Since generative AI is everything that smartphone-makers can talk about these days, Google is trying to jump on the train, too. Google recently announced that the Pixel 8 Pro is its first phone that will run the in-house Gemini Nano language model on-device.
Thanks to those local generative AI chops, Google is bringing Magic Compose to the Message app. This one reads your text replies and offers rephrased versions of the same in different styles. Thankfully, a cloud-tethered version of this feature is also coming to older phones — dating as far back as the Pixel 6 duo.
The latest Pixel feature drop also brings Photomoji support. This is essentially an emoji created using a photo stored on your phone. All you need to do is long-press on a message bubble, tap on the “Create” option for emojis, pick a silly picture from your gallery, and it will instantly be converted into a custom emoji for your chats.
Google is also putting a Quick Share (previously known as Nearby Share) shortcut to allow wireless file transfer to other Android phones, as well as Chrome OS and Windows machines.
Google is making good use of the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro, finally. It can now be used to measure body temperature by using the Thermometer app and holding the phone against a person’s forehead.
Lastly, we have a convenient feature addition for the Pixel Buds Pro earbuds. So far, it has been able to automatically switch audio output between connected devices such as your phone and Pixel tablet. Audio switching is now available for the Pixel Watch, as well.
