Apple Intelligence might be delayed, but Google’s pushing full-speed ahead with its own AI. Ahead of the August 13 Google hardware event, Android Police covered a few leaks hinting at some software-centric announcements surrounding the upcoming debut of the Google Pixel 9. Leaks suggest the smartphone will get some new AI-powered features as well as new extensions for an improved Gemini experience.
On the Gemini front, Google’s working hard to put the Google Assistant out to pasture in favor of the new kid on the block. The company is working to better integrate Gemini into Google Home. In its current iteration, Gemini will pass Home commands to the Assistant. However, a few new extensions will reportedly fix this bottleneck and add some quality-of-life improvements. A deep dive into Google app v15.29.34.29 beta reveals a Phone extension that will give Gemini the ability to make calls using the app. Other extensions will create calendar events and take notes via Gemini, while another addition will allow the AI to tweak the volume, launch apps, and take pictures.
It’s likely these are some of the features Google will announce during the big Pixel 9 reveal. Tech journalist/software engineer, Dylan Rousell, recently revealed “Call Notes.” If the leak is accurate, this AI-powered feature will be integrated into the Phone app. It will have the ability to record and transcribe calls, similar to the Pixel 8’s Recorder app, but potentially take things further with call summaries.
Finally, it’s also rumored that Google will announce a redesigned panorama mode in order to appeal to fans of the PhotoSphere mode that was recently disabled.