Latest news with #Pixel
Phone Arena
8 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Google's Pixel phones may soon borrow a trick from Samsung's Now Bar
Referential image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the Now Bar. | Image credit — Phonearena Google might be working on its own version of Samsung's Now Bar, according to new details spotted in the latest Android 16 beta. The feature, called "Gemini Space," could be a major step forward for Google's At a Glance widget, offering more real-time information on the lock screen. As reported based on findings through a deep dive of the underlying code, traces of this new experience first appeared in last month's Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release. A new system configuration file named "Ambient Data" was added, which appears to be the internal codename for Gemini Space. That file was found in firmware for both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro, suggesting the feature won't be limited to the upcoming Pixel 10. Other clues point to an "Ambience Hub," though it's not clear how it will work. The name suggests a new interface for showing useful data on the lock screen or always-on display. This would align with other Google features that use 'ambient' in their name, such as ambient display or ambient AOD. More interestingly, the Android System Intelligence app — which powers the current At a Glance widget — now includes hints about sports scores and finance updates. A toggle for finance recaps was even found in the At a Glance settings, further supporting the idea that these updates could appear as part of Gemini Space. OneUI's Now Bar and Now Brief was a welcome addition when it launched with the Galaxy S25 series. | Image credit — PhoneArena All signs point to Google preparing a rebranded and upgraded version of At a Glance. If true, Gemini Space would serve a similar purpose to Samsung's Now Bar and Now Brief — the former being a live info chip on the lock screen, and the latter offering a full-page summary of your day. While some may say that At a Glance already covers this, Pixel phones don't have anything quite like the Now Brief: a dedicated, rich feed of contextual updates accessible right from the lock screen. That could change if Gemini Space and the rumored Ambience Hub roll out as expected. Whether this will be a Pixel 10 exclusive or come to older models remains to be seen, but the feature looks like a natural evolution of At a Glance — and perhaps a strategic way to keep Gemini AI front and center. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
Phone Arena
11 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Did Apple just rip off Google's Pixel AI?
At WWDC 2025, Apple took the wraps off iOS 26 and its brand-new AI features. If you watched the keynote with even one eye on what Google's been doing with Pixel phones and Gemini, you probably had the same reaction I did: 'Wait… haven't I seen this all before?' Let's take a quick look: Live Voicemail — Google Pixel's 'Call Screening' When you are getting a call from an unknown number, the AI assistant will pick up for you and ask the person the purpose for calling. Their answer is relayed to you, in real time, via a text that shows up on screen. So, you can decide whether to answer or not. Pixel's Call Screening was introduced in 2018 with Pixel 3. Personal Voice Assistant on Calls — Pixel's 'Hold for Me' When calling a support line that puts you on hold, you can set your phone down. The AI will identify when an actual person answers your call and will notify you via ringtone. First introduced on Pixel 5 in 202, as 'Hold for me'. Visual Look Up — launched with Samsung and Google phones as 'Circle to Search' Takes a screenshot of the screen and you can tap or circle objects to perform an image search (to find a product that you really like in a video, for example, or look up details through an event poster). Introduced in early 2024, first with the Galaxy S24 series, then the Pixel 8 phones. As it says on the tin, Live Translation will translate between different languages right within a call. Both parties will hear the translator voice, so they know what is being said, when the sentence is over, when to expect a reply back. First introduced by Samsung in 2024 with the Galaxy S24 series, then announced by Google at I/O 2025. Quite honestly, the tech is still a bit clunky and not quite there — I am curious to see if Apple manages to add some polish to it. Thankfully, there is a twist — it's all about how it worksWhere Apple is leaning in is privacy and on-device processing. The pitch is clear: most of these AI features will run locally on your iPhone (assuming you've got an A17 Pro or newer chip), powered by Apple's so-called 'Private Cloud Compute' when off-device work is what's the difference?Apple's Private Cloud Compute only sends data to servers when needed, and even then, the servers don't retain any personal information. Apple also promised open verifiability — meaning, in theory, security researchers will be able to audit how this system Gemini/Assistant is primarily cloud-based. This is because Google does want to bring most of its AI features to all of Android, which means it just can't rely on hardware. We all know how many flavors of Android phones there are out there. Some tasks do run locally, but for full-featured Gemini, your data often goes to Google servers. Yes, Google promises strong privacy protections, but historically it's a more data-hungry model (because that's Google's business model).At the end of the day, though — from a user experience point of view — Apple is now shipping the same features that Pixel owners have enjoyed for years. If you're a die-hard iPhone user, it's great to finally get these tools. If you've been on a Pixel, you're probably thinking: 'Welcome to 2023, Apple.' Me? I'm just happy we are all getting cool stuff. As mentioned above, Apple's big advantage is integration — these AI features are coming to all iPhones that support iOS 26 (with some limitations on older chips), so you will feel a certain level of polish across the ecosystem, whereas Android has that inherent unpredictability that's tied to multiple manufacturers having their own spin on hardware. Not exactly. If anything, I think it became perfectly clear (as if it wasn't already) that Google is well ahead in the AI game when it comes to useful smartphone tools and implementation. But this does mark the start of a new phase: Apple went back to doing things that others have already done, but with a distinct Apple shine applied on top. If history teaches us anything, it's that Cupertino might use this solid base as a launching pad to make something truly unique and game-changing. At the very least, competition is about to heat up. Very, very fast. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
International Business Times
17 hours ago
- International Business Times
Google Mocks Apple's iOS 26 With Humorous Podcast Video, Samsung Joins Roast
Apple announced iOS 26, the newest version of its operating system, on June 9th as one of a slew of new announcements at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Apple also unveiled a new visual revamp, which they referred to as the "Liquid Glass" design. The new look is also a part of changes to core apps and the entire platform, representing a major change in its aesthetics. However, it seems these new features and announcements by Apple have not impressed tech giants like Samsung and Google at all. Google has posted a playful video mocking a bundle of new features arriving on iOS 26, some of which Android users—especially Pixel owners—have been enjoying for years. Entitled 'Best Phones Forever: Responding to MORE Rumors,' the video was uploaded to Google's YouTube account on June 17 and has since generated a heap of laughter online. The animated video is a playful podcast-style exchange between an Apple iPhone and a Google Pixel. As they chat, the Pixel indirectly accuses iOS 26 of copying some of its older features, which it sarcastically refers to as "just some crazy coincidences" because "they're not out yet!" Features like live text translation, hold assist, and call screening—newly added in iOS 26—have been available on Pixel devices since at least 2018. To add further insult to injury, the video winds down with iPhone asking anxiously, "Sooo... What are you working on for Pixel 10?" —a not-too-subtle reminder of Google's forthcoming launch, which has been speculated for August. However, Google wasn't the only one to mock the Tim Cook-led smartphone maker. Samsung did it days ago, during Apple's WWDC25. Apple's toughest competitor poked fun at iOS 26 and macOS 26 with a series of snarky posts on X (formerly Twitter). One post read, "Customizable apps? Floating bars? That sleek glass UI? Looks... familiar." Another jab stated, "Apple brings Live Translation. For a fuller account, check the Galaxy S24 launch 16 months ago." Samsung also flaunted its Galaxy AI improvements and subtly suggested that Apple's updates are more reactive than innovative. "AI is coming to your watch? Cute! Ours already knows you're too tired to care #GalaxyAI," the Android giant said, pulling no punches. What was noteworthy about Apple's keynote wasn't just the dearth of any specific emphasis on AI; it was how the competition gleefully filled that silence. With Apple's focus on privacy and evolutionary innovation, competitors like Google and Samsung took the opportunity to remind users that they have been ahead on AI-powered features for some time.
Tom's Guide
17 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I can't believe Google is making such a big deal out of Pixel VIPs — it's the most disappointing new feature in years
Pixel VIPs is a new feature that's part of Android 16, and if you paid attention to Google's marketing and release notes,you'll know that it's being treated like a flagship addition — something that's to be desired, and that'll make owning a Pixel phone worthwhile. Now that Android 16 is here, I can tell you that this absolutely isn't the case. In fact, Pixel VIPs seems pretty darn pointless in the grand scheme of things. Of all the new features that have landed in Android 16, I don't know why Google is making such a big deal out of something that doesn't really offer anything of value. Pixel VIPs is a new feature in the Contacts app on Android 16. As the name suggests, it's exclusive to Pixel phones. You can preselect up to 8 VIPs, each of whom have their own special pages. Those pages have icons for the phone app, Google Messages, Google Meet, the Contacts app and (if you give Pixel VIPs permission) other third party apps like VIP pages also features a location option for "local updates," details on when you last spoke to each VIP, and notes and suggestions on "things to do together." It'll also remind you about their birthday, assuming you've told the app when it is. The Pixel VIPs can be accessed through Contacts, or with a special new Pixel VIPs widget — which is also technically part of the Contacts app. Really, it's kind of like the MySpace top friends list from back in the pre-Facebook era. Any readers born after 1995 should go and ask their parents or older siblings what I'm talking about. I can see what Google is trying to do here. It's a way of resurrecting that idea of having your favorite or most important people in a list and adding some practical value to it. But every time I look at, or tinker with the Pixel VIPs feature, all I can think of is "Why?" Do I need Google to suggest things I can watch with my girlfriend? Even after disclosing the kind of things she likes, those recommendations aren't particularly good. I also don't need another app to remind me when her birthday is — that's already in Google Calendar with all the other birthdays that don't belong to VIPs. She also has an iPhone, so conversing on Google Meet is never going to happen I also don't need to know what the weather is like wherever my VIPs are. I'm English. Discussing the weather is half of what we all talk about, and without it, there would be little reason to speak to anyone. I could maybe see some use in adding specific group chats to a list like this, but the fact Pixel VIPs is tied to the Contacts app means that isn't possible. The only real benefit is that these contacts are supposed to be able to bypass the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone — though as far as I can tell, there's no way to toggle this particular feature on or off for individual contacts. So if you actually want to get the benefits of Pixel VIPs for certain people, you apparently need to be willing to give them unfiltered access to your phone as well. Having a feature that lets key people contact you regardless of whether Do Not Disturb is on or not could be useful. But it feels like something that should be its own feature. Frankly, it would have been better if Google had quietly added this feature in the background, and let more important apps and updates take the center stage. Because Pixel VIPs just doesn't have headliner potential. Unfortunately, as it stands, Android 16 doesn't actually have a whole lot going for it. Maybe it's the fact the software was released so early, but it seems like all the actual upgrades are few and far between. Take the Material Expressive 3 redesign, as one example. Google announced this at I/O 2025, but confirmed that it wouldn't be arriving until much later in the year. When that might be is anyone's guess. The same is true for the Desktop windowing feature, which is set to hit "large screen devices" toward the end of the year. Similarly Live Updates, which seem to be Google's closest thing to Apple's Live Activities in the Dynamic Island doesn't seem to have a home on my Pixel 9 Pro. There's no settings menu for the feature, and I can't seem to find evidence that it's actually been added to my phone. But, assuming it has, Google said that it would be restricted to ride share and food delivery notifications at first. And that's not a particularly large number of use-cases, so it feels rather disappointing even if I know these features can't include all apps right away. So when you think about it, Google didn't have much chance not to try and hype up Pixel VIPs. Because it's not like anything more exciting was available.
India Today
19 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
This Google Pixel 10 upgrade has apparently shocked Samsung, report says it is analysing
The upcoming Google Pixel 10 is expected to bring many upgrades. Some will be run-of-the-mill, while others could come as a surprise or even leave some people shocked. That is how tech works. But usually, you go through these emotions after the launch. But it turns out some decisions could trigger a response even before the launch. While not explicitly confirmed in so many words, Google was widely reported to be switching its manufacturing partner from Samsung Foundry to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chip, which is set to power the Pixel 10 phones. Samsung has apparently not taken this decision to be clear, Google has still not confirmed that it is switching partners, but according to a new report coming from Korea, Samsung is shocked about it and has initiated an investigation – intense analysis - into why this might have happened. So, in a way, the report all but confirms what we all knew for a while, but you get the impression that Samsung didn't know of this change for a long time, which seems a bit odd given that it doesn't seem like a last-minute type of decision. Some reports suggest Google has struck a deal with TSMC and all Pixel phones, Pixel 10 onwards to the Pixel 14, will be made by the Taiwanese company, not Samsung Foundry. Maybe Samsung is more interested in this long-term deal rather than specifically what's happening with the Pixel 10. Either way, it's all speculation and open to different Google is a case that shows the complex problems of Samsung Foundry at once,' an industry source was quoted as saying by The Bell. 'I understand that there are many discussions and concerns going on internally as well.' The outlet goes on to list several reasons why Google chose TSMC over Samsung. Mostly they've got to do with Samsung's alleged inefficiency in cooking up better, faster chips with more advanced processes, something that has been reflected in recent Google Pixels with widely reported issues with heating and less-than-stellar battery life. TSMC chips are generally considered superior. Apple uses them for making its own silicon, so it isn't surprising that Google, too, wants to test these waters and see if it brings any real-world advantages. The Pixel 10 series will reportedly launch in August with a total of three models in tow: Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. There could be a fourth, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but we'll have to wait and watch out for that. All the models are expected to pack the Tensor G5 chip.
