Google introduces AI-powered custom automations and enhances Pixel Camera features
Google is testing a new AI-powered feature called “Help me create” in the Google Home app. This tool is designed to simplify creating custom automations for managing smart home devices more effectively. At the same time, the December 2024 Feature Drop brings significant updates to the Pixel Camera app, including the return of “Quick access controls” and exciting enhancements for Pixel Fold devices.
“Help Me Create” for Custom Automations
“Help me create” uses AI to help users craft custom automations without needing technical knowledge. Unlike standard Personal Routines, these automations involve three main components:
- Starters: Define when the automation begins, such as specific times or device states.
- Conditions: Optional restrictions that refine when the automation can start, with two modes:
- Any: Starts if any condition is met.
- All: Starts only if all conditions are met.
- Actions: Specify what the automation will do, like dimming lights or locking doors.
Users can activate this feature by joining the Google Home Public Preview and enabling “Experimental AI features.” Afterward, navigate to the Automations tab and select “Help me create” to type or speak desired commands, such as:
- “Turn off all lights at sunset.”
- “Set a reminder for meditation time.”
- “Lock the doors when everyone leaves.”
This feature is currently in testing, supports only US English, and has limited device compatibility.
Pixel Camera 9.7 Brings Back Quick Controls
The latest Pixel Camera update restores user-favorite “Quick access controls” for brightness, shadows, and white balance adjustments. Previously, these controls were hidden behind a secondary menu, which many users found inconvenient.
Now, by enabling this feature in the settings, users can directly adjust these parameters by tapping on the viewfinder. This brings back the intuitive interface where sliders for brightness and shadows appear on the right, and white balance adjustments are on the left.
Additional Camera Updates for Fold Devices
For the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a new Dual Screen Portrait Mode allows subjects to preview their photos on the external display. A fun feature called Made You Look entertains kids with characters like Joy from Inside Out, though Joy is exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and available only until December 3, 2025.
Other Updates
- Instagram users on Pixel devices can now capture photos in Ultra HDR using the app’s viewfinder.
- Snapchat has started using the system Photo Picker for a more integrated experience.
The Pixel Camera 9.7 update is rolling out via the Google Play Store. However, it is not yet available for manual sideloading.
These updates demonstrate Google’s efforts to blend AI innovation with user-friendly designs for its smart home and Pixel devices.