Pixel 9 launches new Gemini AI features at Galaxy S25 event

Google’s presence at the recent Galaxy S25 launch event marked a significant step forward for Pixel 9 owners and potential buyers. The tech giant seized the moment to showcase the latest enhancements to the Gemini AI features integrated into the Pixel 9 line. A banner on the Google Store website this morning highlighted the newly available “Gemini Live and Circle to Search features on Pixel 9 phones,” captivating the attention of users eager for cutting-edge technology and user-friendly advancements.

The standout feature presented was Gemini Live, designed to provide a more interactive experience by helping users engage with the images, files, and videos present on their devices. One of the most notable aspects of Gemini Live is its ability to guide users through their visual content with enhanced clarity and detail. While Google refrained from diving deep into an updated Gemini overlay during the event, it is evident that the functionalities introduced are innovative.

Users can now enhance their visual experience by accessing a ‘plus’ menu that allows them to take new images or select existing ones from their gallery. The feature also offers tools like “Ask about screen” to instantly capture screenshots, “Ask about PDF” while using Files by Google, and “Ask about video” during YouTube explorations. Each uploaded item then presents a “Talk Live about this” button right above the overlay, leading users into the Gemini Live environment where their selected content appears against a vibrant blue and purple backdrop.

These Gemini Live capabilities are currently rolling out to users of the Pixel 9 series, as well as Galaxy S24 and S25 models. Interestingly, while the rollout begins today, users may not yet see the features live but can expect them on earlier Pixel models—specifically the Pixel 6 series and later—soon. Furthermore, a glimpse into Project Astra also emerged, showcasing screen sharing and live video streaming functionalities expected to arrive in the coming months via the Gemini app on Pixel devices and the S25 mobiles.

Additionally, Google announced the gradual rollout of its Deep Research feature, which is now available for Gemini Advanced subscribers on mobile. This feature initially debuted for web clients last month and is set to become accessible on Pixel phones shortly. In the interim, users can engage with multiple extensions at once when prompting Gemini, enhancing user interaction across various platforms, including Android, iOS, and the web. For instance, users can now request high-protein lunch recipes and seamlessly save them into Google Keep or ask Gemini for local activities and then message those details to a friend via Google Messages.

Aside from these exciting AI advancements within Gemini, Google introduced the Circle to Search feature, which acts as an intelligent overlay for discovering information. By simply highlighting elements like places, trending imagery, and unique objects, users can access AI Overviews that deliver relevant results. The functionality extends to recognizing phone numbers, email addresses, and URLs, providing one-tap capabilities for calling, emailing, and browsing. The Circle to Search user interface has also been simplified, featuring a more streamlined, pill-shaped design for ease of use. However, this update is still in the process of a broader rollout.

In conclusion, Google continues to prioritize the enhancement of user experience for its Pixel line, particularly with the Pixel 9, through innovative AI features that keep the brand competitive in an increasingly tech-savvy landscape. As these features, particularly Gemini Live and Circle to Search, roll out to users, the value added not only enhances functionality but also enriches daily interactions with technology. Pixel users can look forward to the seamless integration and intelligent features available soon as Google integrates these game-changing capabilities into their mobile ecosystem.