One of the AI-related announcements that didn’t receive much attention during Google’s Made by Google hardware event was the Call Notes feature. This feature, available on the Pixel 9 family of devices, saves a summary of your conversation following a call. While it may seem like a convenient tool for those with short-term memory challenges, there are valid concerns regarding privacy. Google claims that Call Notes operates fully on-device and notifies all parties on the call when recording is in progress. However, the effectiveness of these precautions from a security standpoint remains to be seen and will require input from experts in the field.
Pixel Studio App
Exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Studio is an image-generating app that leverages both on-device generative AI models and Google’s Imagen 3 model in the cloud. Users can input prompts to generate various creative outputs, add stickers, and make edits afterwards. The app requires a stable internet connection to function, despite some of its components being on-device. While Pixel Studio has impressive capabilities, it currently does not generate human faces, likely due to previous issues with image generation technology. It is essential to ascertain whether the app has adequate safeguards in place to prevent the creation of potentially harmful content.
Pixel Screenshots App
For individuals who frequently capture screenshots for reference, Pixel Screenshots is a new AI-powered app designed to address the searchability of these images. Unlike Google Photos, which performs similar analyses in the cloud, Pixel Screenshots works locally on the device. The app is capable of analyzing the content of screenshots, including text, people, and objects. This feature enables users to easily search for specific information within their screenshots, making retrieval of relevant data more efficient. Google provides an example where the app can identify items like door codes and addresses across photos, streamlining the process of finding essential details stored in images.
Google’s AI-related announcements at the Made by Google event showcased innovative features aimed at enhancing user experiences and productivity. While tools like Call Notes, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots offer promising functionalities, there are valid concerns surrounding privacy and potential misuse. As advancements in AI technology continue to evolve, it is crucial for companies like Google to prioritize user security and implement robust safeguards to mitigate risks associated with these intelligent systems.