Google’s Upcoming Contextual Suggestions
The Pixel 10 family has introduced a suite of exclusive software features, one of which is the intriguing Magic Cue. Recent reports indicate that Google is poised to extend this functionality to all Android smartphones under the new name, Contextual Suggestions. This innovative feature aims to enhance user experience by offering tailored recommendations based on individual habits and locations.
As the name suggests, Contextual Suggestions will provide “helpful suggestions from your apps and services,” designed to align with your daily routines. For instance, if you frequently listen to a specific playlist during your evening workouts at the gym, your music app may prompt you with that very playlist when you arrive. Similarly, if you have a habit of casting sports games to your living room TV on Saturdays, your device could remind you to do so at the opportune moment.
What sets Contextual Suggestions apart is its commitment to user privacy. The feature operates within an encrypted space on your device, ensuring that the data utilized for generating these suggestions remains confidential. Importantly, this information is never shared with apps or Google, and it stays securely on your device unless you choose to share it for other purposes. Users also have the flexibility to delete this data at any time, with a default setting that automatically purges it after 60 days.
The underlying mechanism involves the storage of device activity and location data in the aforementioned encrypted space. Here, artificial intelligence analyzes the data to learn and predict what suggestions may be beneficial for the user. While apps and services do not have access to the raw data, they can leverage the AI’s predictions to deliver timely recommendations.
Currently, Contextual Suggestions is being rolled out to select users as part of the latest beta version of the Google Play Services app. However, it is important to note that this feature is not yet available to all participants in the beta program, indicating that it is still undergoing limited testing. For those who do receive it, the feature can be accessed through Settings > Google (or Google services) > All services > Others.
