AI search

AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Android users will soon experience an updated Photo Picker that includes a search bar for quicker photo selection. This update, which is gradually rolling out, enhances the previous basic gallery interface by allowing users to input keywords to find specific images. The search function does not utilize the same large language models as Google’s “Ask Photos” feature but aims to simplify the process of locating photos among many. The Photo Picker was initially introduced to improve privacy and security for applications accessing images. The update is currently being rolled out slowly, with many devices yet to receive it.
AppWizard
June 28, 2025
Google has updated its Photos application to enhance the speed of the Ask Photos feature for broader queries. The update allows users to search for general terms like "beaches" or "dogs," with Ask Photos prioritizing relevant results while Gemini refines specific outcomes. Initially launched in September 2024, Ask Photos has undergone a redesign of its Gemini chat interface. The speed enhancement targets the AI's performance in handling broad queries, delivering immediate results in a grid view of images. The feature is now available to English-speaking users in the U.S. aged 18 and older, moving beyond its early access phase. Additionally, the user interface has been refined to include a "try asking" section with suggested actions.
Winsage
June 16, 2025
Microsoft has introduced an AI tool integrated into the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, designed to enhance user experience in the Settings app. This AI agent is currently available only on devices powered by the Snapdragon X processor, with plans for support on compatible AMD and Intel processors in the future. Additionally, users of this Insider build may hear nostalgic start-up music reminiscent of Windows Vista.
BetaBeacon
May 29, 2025
New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.
AppWizard
March 5, 2025
Motorola and Lenovo's Smart Connect app has expanded to support all Android devices, enhancing integration between Windows PCs and various smartphones and tablets. The app features AI-driven search capabilities, app mirroring, and efficient file sharing, and is available for free on the Google Play Store. The latest version includes AI-powered functionalities such as natural language search and commands, seamless app mirroring, and device handoff. While some premium features remain exclusive to Motorola and Lenovo devices, the app now allows broader access for other Android users. Additionally, Smart Connect has integrated support for IoT devices, enabling management of Moto Tags and Motorola-branded smartwatches.
AppWizard
March 3, 2025
Smart Connect is an application that integrates Windows machines with Motorola and Lenovo smartphones and tablets, and it is expanding to support all Android devices. New features include an AI-powered search for locating files across devices, natural language search and commands, and the ability to activate a phone's hotspot from a laptop. Users can also transfer apps between devices using swipe gestures or voice commands. While the app is available for download on any Windows machine, certain features will remain exclusive to Motorola and Lenovo products. Smart Connect will also support Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including Motorola-branded smartwatches. The app is available for download via the Play Store.
AppWizard
February 18, 2025
Tencent has begun beta testing a new search function in Weixin, China's largest messaging app, powered by DeepSeek. Users can select an "AI Search" option in the search bar, utilizing both DeepSeek and Tencent's Hunyuan foundational model. This feature is exclusive to Weixin and not available on WeChat. The DeepSeek-R1 model, launched on January 20, offers advanced reasoning capabilities at lower training costs compared to AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Approximately 1.3 billion active Weixin users will benefit from this integration for various functions. Users can observe the reasoning process during queries, and DeepSeek-R1 has also been integrated into Tencent's AI chatbot application, Yuanbao. Chinese telecom operators have started using DeepSeek's models, and smartphone manufacturers like Huawei, Oppo, Honor, and Vivo are adopting the DeepSeek-R1 model in their devices.
AppWizard
February 4, 2025
AI-powered search engine Perplexity has launched a new feature called Perplexity Assistant, available for Android devices, which integrates reasoning, search capabilities, and app functionalities. The assistant can perform multi-app actions, such as hailing rides and searching for songs, and can set reminders by creating calendar entries. It utilizes the phone's camera for contextual inquiries and maintains context across various tasks, like researching restaurants and making reservations. The assistant is initially free for users in 15 languages. CEO Aravind Srinivas acknowledged that some features may not perform as expected and improvements are planned. Perplexity has also introduced Sonar, an API service for enterprises, and acquired Read.cv. Founded in 2022, Perplexity has raised over 0 million in funding and processes over 100 million queries weekly. The company faces legal challenges from publishers, including lawsuits from News Corp and a cease and desist order from The New York Times, but emphasizes its commitment to respecting publisher content through a revenue-sharing program.
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