Google announced the first smartphone powered by the “Gemini” AI system.
Google on Tuesday announced a new artificial intelligence feature coming to Android devices. The move to bring the Gemini AI assistant to supported devices shows once again how Google has put AI in front of consumers before Applewhich will launch AI on iPhones, Macs and iPads later this year.
Google doesn’t make much money from its hardware business but the latest Android features could help generate new revenue through the company’s Gemini AI subscription program.
“We’ve completely revamped the assistant experience with Gemini, so you can talk as naturally as you do with other people,” Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat said in a blog post Tuesday. “Be able to understand your intentions, follow your train of thought and complete complex tasks.”
“Starting today, you can open a Gemini overlay on top of the apps you’re using to ask questions about what’s on your screen,” Samat wrote. It will be available on hundreds of phone models from dozens of device makers, according to Google.
Google previously had some AI features in Android, but this is the first year that it strongly emphasizes new capabilities supported by a large AI language model installed on the device.
One example the company gave involved a user uploading a photo of a concert listing and asking Gemini to see if the calendar was free, after Gemini checked Google Calendar. If the user is available in the schedule, Gemini offers to create a reminder to check the ticket price later that night.
Assistant can also perform tasks using information from Google apps.
“For example, Gemini can help you create a daily workout routine based on your personal trainer’s email, or use your resume in Google Drive to write a work bio,” the company said in a blog post.
The company also said that users can ask Gemini’s assistant to design emails and “create a picture of a cake for people who like space,” which the assistant can create and attach to the email. Alternatively, on YouTube, users can ask Gemini about the content in the video.
You can also ask questions about what’s on your phone’s screen in other apps, such as Maps, Flights and Gmail. Google says it’s being used to add support for third-party extensions, which suggests developers could add that option to the app later.
Gemini Assistant has several voices. Users can chat like humans through Gemini’s “Live” feature, which the company first announced at its May developer conference. “Live” will initially be available to devices and customers selected for Google’s Gemini Advanced program, which costs $19.99 per month.
In June, Apple announced its long-awaited artificial intelligence push, Apple Intelligence, which can perform tasks such as recognizing important news for personal context, and perform cross-app tasks as well as allowing Siri to tap into OpenAI’s ChatGPT when needed for tasks such as writing tools. and make a picture.
Apple’s system is currently being tested. Some early features will be released this fall alongside the new iPhones, but most of the system won’t be released until next year.
The new Pixel 9 phone and Pixel Watch 3
Google also announced its latest “Pixel” line of phones, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which feature Gemini AI.
The Pixel 9 series has, among other new features, an improved camera and a screen that is 35% brighter for better viewing in direct sunlight. It ships with Google’s latest Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM to support AI usage. RAM stands for random access memory —an important part of computer hardware that stores the data needed to run applications.
RAM is an essential component for running artificial intelligence in a smartphone. Google has said that the amount of memory is a key factor in determining whether a phone can run AI.
In contrast, only high-end iPhones released in 2023 will be able to run Apple Intelligence, which AI developers believe is due to the lower amount of memory installed in older iPhones.
The Pixel 9 starts at $799, which is $100 more than the Pixel 8, but smartphone costs have been rising across most phone makers over the past year. The Pixel 9 Pro, which comes with a free “Gemini Advanced” subscription, starts at $999 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799.
Finally, Google also announced the Pixel Watch 3. It is available in two sizes, 41 millimeters and 45 mm, with a larger screen than the previous model. New features include the option to plan running workouts, information on recovery with readiness and cardio load data, and AI-powered training recommendations. Google also says that the Pixel Watch 3 goes deeper with the ecosystem, allowing you to access Nest camera feeds and doorbells, the Google TV remote, offline Google Maps, and more. The Pixel Watch 3 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, or up to 36 hours with Battery Saver mode.
— CNBC’s Kif Leswing contributed to this report.
