Google deploys new AI-boosted features on its Pixels and introduces a new Pixel 8 color

Google took advantage of the start of the year to stock up on new features on its range of smartphones. The January update, currently rolling out, puts even more AI into the Pixels.

If you have a Pixel 6, 7 or 8, Google has a little surprise for you. Not stingy with software innovation, the company has just started deploying its first “Feature Drop” of the year 2024. These somewhat special updates bring new features to phones, in addition to keeping them up to date from a security perspective.

And this month, Google went all out on AI (surprising!) by integrating this tool even more deeply into the operation of its various mobiles. The update should gradually arrive on all eligible Pixel phones. Don’t panic if you don’t receive it right away, as usual with Google, the deployment is happening in waves to avoid possible problems.

What’s new for Pixels?

In the meantime, here’s what the update has in store for owners of Google-made mobiles:

• Circle to Search functionality comes to Pixel 8 and 8 Pro from January 31. Presented during Samsung’s Galaxy S24 officialization conference, this feature allows you to launch a Google search from any image by just circling the desired element. To activate it, simply press and hold the home button or the navigation bar of the phone then “select the item that interests you by circling it, highlighting it, or even by scribbling or by pressing on it. » The information will then be superimposed on the screen.

• Google Messages gains a “magic writing” tool. Google’s chat tool (which allows you to send SMS and use the RCS protocol) will be enriched with a small dose of AI. All Pixels since the 6 will be able to ask artificial intelligence to rewrite a message using different styles. On the Pixel 8 Pro this task will be entirely executed locally while other mobiles will have to use the cloud.

• Finally, Google also announced the arrival of “photomoji” which will allow, still within Google Messages, to transform your favorite photos into reaction smileys. The functionality is similar to what Discord or Twitch offers with “Custom Emojis”. This way you can add some color to your discussions.

Minty Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

The item sharing menu has also been revised and simplified to allow files to be sent to all nearby devices that support “Quick Share” and Pixel Buds Pro can juggle between connected devices more easily. The search giant also took the opportunity to unveil a new Pixel 8 model sporting a “Mint” color, visible in the illustration of this article.

All these new features will arrive very soon on Google Pixels. And don’t panic, this update is not the same as the one that caused some phones to crash quite recently.