Pixel Recorder 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

November 12, 2024

Android 16 could add a system-wide audio input switcher

Android devices have built-in microphones for voice calls and audio recording, but their quality varies by model. Many users seek external microphones for better audio quality, yet most Android apps do not support recording through them. Currently, audio input selection is limited to individual applications, which can be frustrating. Google has allowed developers to implement microphone settings via the MediaRecorder API, resulting in some apps offering input selection options. Android 16 may introduce a system-wide audio input switcher, allowing users to change the audio input device across all applications. This feature is currently in development and was discovered in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release, though it is not yet functional. The anticipated release of Android 16 is in Q2 of 2025.

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

August 21, 2024

Pixel Recorder’s summaries are actually useful on the Google Pixel 9

The Pixel Recorder app, exclusive to Google Pixel devices, has improved its summarization feature with the introduction of the Google Pixel 9, which integrates the upgraded Gemini Nano AI model. This new model allows users to generate summaries of recordings longer than half an hour, a significant upgrade from the previous version used in the Pixel 8 series, which could only summarize recordings of about fifteen minutes. Initial tests demonstrated successful summarization of a 41-minute recording. However, the Pixel 9 still struggles with recordings over one hour, and some users may find the summarization feature insufficient for lengthy content. Future iterations of the Gemini Nano model are anticipated to enhance the app's capabilities further.