Hidden AI gems from Google’s 2024 event
Top 3 Key Points:
- Call Notes: Saves call summaries and transcripts directly on your Pixel 9 device.
- Pixel Studio: AI-powered app for creating and editing images, but can’t generate human faces yet.
- Pixel Screenshots: New app that makes your screenshots searchable by analyzing their content.
Google’s annual Made by Google 2024 event brought a flurry of announcements, especially around AI. Among the numerous updates, several interesting AI-driven features may have gone unnoticed. Here’s a closer look at some of the most intriguing ones.
Call Notes: Your Conversation Companion
For those who struggle with keeping track of conversations, Google has introduced Call Notes on the Pixel 9 series. This feature saves a summary and a transcript of your phone calls directly in your call log. While this might raise some privacy concerns, Google assures users that the feature operates entirely on-device. Plus, everyone on the call is notified when the recording starts.
Pixel Studio: Creativity Meets AI
Exclusive to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Studio is a new app powered by AI that allows users to generate images based on prompts. It uses a combination of on-device AI and Google’s Imagen 3 model running in the cloud. While it’s a powerful tool for creative expression, it’s worth noting that the app currently doesn’t support generating human faces—likely a precaution after issues with the earlier Gemini model. Pixel Studio requires an internet connection for use, and you can easily share your creations via Google Messages.
Pixel Screenshots: Making Screenshots Smarter
If you’re someone who takes a lot of screenshots for quick reference, Pixel Screenshots is set to make your life easier. This new app uses AI to analyze the content of your screenshots—be it text, people, or objects—making them fully searchable. Unlike Google Photos, Pixel Screenshots work directly on your device. For example, if you’ve been saving ideas for a friend’s squirrel-themed birthday, the app will allow you to search for “squirrel” and find all related images along with links and summaries.
With these updates, Google is making AI more accessible and practical in everyday tasks, offering tools that not only enhance creativity but also improve productivity.