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Agence France-Presse

Google has unveiled new Pixel 9 smartphones with deeper integrations of its artificial intelligence technology.
The upgrades include a Pixel-only feature that lets users search for information stored in screenshots. Android users can also now pull up Gemini, Google’s chatbot, as an overlay on top of another app to answer questions or generate content.
The Silicon Valley search giant has been racing against Microsoft, OpenAI and others to lead in AI since the 2022 release of ChatGPT ignited intense interest in the technology.
Pixel handsets account for a tiny sliver of the global smartphone market dominated by Samsung and Apple, but Google argues its new line is a chance to answer what – after all the hype – AI can actually do for customers.


“I understand people’s scepticism,” Google senior vice-president of devices Rick Osterloh said.t company’s campus in Mountain View, California. “There have been so many promises, so many ‘coming soons,’ and not enough real-world helpfulness when it comes to AI – which is why today we’re getting real.”
The Pixel weaves users more tightly into Google’s online services, taking a page from Apple’s strategy with the iPhone and App Store.

Pixel 9 models use of Google’s Gemini AI capabilities offers consumers an alternative to the iPhone’s “Apple Intelligence” AI, as well as to the company’s alliance with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.
The phones can help with daily tasks like booking appointments or finding old files in the mountain of data people tend to save, according to Pixel senior director of product management Shenaz Zack.
A Pixel might be used to take a photo of a concert poster, for example, then check whether that calendar date is open and draught a message inviting friends to join.
And conversations with Google’s AI on Pixel will be more free flowing, allowing interruptions or sudden topic shifts, the company said.
New Pixels will also be able to take notes during phone calls, automatically notifying the other party first.
Google said it has prioritised privacy, from protecting data used by its AI to letting users create password-protected private spaces for apps and other content.
Pixel 9 models let Gemini AI handle personal requests, sending no sensitive information off the device, according to Google.

Analysts said the Pixels could help consumers better envision the potential of artificial intelligence.
“I’m actually really impressed with what Google has done here,” Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart said in a demonstration area at the Pixel event.
“Google is making AI practical and understandable to the average consumer … It’s so easy, once you use it, to see the benefit of AI rather than this sort of amorphous conceptual thing that is that is being thrust upon us.”
“The two things that (consumers are) looking at AI to do right now is organisation – and that’s across communications, across calendaring, basically manage my life better than I can – and then the other thing is content creation,” said IDC analyst Linn Huang. “I think Google nailed both.”

Google also unveiled new Pixel earbud and smartwatch models boasting AI features.
The company said the watches will be able to access live feeds from Google’s Nest camera-equipped doorbells, letting wearers see who is at their homes and speak with them.
Greengart said such products will be necessary as Google tries to keep pace with companies such as Apple.
“Google needs to keep the Android ecosystem vibrant,” he said.
The Pixel 9, the base 6.3-inch display model, will retail at a starting price of US$799 in the United States. This and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL will begin shipping later in August. The Pixel 9 Pro, which comes with added features like a better camera, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold will ship in September.
Additional reporting by Reuters


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Smartphones

Google unveils Pixel 9 smartphones with AI features that show its ‘real-world helpfulness’

Google’s line-up of new Pixel 9 smartphones with enhanced AI features at their launch in Mountain View, California, on August 13, 2024. Photo: Kyodo

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (front) and Pixel 9 Pro smartphones displayed at their launch. Photo: Bloomberg

Google Pixel Buds Pro also have AI features. Photo: Bloomberg

A Google Pixel Watch 3 displayed during the Made By Google launch event in Mountain View, California. Photo: Bloomberg

Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 review, price, specs: new thinnest foldable phone still packs a punch

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4. Photo: Ben Sin

With an 8,999 yuan price tag, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is the new thinnest foldable phone but still has impressive specs. Check out our review below. Photo: Ben Sin

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 in its closed state. Photo: Ben Sin

Even when folded, the Mix Fold 4 (right) is barely thicker than the iPhone 15 Pro Max (left). Photo: Ben Sin

An image captured by the Mix Fold 4. Photo: Ben Sin

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 first look: big software boost, US$100 price rise

A sample image (right) created by the new “Sketch to Image” software feature on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Photo: Ben Sin

A sample image (right) created by the new “Sketch to Image” software feature on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 - one of two new foldable phones from the South Korean tech giant, together with the Z Flip 6 - which created a real-looking hat and sunglasses from Ben Sin’s sketch (left). Photo: Ben Sin

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (bottom), at 12.1mm, is slimmer than both the Fold 5 (middle) and Fold 4 (top). Photo: Ben Sin

The Z Fold 6’s main screen (right) is wider compared with the Fold 5 (left). Photo: Ben Sin

The front of the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Photo: Ben Sin

The Z Flip 6 in semi-folded form. Photo: Ben Sin

The inside screen of the Z Fold 6. Photo: Ben Sin

The back of the Z Fold 6 (right) and Z Fold 5. Photo: Ben Sin

Xiaomi to adopt Google’s Gemini AI model on next flagship smartphone for overseas markets

Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence model is expected to be integrated into more smartphone models worldwide this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Xiaomi’s Gemini initiative reflects the aggressive moves by Chinese Android handset vendors to adopt generative artificial intelligence technology into their devices. Photo: Shutterstock

Xiaomi founder, chairman and chief executive Lei Jun speaks at an event in Beijing on July 19, 2024. Photo: AFP

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People walk next to a Google logo . Photo: Reuters

Vivo X100 Ultra smartphone review: the best camera phone – amazing zoom lens, huge sensors

The Vivo X100 Ultra’s big camera module houses giant sensors and high-spec lenses that make it the best camera phone on the market. For now it is officially sold only in China. Photo: Ben Sin

The Vivo X100 Ultra camera system: in addition to a 200-megapixel zoom lens that can achieve lossless 85mm photos is a main camera using the latest 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor. Photo: Ben Sin

Set at 30X Zoom, images taken by the Vivo X100 Ultra (above, left) and the Apple iPhone Pro Max (above, right). Photo: Ben Sin

An image taken by the Vivo X100 Ultra shows vivid colours, even in low light. Photo: Ben Sin

A side view of the Vivo X100 Ultra shows its sleek lines. Photo: Ben Sin

The Vivo X100 Ultra’s camera set-up, and the photos it can take, really stand out. Photo: Ben Sin

Lifestyle

Gadgets

Tech

Big Tech

From finding old files to searching screenshots to taking notes during phone calls, practical applications of AI a reality on new phones


Pixel 9 phones can use AI in practical ways, from taking notes during phone calls to searching screenshots for information. Application of AI impresses tech analysts at launch event in California.


Google

Artificial intelligence