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Google’s “Pixie” Assistant might have turned into something else

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Google

Back in 2023, there was a buzz about Google working on a new helper called “Pixie” for its Pixel phones. People thought it would launch with the Pixel 9, but that didn’t happen. Now, a fresh report from The Information says Pixie was real—an AI tool meant to handle tricky tasks across different apps using Google’s Gemini tech. It was supposed to be a Pixel-only feature, making life easier by pulling info from stuff like Gmail and Maps.

But here’s the twist: Google changed its plans. The big bosses, including Sundar Pichai, didn’t want Pixie to steal the spotlight from Gemini, their main AI assistant for all Android devices. So, they shrank Pixie’s role. Instead of being a full-on helper, parts of it seem to have morphed into “Pixel Screenshots,” a handy app (package name: com.google.android.apps.pixel.agent) that organizes and sums up your screenshots.

Another rumor mentions “Pixel Sense,” which might also borrow from Pixie’s ideas but focuses on smart suggestions rather than being a chatty assistant.
While Pixie’s grand dreams got toned down, its spirit lives on in these smaller, useful features. Google seems keen on keeping Gemini as the star while sprinkling Pixie’s magic into Pixel-specific tools. We’ll have to wait and see if more of Pixie pops up in future updates!

Android

Android 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

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Android 15

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.

Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.

In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.

Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.

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Alphabet’s earnings rise in Q1 2025 with help from ads and AI growth

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Alphabet, the parent company of Google, shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, showing strong growth thanks to advertising and its AI efforts.

From January to March 2025, Alphabet earned $80.5 billion in revenue, which is up 15% compared to the same period last year. Net profit reached $23.7 billion, a big jump from $15 billion in Q1 2024.

Google’s advertising business played a major role in this success. YouTube ads brought in $8.1 billion, growing 21% year over year. Meanwhile, Google Search made $46.2 billion, showing steady demand.

Google Cloud also performed well, making $9.6 billion, a 28% increase from last year. Profits for the Cloud division came in at $900 million, compared to $191 million in the same quarter last year.

Alphabet also announced a major stock buyback plan worth $70 billion. This move usually helps increase shareholder value by reducing the number of shares on the market.

CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the company’s focus on AI, especially tools like Gemini, which are now used in Google products and services. He said AI is a key part of Google’s future and will continue to shape its products.

Overall, Alphabet started 2025 strong, with solid earnings across ads, cloud, and AI — proving its business is still growing in the right direction.

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Google Photos gets new quick edit tool, while Google Maps shows off new design on Android

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Google is rolling out two helpful updates for its popular apps — Google Photos and Google Maps — aiming to make things faster and easier for Android users.

First, Google Photos is introducing a new “Quick Edit” feature that lets you quickly tweak your photos without fully opening the edit menu. A small pencil icon now appears at the bottom of each photo. Tapping it brings up suggested edits powered by AI, letting you apply improvements with just one tap. This tool is especially handy for small fixes like lighting or color adjustments. While it’s starting to roll out, not everyone will see it immediately. Some changes might still open the full editor depending on the photo.

At the same time, Google Maps is testing a fresh look for its place sheets — the bottom panel that shows up when you tap on a location. The new design includes more rounded corners, a cleaner layout, and easier access to options like directions, saving, or sharing a place. This redesigned panel also keeps the location’s name, rating, and category in clearer view. It feels more modern and easier to navigate.

Both updates are gradually rolling out, so it might take a little time before they reach all Android users. These changes show Google’s ongoing efforts to make its apps more user-friendly and visually appealing.

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