Google adds context searches and AI text editor to Pixel smartphones

DPA
·1 min read
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What kind of dog is in that Instagram photo? Can I rewrite this message in a more formal tone? Google's Pixel phones can now handle queries like this thanks to a new feature update. Google/dpa
What kind of dog is in that Instagram photo? Can I rewrite this message in a more formal tone? Google's Pixel phones can now handle queries like this thanks to a new feature update. Google/dpa

Google is rolling out several new features to its Pixel smartphones, among them the ability to have AI rewrite your messages and to run a Google search based on something you see from within any app.

The "circle to search" feature, lets you draw a circle around some text or a photo - say of a building, item of clothing or an animal - and run a Google search to find more information about it.

The feature, already available on the new Samsung Galaxy S24, is now also coming to the Pixel 8. To prevent a search query like this from happening accidentally, you need to first activate it by holding down the home button.

There's also a new feature in the Messages app that suggests alternative ways of formulating a message you have written.

The so-called "Magic Text Suggestions", available from the Pixel 6 upwards, make it possible to quickly change the style of the message, for example to achieve a more concise, professional or even dramatic tone.

Another update in the Messages app means the emoji selection will also include a button to open the gallery where you can create and use a new form of emojis - for example based on a person or animal in a photo.

Google calls these Photomojis and they're coming to users of the Pixel 3a upwards. If you're not sure whether the feature update has already arrived on your Pixel smartphone, you can check it under Settings/System/System updates.