Gemini Nano Archives

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

How to change Gemini’s voice on Android

Google's Gemini assistant is becoming a key feature of Android 15, potentially replacing the traditional Google Assistant. It allows for conversational exchanges through Gemini Live and can analyze documents. Users can customize Gemini's voice within the Gemini app, which affects the voice used in Gemini Live and any applications that integrate with it, including Google Assistant. The Google Pixel 9 series is highlighted as the best device for utilizing Gemini, offering superior support for features like Gemini Nano and AI-enhanced capabilities.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google preps a feature to keep users in ‘clear voice’ in the Recorder app

Google is enhancing its Recorder app with a new "clear voice" feature to minimize background noise and improve voice clarity. The app has also introduced a "summarize" function on the Pixel 8, allowing users to obtain concise summaries of audio recordings. The Recorder app debuted on Chromebooks in November, offering functionalities like speech-to-text generation and title suggestions. It utilizes Google's advanced large language model (LLM) for improved user experience. Pixel devices now have a "Transcribe again" tool for re-transcribing recordings in 42 languages, with cloud processing for quick transcription results.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

Real-time Scam Detection is rolling out now in Google Phone app beta

The Scam Detection feature, powered by artificial intelligence, is now available for beta testers of the Google Phone app in the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer models. Users must manually enable this feature, which is off by default, through the app's settings. It continuously monitors incoming calls for potential scams and alerts users if a call is suspected to be a scam. The feature does not screen calls from saved contacts, and call content is not recorded or stored. If a call is identified as likely a scam, users receive a notification and can choose to continue or end the call. Google is collecting feedback from beta testers for future updates.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Android is getting call scam detection, real-time app threat alerts

Google is enhancing the safety and security of its Android platform, particularly with the introduction of new features aimed at combating scam calls and malicious applications. These features will first be available on Pixel smartphones before being extended to other Android devices. Key enhancements include: 1. Real-Time Threat Detection: Google Play Protect now offers live threat detection, providing real-time alerts for potentially harmful applications by analyzing their behavior. This feature will initially focus on apps displaying stalking behavior and will expand to cover various harmful applications in the future. 2. Scam Call Detection: A new on-device feature uses artificial intelligence to identify suspicious phone calls, such as those requesting money or code transfers. This feature is currently being tested in the U.S. and requires users to opt-in, as it is off by default. 3. Messages App Scam Detection: Google has also improved scam detection for its Messages app, targeting fraudulent schemes and package delivery scams. The AI for call scam detection is powered by the Gemini Nano model and will initially operate on Pixel 9 series devices, with plans to extend support to the Pixel 6 series and subsequent models.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Google is readying ‘AI Replies’ for Call Screen in Pixel Phone app

Google is enhancing the Call Screen feature in the Pixel Phone app with 'AI Replies.' This feature will allow users to respond to calls without answering, using AI-generated smart replies based on the caller's responses. Code strings related to AI Replies were discovered in the latest beta version of the Phone app, indicating that Google may utilize its Gemini Nano technology for this functionality. Users will have the option to enable or disable AI Replies. Details on how these AI responses will differ from current options and the timeline for public release are not yet available.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Pixel phones are getting an actual weather app in 2024, with a bit of AI

Google's Weather app features an AI-generated weather report that provides concise summaries, such as "Cold and rainy day, bring your umbrella and hold onto your hat!" The app includes a weather radar for real-time precipitation insights and "Nowcasting" capabilities that predict short-term weather changes. Users can customize the display by rearranging data like UV index and humidity, but the app's data widgets are large, requiring scrolling to see the full daily forecast. The AI summary and 10-day forecast are fixed at the top, limiting personalization. Pollen data is unavailable for allergy sufferers in regions like the US, and some whimsical features, like a frog icon, are missing. Users have criticized the app for requiring saved locations to view weather conditions, integration issues with other Google apps, and aesthetic concerns regarding the weather map and app visibility.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Android 15 has a cool trick to save my ‘storage full’ 128GB Pixel

Google's Pixel series smartphones, including the latest Pixel 9, have a base storage of 128GB. Android 15 introduces an "app archiving" feature that allows users to temporarily remove apps without losing data, enabling easier management of storage. Users can manually archive apps by tapping and holding the app icon, selecting the info icon, and choosing Archive. Additionally, users can set apps to automatically archive when storage is low by enabling "Manage app if unused." Archived apps can be restored by tapping their icon with a cloud download overlay. For devices not running Android 15, users can still archive apps through the Google Play Store by enabling the automatic archiving feature in settings.

AppWizard

October 3, 2024

Google opens up Gemini Nano for all Android apps

Google has made its Gemini Nano AI model accessible for all Android applications, allowing it to operate locally on devices without an internet connection. Devices like the Google Pixel 9 series and Galaxy S24 series support Gemini Nano, enabling integration into apps such as Pixel Recorder and Google Messages. Google is now providing all Android app developers access to the AI Edge SDK tool, which was previously part of a closed program, to explore Gemini Nano's capabilities. Developers can currently experiment with text-to-text prompts, with plans to support additional modalities like images in the future. They are encouraged to explore various use cases, including rephrasing, smart replies, proofreading, and summarization, while also customizing Gemini Nano’s responses for their applications.

AppWizard

October 2, 2024

Google is making Gemini Nano available for all Android apps

Android developers can now experiment with Gemini Nano through the AI Edge SDK on the Pixel 9 series, using only text-to-text prompts for development purposes. Gemini Nano, which operates directly on devices without internet connectivity, was initially available on the Pixel 8 Pro and later on Samsung's Galaxy S24 series. Future iterations are expected to support various modalities and a wider range of devices. Developers can access Android AICore (Beta) via the Play Store. The Pixel 9 features a larger OLED display, enhanced performance, a bigger battery, improved camera capabilities, and a commitment to seven years of software updates.