing over routine actions to automated systems.

For Anthropic, the launch is also about safety. The company admitted that browser-based agents carry real risks, including prompt injection attacks, where hidden instructions in a web page could trick the AI into carrying out harmful commands. 

Internal testing showed such attacks succeeded 23.6% of the time before mitigations. Anthropic now claims it has cut that rate to 11.2% by introducing several layers of defence.

Among them are site-level restrictions, default blocks on financial services, adult, and pirated content, and mandatory confirmations for sensitive actions such as publishing, payments, or sharing personal data. “Claude will always ask for explicit permission before taking high-risk actions,” Anthropic said in its blog post.

Google’s Chrome browser, which tops global market share, is at the centre of an antitrust case that could force the company to sell the product. If that happens, ownership of Chrome could reshape the competitive landscape. 

Perplexity has already placed an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid for Chrome, while OpenAI’s Sam Altman has said his company would also be willing to buy it.

This isn’t Anthropic’s first attempt to give its models control over a user’s screen. Last year, the firm tested a desktop-based agent that could operate a PC, but the early version was criticised for being sluggish and inconsistent. 

Since then, the “agentic AI” has advanced considerably, with systems like Comet and ChatGPT’s Agent showing more reliability in handling everyday digital tasks, even if they continue to struggle with more complex scenarios.

Analysts see Anthropic’s decision to limit Claude for Chrome to premium subscribers as a sign of where the industry is heading: towards new business models built around productivity tools, enterprise automation, and personalised web experiences. 

Gartner has projected that the AI security market could reach $15 billion by 2027, driven largely by demand for safe, agentic systems.

The post Anthropic Unveils Claude for Chrome as AI Firms Push Browser Integration appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Artificial intelligence, powered by the new Gemini platform and the Tensor G5 chip, is at the heart of almost every update.

Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL

The Pixel 10 lineup introduces several hardware and AI-driven upgrades. For the first time, the base Pixel model includes a 5x telephoto lens, previously exclusive to Pro versions. The Pro Res Zoom feature extends up to 100x zoom, promising clearer details through a new generative imaging model optimised for Tensor G5.

• Displays: Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro feature 6.3-inch displays, while the Pro XL comes in at 6.8 inches.
• Brightness: The Pixel 10’s Actua display reaches 3,000 nits, making outdoor visibility easier.
• Design: Satin-finish metal frame, polished glass back, refined camera bar, and Material 3 Expressive UI with smoother animations.
• Performance: Up to 16GB RAM, bigger batteries, faster wired charging, and 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging on the Pro XL.
• Colours: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, Lemongrass, Moonstone, and Jade.
• Pricing: Pixel 10 starts at $799, Pixel 10 Pro at $999, and Pixel 10 Pro XL at $1,199. Preorders are open, with shipping on 28 August.

Google promises seven years of OS and security updates, alongside Pixel Drops to keep the phones fresh over time.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The company’s new foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, introduces stronger durability and slimmer aesthetics.

• Displays: A 6.4-inch cover display and an 8-inch main screen.
• Durability: First Google foldable with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Camera: Upgraded system with a 48MP ultra-wide sensor and 5x telephoto lens.
• Performance: Runs on the Tensor G5 with Gemini AI features.
• Battery: Larger capacity for longer life.
• Design: Slimmer bezels, stronger hinge.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,799, available in Moonstone and Jade from 9 October.

Pixelsnap Accessories

At Made by Google 2025, Google introduced Pixelsnap, its version of Apple’s MagSafe, across the Pixel 10 lineup.

• Accessories include:
  • A $40 Pixelsnap charger with Qi2 wireless charging.
  • A $50 phone case with a built-in magnetic ring.
  • A $30 ring stand for hands-free use.
  • A $69 Pixelsnap stand charger that doubles as a dock.
  • Qi2-compatible cases priced at $49.99, colour-matched to Pixel devices.
  • A dual-port 67W fast charger.

Pixel Journal App

Google also introduced Pixel Journal, a journaling app exclusive to Pixel 10. Users can add photos, activities, and locations, while locking entries for privacy. AI features offer writing prompts for inspiration.

Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 4 brings multiple improvements:

• Design: Domed Actua 360 display with 10% more visible screen space and 16% slimmer bezels.
• Brightness: Display reaches 3,000 nits.
• Battery life: 25% longer – up to 30 hours on the 41mm model and 40 hours on the 45mm version.
• AI: Direct Gemini access by lifting your wrist.
• Pricing:
  • 41mm Wi-Fi: $349
  • 41mm LTE: $449
  • 45mm Wi-Fi: $399
  • 45mm LTE: $499
• Release date: 9 October.

Pixel Buds 2a and Buds Pro 2

Google expanded its earbud range with two updates:

• Pixel Buds 2a ($129.99):
  • Active noise cancellation.
  • Transparency mode.
  • Tensor A1 chip.
  • Replaceable case battery.
  • 7-hour battery life with ANC (10 hours without).
  • Available in Hazel, Iris, Black, and Purple on 9 October.
• Pixel Buds Pro 2:
  • Gesture controls for calls.
  • Adaptive Audio and Noise Protection.
  • Background noise reduction with Gemini Live.
  • New Moonstone and Silver colours.
  • Update rolling out in September.

Fitbit AI Health Coach

Google is enhancing Fitbit with an AI-powered personal coach. Users can set goals, share available equipment, and receive customised workout and sleep improvement plans. A preview launches in October, integrated into the redesigned Fitbit app.

Gemini for Home

Google confirmed that Gemini for Home will replace Google Assistant on Nest devices, starting with early access in October.

• Works on Nest doorbells, security cameras, thermostats, and speakers.
• Still activated by “Hey Google.”
• Handles complex requests like playing specific songs or adjusting multiple home controls at once.
• Gemini Live integration enables natural, conversational responses.
• Both free and paid versions are planned.

Google’s Vision

At the Made by Google event 2025, Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, summed up the company’s direction:

“We’ve always believed that a phone should be more than just a tool. It should anticipate your needs and make your life easier.”

The post Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Series with Gemini AI, First Dustproof Foldable, Smarter Pixel Watch and New Magnetic Accessories appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The company is officially merging both platforms into a single unified system that will span phones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and foldables. Sameer Samat, Google’s president of Android ecosystem, said: “We’re going to be combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform.”

The merger, formally announced on July 14, 2025, means ChromeOS will no longer stand as an independent operating system. Instead, Android will become the foundation across all Google-powered devices, designed to challenge Apple’s place in the tablet and productivity space.

Why now? Android 16, Google’s latest iteration, introduces several desktop-focused features: resizable windows, multi-window support, external display compatibility, and even Linux terminal integration. ChromeOS already shared Android’s Linux base, but now Google is rebuilding the entire system on the Android stack.

Google wants users to experience the same operating system whether they’re on a Pixel phone or a Pixel laptop, a prototype of which is reportedly undergoing internal testing. “I’m interested in how people are using their laptops these days,” Samat said, pointing at how much wider Android’s reach could become.

For users, this promises fewer compatibility issues and a consistent app experience across devices. Developers, on the other hand, are set to benefit from a unified toolchain and a larger Android user base, now expanded to include Chromebook users.

The strategic change also aligns with Google’s vision to embed AI into everyday productivity. Android’s merger with ChromeOS paves the way for Gemini-powered AI tools to run natively across phones, tablets, and laptops without fragmented software support.

Yet, the announcement leaves serious questions unanswered. Will the new Android-based platform retain ChromeOS’s automatic updates and robust security model? Will Android’s desktop mode feel genuinely native or simply like a stretched-out mobile experience? 

The fate of millions of existing Chromebooks, especially older Intel-based models, is also not clear. Will they receive updates or become obsolete overnight?

Though rumours of a merger date back to 2015, and even industry analysts at The Verge once called the move “perfect sense,” this is the first time Google has admitted publicly that it’s happening. 

However, history says Google doesn’t move fast when overhauling platforms, despite ChromeOS’s global market share collapsing to 1.25%, triggering urgent calls for change.

In short, Google’s two-headed OS experiment is over. Android is now the future, not just for mobile, but for everything.

The post Google to Merge Android and ChromeOS Into One Platform appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

“Today, Gemini 2.5 Pro sweeps the LMArena leaderboard in all categories,” he said. “Model progress is enabled by our world-leading infrastructure. Our seventh-generation TPU, Ironwood, is the first designed specifically to power thinking and inferential AI workloads at scale. It delivers 10 times the performance over the previous generation, and packs an incredible 42.5 exaflops compute per pod — just amazing.”

From Pichai’s keynote, it is obvious Google continues to shove more generative AI features into its core products. Its AI Mode, which is what the company is calling a new chatbot, will soon be live in Search for all US users.

AI Mode is in a separate tab and it’s designed to handle more complex queries than people have historically used Search for. 

You might use it to compare different fitness trackers or find the most affordable tickets for an upcoming event. AI Mode will soon be able to whip up custom charts and graphics related to your specific queries too. It can also handle follow-up questions.

The chatbot now runs on Gemini 2.5. Google plans to bring some of its features into the core Search experience by injecting them into AI Overviews. Labs users will be the first to get access to the new features before Google rolls them out more broadly.

Meanwhile, AI Mode is powering some new shopping features. You’ll soon be able to upload a single picture of yourself to see what a piece of clothing looks like on a virtual version of you.

Also, similar to the way in which Google Flights keeps an eye out for price drops, Google will be able to let you know when an item you want (in its specific size and color) is on sale for a price you’re willing to pay. 

It can even complete the purchase on your behalf if you want.

1.5 billion people see AI Overviews each month

Google told us that AI Overviews, the Gemini-powered summaries that appear at the top of search results and has had plenty of problems, are seen by more than 1.5 billion folks every month. 

The “overwhelming majority” of people interact with these in a meaningful way, the company said — this could mean clicking on something in an overview or keeping it on their screen for a while (presumably to read through it).

At Google I/O 2025, the CEO boasted that Gemini 2.5 is here with improved functionality, upgraded security and transparency, extra control and better cost efficiency. 

Gemini 2.5 Pro is bolstered by a new enhanced reasoning mode called Deep Think. The model can do things like turn a grid of photos into a 3D sphere of pictures, and then add narration for each image. Gemini 2.5’s text-to-speech feature can also change up languages on the fly. 

There’s much more to it than that, of course, and we’ve got more details in our Gemini 2.5 story.

…Key announcements at Google I/O 2025 check HERE

The post Everything Announced at Google I/O 2025 – Keynote | Gemini | Deep Think appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) integration, improved hardware, and enhanced user experiences, Google unveiled a series of upgrades across its Pixel devices, particularly the Pixel 9 series, and introduced great features across various other devices.

Here’s a detailed look at everything announced at the Made by Google 2024 event.

1. Pixel 9 Series: A Camera Revolution

The spotlight was on the new Pixel 9 series, particularly the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These devices continue Google’s tradition of making mobile photography wonderful.

• Pro Triple Rear Camera System: Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL now feature a pro triple rear camera system, including a new 48MP 5x telephoto lens that gives sharper images even in low light conditions. The upgraded 42MP front camera ensures that your selfies are crisp and bright, even in challenging lighting.
• Macro Focus & Night Sight: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with an ultra-thin advanced triple rear camera system, featuring an ultrawide camera that supports Macro Focus for capturing detailed close-ups. Night Sight, a beloved feature in previous Pixel models, has now been enhanced for Panorama mode, allowing users to capture stunning low-light landscapes with ease.
• Super Res Zoom Video: With up to 20x Super Res Zoom, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL can now capture videos with extraordinary detail, even from a distance. Video Boost, an AI-powered upscaling feature, allows for 8K resolution video, making it possible to extract high-quality stills and zoom in post-production without losing resolution.
• Add Me & Magic Editor: The innovative Add Me feature uses augmented reality to ensure no one is left out of group photos. Magic Editor’s new Reimagine tool lets users describe changes they want in their photos, bringing creative visions to life effortlessly.

2. Pixel Watch 3: A Guardian on Your Wrist

The Pixel Watch 3 introduced a life-saving feature that could change how we think about wearable technology.

• Loss of Pulse Detection: This first-of-its-kind feature can detect the loss of pulse and automatically call emergency services if the wearer is unresponsive. This feature combines data from the heart rate sensor, motion sensors, and an AI-based algorithm to identify potential emergencies and initiate an alert sequence if needed. It’s designed to provide assistance in critical moments, particularly for those who are alone.
• Other Health Features: Building on Google’s focus on health and safety, the Pixel Watch 3 also includes Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications and Fall and Car Crash Detection, ensuring comprehensive protection for its users.

3. Gemini AI: A New Era of Digital Assistance

Google’s AI advancements took center stage with the introduction of Gemini, a new AI model deeply integrated into Android and designed to revolutionize the mobile experience.

• Gemini Overlay & Gemini Live: Users can now interact with Gemini directly on their screens to ask questions, generate images, and even summarize content without leaving their current apps. Gemini Live offers a conversational experience, making it easier to explore ideas, get personalized advice, and more.
• Privacy and Security: With the introduction of Gemini Nano, a large on-device multimodal AI model, Google ensures that sensitive data processing can occur directly on the device, enhancing privacy and security.

4. Accessibility Enhancements: Making Technology More Inclusive

Made by Google 2024 reiterated the tech giant’s continuity in boosting accessibility with several new features:

• Guided Frame: Initially accessible only through TalkBack, Guided Frame is now available directly from the camera settings, making it easier for those with visual impairments to take perfectly framed photos.
• Live Transcribe & Live Caption: A new dual-screen mode for foldable phones enhances the visibility of transcriptions, and support for seven new languages has been added, making these tools more accessible to a global audience.

5. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Ultimate Foldable Experience

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was a showstopper, blending innovative hardware with the best of Google’s AI features.

• Largest Display: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the largest inner display on any mobile device, encased in a slim, durable design with an IPX8 rating for water resistance. The fluid-friction hinge and Super Actua Flex display offer an 80% brightness improvement over previous models, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
• AI-Powered Performance: Powered by the Tensor G4 processor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is designed to deliver exceptional performance while efficiently running all the AI features that make the Pixel experience unique.

Reimagining a Helpful Assistant with Gemini

The Gemini app, though less than a year old, has already done great in saving users time with tasks like updating shopping lists, drafting emails, or even helping to rehearse for an upcoming job interview. While AI unlocks powerful new capabilities, it also brings its own set of challenges.

The irony of using large language models that excel in interpreting natural language and handling complex tasks is that even simple tasks can sometimes take a bit longer to complete. Moreover, while generative AI is flexible enough to handle a wide array of tasks, it can occasionally behave unpredictably or provide inaccurate information.

To address these issues, Google has incorporated new models like Gemini 1.5 Flash, which are faster and deliver higher-quality responses. Over the coming months, Google plans to focus on speed and quality while also launching deeper integrations with Google Home, Phone, and Messages. You can read more about how Gemini can assist with all your favorite Assistant actions and the improvements on the horizon.

Google has now reached an inflection point where it believes the benefits of an AI-powered assistant far outweigh the challenges. The company is excited for users to experience Gemini as the default assistant on the Google Pixel 9. As with Pixel phones, the Gemini assistant will continue to improve over time.

Introducing the New Pixel Phones: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google has launched the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. All these devices are powered by the new Google Tensor G4 chip, designed to offer the very best of Pixel.

The Pixel 9 phones feature an elevated new design that puts the camera front and center, with an evolution of Google’s iconic camera bar. The sculpted design is not only visually stunning but also feels great in the hand. The phones come with updated finishes, including a silky matte glass back and polished metal sides, giving them a distinctly premium feel. The devices are also twice as durable as the Pixel 8.

For the first time, the Pro model is available in two different sizes: Pixel 9 Pro (6.3 inches) and Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8 inches). Both models boast the best and brightest Super Actua displays yet and feature a new 42 MP front camera for sharper and brighter selfies, even in low light. Other than display size, charging speed, and power, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share all the same specs and features.

The Pixel 9 is packed with upgrades, including a 6.3-inch Actua display that is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8, earning it the title of best display in its class. The camera setup on the Pixel 9 is identical to that of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, including a significant upgrade to the ultrawide lens, from 12 MP on the Pixel 8 to 48 MP on the Pixel 9. The front camera now features autofocus for even sharper selfies. Additionally, the Pixel 9 offers approximately 20% longer battery life during active use with the screen on compared to the Pixel 8.

All the Pixel 9 phones are designed to get better over time, with each device receiving seven years of OS updates, Pixel Drops, and security updates.

AI Helpfulness, Powered by Google Tensor G4

The new Pixel 9 series is powered by Google’s custom silicon, the Tensor G4, which is the company’s most efficient chip yet. Designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, the Tensor G4 is optimized to run Google’s most advanced AI models, enhancing everyday use cases such as opening apps more quickly or browsing the web. The Tensor G4 will be the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality, enabling your phone to understand text, images, and audio seamlessly.

To ensure smooth AI-powered experiences on your device, Google has upgraded the memory across the entire Pixel 9 family, with 12 GB of RAM for the Pixel 9 and 16 GB for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Gemini Live: A New Way to Interact with AI

At Google I/O, the company introduced Gemini Live, a new feature available to all Gemini Advanced subscribers, including owners of the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, who will receive a year of Gemini Advanced with their purchase. Gemini Live enables users to have free-flowing conversations with Gemini directly from their phone or Pixel Buds. Whether you’re planning a fun tailgate, brainstorming household repairs, or thinking up gift ideas, Gemini Live offers a more intuitive and natural way to get the help you need.

Pixel Studio: A Creative Canvas in Your Pocket

Google has introduced Pixel Studio, a first-of-its-kind image generator available on Pixel 9 phones. Powered by an on-device diffusion model running on Tensor G4 and the Imagen 3 text-to-image model in the cloud, Pixel Studio allows users to bring their ideas to life from scratch, right on their phone. The app features a UI optimized for easy prompting, style changes, and editing, making it a fun and creative tool for everyday use. You can even share your creations with friends and family via Messages.

Pixel Screenshots: Organize and Recall Important Information

The new Pixel Screenshots app, exclusive to Pixel 9, helps users save, organize, and recall important information from screenshots. For example, if you’ve taken a screenshot of a door code for an upcoming vacation stay but can’t remember it when you arrive, you can simply ask Pixel Screenshots to quickly and easily find it for you.

A Better Weather App, Powered by AI

Recognizing that checking the weather is one of the most common activities on a phone, Google has used AI to enhance the experience with the new Pixel Weather app. The app is beautifully designed and provides super accurate weather forecasts. Gemini Nano generates a custom AI weather report, offering a clear sense of the day’s weather without requiring users to scroll through numbers. The app is also customizable, allowing users to prioritize the weather information that matters most to them.

More Camera Improvements for Stunning Photos and Videos

The Pixel 9 series introduces outstanding camera performance with a re-engineered imaging pipeline that captures the world more accurately. New AI features, such as Add Me, ensure that everyone is included in group photos, including the photographer. Panorama has been rebuilt to deliver detailed shots even in low light, offering the highest-quality low-light panorama on any smartphone.

Magic Editor in Google Photos now has enhanced editing capabilities, including Auto Frame, which allows you to reframe a photo for better composition. You can also reimagine your photos by simply typing what you want to see, such as adding wildflowers to an open field, to bring your ideas to life.

For video enthusiasts, Video Boost — available on all Pro phones — processes Night Sight Videos twice as fast once uploaded. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL can use the 48 MP 5x telephoto lens to record high-resolution zoom videos up to 20x with Super Res Zoom Video.

Clearer Calls and Easier Note-Taking

Clear Calling, a feature that enhances audio quality during calls, has been further improved. Additionally, a new feature called Call Notes automatically generates a private summary and full transcript of your phone call shortly after you hang up. This feature, which runs entirely on-device, ensures privacy and notifies all participants when it is activated.

Satellite SOS: Emergency Help Even Off the Grid

The Pixel 9 series is the first Android lineup to include Satellite SOS, allowing users to contact emergency responders via satellite and share their location even without cellular service. Available first in the U.S., Satellite SOS will be free for the first two years on Pixel 9 devices, regardless of carrier plan.

Pre-Order Your Pixel 9 Today

The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are available for pre-order starting at $799, $999, and $1099, respectively. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be on shelves at the Google Store and other retail partners on August 22. The Pixel 9 Pro will be available on September 4 in the U.S., with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold following in the subsequent weeks across other markets.

You can find out where each product will be available and sign up for product updates on the Google Store.

A Pixel for Every Need: The 2024 Lineup

At Made by Google 2024, Google introduced a wide array of new devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2. These devices feature updates across Android and Gemini, with many new Pixel features powered by AI.

Pre-order Pixel Watch 3

Google has officially opened pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 3, with pricing details revealed for both the 41mm and 45mm variants. The 41mm model is available at $349.99 for the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi version, while the LTE variant is priced at $449.99. For those seeking a larger watch face, the 45mm option is offered at $399.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE. All models can be pre-ordered starting today through the Google Store, Google Fitbit.com, and select global retailers, with availability set for September 10, 2024.

Introducing Pixel Buds Pro 2: Cutting-Edge Audio with Tensor A1

Google has also unveiled the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the latest addition to the Pixel family, featuring the groundbreaking Tensor A1 chip designed to elevate audio performance, enhance noise cancellation, and integrate helpful Google AI. These new earbuds are not only technologically advanced but also reimagined for comfort and fit.

Redefining Comfort and Fit

Weighing 24% less and 27% smaller than their predecessors, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a result of analyzing 45 million ear scans and conducting extensive real-life wear tests. The earbuds come with a twist-to-adjust stabilizer to ensure they stay securely in place while offering maximum comfort. Additionally, they come with four different sized eartips, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.

Advanced Noise Cancellation with Tensor A1

The Tensor A1 chip powers ultra-low-latency audio processing, adapting to your environment up to 3 million times per second. This allows the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to deliver Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that’s twice as strong as previous models, effectively blocking out a wider range of noises, from urban traffic to ambient chatter. The chip also enables independent music processing, providing a dedicated path for your music that results in precise, detailed, and immersive sound.

Enhanced Battery Life

Despite the smaller, lighter design, Tensor A1 enables a significant boost in battery life. With ANC enabled, users can enjoy up to 8 hours of listening time, with an additional 30 hours provided by the charging case. For those in need of a quick boost, a 15-minute charge in the case provides up to 3 hours of playback.

Built for the Gemini Era

Pixel Buds Pro 2 are more than just earbuds; they’re a gateway to Google’s Gemini AI, offering hands-free, eyes-free assistance whenever you need it. Whether it’s directions, reminders, or new music recommendations, Gemini is always ready, even when your phone is locked. With Gemini Live, you can have real-time conversations, practice for interviews, or simply chat, all while on the go.

Feature-Rich with Seamless Integration

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 maintain the features you’ve come to expect from Google, with enhancements that make them even more indispensable. The Find My Device Network helps you locate misplaced buds, now with a ringing speaker in the case. Clear Calling improves phone call clarity, even in noisy environments, while Conversation Detection automatically disables noise cancellation when you start speaking, making it easy to engage with those around you.

Additionally, the inclusion of spatial audio with head tracking ensures a dynamic listening experience that moves with you, ideal for watching movies or listening to music on the go. The buds also offer seamless switching between multiple devices, making them versatile for any situation.

Pre-order Details

Starting August 13, you can pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $229. They’ll be available at the Google Store and through retail partners on September 26. The earbuds come in four stylish colors: Porcelain, Hazel, Peony, and Wintergreen, designed to perfectly complement your other Pixel devices.

The post Everything Announced at Made by Google 2024: AI-Powered Pixel 9 Series, Groundbreaking Pixel Fold, and Life-Saving Wearables appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In summary, the key features include:

• Email summarisation: Quickly grasp the main points of lengthy email threads.
• Suggested replies: Receive AI-generated response options targeting the exact email content.
• Drafting assistance: Get help composing new emails with Gemini’s language skills.
• AI-powered search: Find specific emails or information more efficiently.

This new functionality is being rolled out gradually, allowing users with personal Gmail to leverage the advanced email management tools.

The integration introduces a Gemini button within the Gmail app, which provides several AI-driven features.

Users on the app can now quickly summarise lengthy email threads, making it easier to manage and keep track of complex conversations.

Added to this, Gemini provides possible responses to emails, with options to adjust the tone, simplifying the process of replying to messages. For those composing entirely new emails, the AI assists in drafting content, enhancing the efficiency of writing.

Gemini enriches the search functionality within Gmail, employing AI to help users locate specific emails or information more effectively. This advanced search feature aims to improve overall user experience by making email interactions more intuitive and efficient.

While the rollout of this feature is still in its early stages and may not be available to all users immediately, this development will help in gaining access to advanced Google tools, for making email drafts easier.

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