Google’s Innovations: Pixel Tablet 2’s canceled upgrades, Quick Phrases glitch, AI accuracy boost, and Gemini’s new features

1. Pixel Tablet 2 Canceled but Packed with Promising Features

Google’s much-anticipated sequel to the Pixel Tablet, codenamed “Kiyomi”, has reportedly been shelved. Despite its cancellation, leaks reveal several exciting upgrades that could have addressed the shortcomings of its predecessor. Here’s what the Pixel Tablet 2 might have offered:

• 120Hz Display: A significant jump from the 60Hz panel of the first-generation Pixel Tablet, providing smoother visuals.
• 4K Display Output Support: Aimed at enhancing productivity and media consumption through DisplayPort connectivity.
• Improved Brightness and Design: The tablet’s 10.95-inch screen would have been 10% brighter with thinner bezels, maintaining a sleek form factor.
• Upgraded Camera: A 10MP Samsung S5K3K1 sensor for selfies and an 11MP autofocus-enabled rear camera, though still lacking Face Unlock support.
• Bigger Battery: A slightly larger 7,200 mAh battery for extended usage.
• Other Enhancements: Thread support and the Tensor G4 chip with 5G connectivity.

Although the Pixel Tablet 2 as we know it is canceled, sources suggest Google may still have plans for future iterations.

2. Quick Phrases Glitch Troubles Pixel Users

Pixel phone owners are experiencing a frustrating glitch in Google Assistant’s Quick Phrases feature, which lets users perform tasks like silencing alarms or answering calls with simple voice commands like “Stop” or “Answer.”

The Issue:

• Persistent Notifications: Users report that Quick Phrases prompts like “Say Stop” and “Say Answer” refuse to disappear even after the task is completed.
• Lock Screen Intrusion: The notifications appear on the lock screen, obscuring important information like caller IDs.
• Widespread Impact: The glitch affects various Pixel models, including the Pixel 8 and 9 series, across both stable and beta versions of Android 15.

Workarounds:

• Restarting the device often resolves the issue temporarily.
• Disabling certain toggles in the Quick Phrases menu can mitigate the problem.
• Force-stopping and reopening the Google app might also help.

Google is yet to release an official fix, so some users have resorted to disabling Quick Phrases entirely.

3. Google AI Overviews to Get Fact-Checking Boost

Google’s AI-generated overviews, part of its Gemini assistant, are helpful but often require manual fact-checking. Recognizing this, Google is testing a feature to improve transparency by linking directly to sources within AI-generated summaries.

Upcoming Enhancements:

• Linked Sources: Relevant web pages will be directly embedded within AI overviews, making it easier to verify information.
• Expanded Source List: Users can view all references and related content via an expandable menu, a design already seen in Google’s mobile-web AI overviews.

Currently, this feature is in beta testing in Google app version 15.47.28, with no confirmed release date.

4. Gemini Enhances Lock Screen Functionality

Google’s Gemini AI assistant is rolling out a new feature that allows users to make calls and send messages without unlocking their devices.

Details of the Feature:

• How It Works: Found in Gemini Settings > Gemini on Lock Screen, the feature uses the Google Assistant to bypass the unlock screen for outgoing calls and messages.
• Setup Requirements: Users must enable calling and messaging apps within Gemini to activate this functionality.
• Rollout Status: Currently available in Google app version 15.48 beta for select users, with broader availability expected soon.

This feature complements Gemini’s existing capabilities, making it a more versatile assistant.

Conclusion

From the scrapped Pixel Tablet 2 to the ongoing development of Gemini’s features, Google continues to innovate despite occasional setbacks like the Quick Phrases glitch. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday tasks, the company’s focus on accuracy and usability ensures its tools remain valuable to users worldwide.