Google's latest Pixel update brings a host of new features that are set to shake up how we interact with our phones and messages.
One feature in particular is getting significant attention: Remix in Google Messages. This innovative new tool uses AI-powered photo editing, similar to Google Photos and Gemini, but this time it's available directly within the messaging app. What sets Remix apart is its ability to let users tweak photos on the fly, right within a chat. The best part? Edited images can be shared with anyone in the conversation, regardless of whether they're using Android.
But that's not all - Google Photos is also getting a significant boost in photo editing capabilities. For those with eligible Android devices and certain features enabled (Ask Photos and Face Groups), users will now be able to refer to people in their photos by name while making edits. This means users can add subtle touches, like adjusting someone's smile or opening their eyes, without needing a previous reference.
In other news, Google Maps is getting a new feature that promises to extend battery life for up to four hours: Power Saving Mode. This feature will automatically black out the screen and display essential information and directions, making it perfect for long trips or power-hungry days.
Finally, Android's built-in Scam Detection feature has been upgraded to also detect scam calls in messages. Users of Pixel 6 devices and above can expect a notification warning them if they're interacting with potential fraud. Additionally, Notification Summaries are now available on Pixel 9 and up, summarizing frequent group chat notifications as a recap in the notification shade.
Last but not least, Google has released a new seasonal theme pack called "Wicked: For Good" for Pixel 6 devices and above. The update is accessible via the newly launched Theme Packs app and allows users to quickly switch between two themed settings: "Glinda" and "Elphaba".
One feature in particular is getting significant attention: Remix in Google Messages. This innovative new tool uses AI-powered photo editing, similar to Google Photos and Gemini, but this time it's available directly within the messaging app. What sets Remix apart is its ability to let users tweak photos on the fly, right within a chat. The best part? Edited images can be shared with anyone in the conversation, regardless of whether they're using Android.
But that's not all - Google Photos is also getting a significant boost in photo editing capabilities. For those with eligible Android devices and certain features enabled (Ask Photos and Face Groups), users will now be able to refer to people in their photos by name while making edits. This means users can add subtle touches, like adjusting someone's smile or opening their eyes, without needing a previous reference.
In other news, Google Maps is getting a new feature that promises to extend battery life for up to four hours: Power Saving Mode. This feature will automatically black out the screen and display essential information and directions, making it perfect for long trips or power-hungry days.
Finally, Android's built-in Scam Detection feature has been upgraded to also detect scam calls in messages. Users of Pixel 6 devices and above can expect a notification warning them if they're interacting with potential fraud. Additionally, Notification Summaries are now available on Pixel 9 and up, summarizing frequent group chat notifications as a recap in the notification shade.
Last but not least, Google has released a new seasonal theme pack called "Wicked: For Good" for Pixel 6 devices and above. The update is accessible via the newly launched Theme Packs app and allows users to quickly switch between two themed settings: "Glinda" and "Elphaba".
Like, we're already dealing with chatbots and Alexa, do we really need more AI-powered photo editing? 
And what's with Power Saving Mode? We're running out of time as it is, last thing we need is our phones draining even faster. 
On a lighter note, I guess the new theme pack for Pixel 6 devices looks kinda cool... but let's be real, who needs all that extra power when climate change is killing us? 
i was just checking my messages and remix just saved my life lol i was trying to send a pic to my friend and she's like "where did you take that?" and i'm like "um idk" then i just used remix and it edited the pic on the fly lol what if u were on a phone with android tho? apparently google photos is getting a new feature too 
that lets u add names to ur pics in edit mode which is soooo convenient
like who doesn't need more battery life when they're traveling 
i've been using my pixel 5 and the battery life is already decent but this new feature sounds like a game changer
it's now detecting scam calls in messages which is just another reason to get more pixel 
I'm still stuck on how we've gone from using flip phones to having AI-powered photo editing in our chats. Like, is this really what progress looks like? We're living in a time where we can tweak someone's smile in real-time and share it with the whole conversation... it's wild 
Those were the days.
And the fact that edited images can be shared with anyone in the conversation is a major plus.
. Like, what if you're trying to edit a photo and it just gets all glitchy or something? 
Also, what if you need to access maps while you're using it and the screen is blacked out? That sounds like a major usability issue to me 
Mind. Blown. I'm totally rocking "Glinda" vibes right now. Who else is loving this update? 
️ it's like, totally necessary for long trips or when you're running low on battery. i'm all about conserving my phone's energy 
that's just so important for our safety online.
i mean, who wouldn't want to have more control over their phone's features and have a safer online experience?
I'm so stoked to see Google pushing out updates that make our lives easier 
, no more needing to share the same pic or trying to explain what's happening... genius! 
And wow, Power Saving Mode in Google Maps? That's just practical perfection 
️, especially when you're on-the-go. Can't wait to try out all these new features and see how they improve my phone experience 
. The Scam Detection feature upgrade is also super cool, it's about time we got better protection against those nasty scam calls and texts. And who wouldn't love some fresh seasonal themes for their Pixel device? Wicked: For Good is my new fave, the "Glinda" theme is so pretty 
!
. i'm planning a long road trip next month and this feature is gonna save my battery life (and my sanity 
). and yay for scam detection in messages 
! less worrying about those pesky phishing emails or suspicious calls. gotta love google's constant updates 
I mean Remix in Google Messages is literally genius, no need to take a screenshot just edit the pic on the fly 
. Scam detection feature is also a must have for safety reasons 
The theme packs are pretty cool too, got to try out that "Wicked: For Good" pack on my Pixel 6 
Meanwhile, what about the lack of transparency about who's accessing our messages and photos? 
Power Saving Mode sounds like just an excuse to get us to upgrade our phones more often... and those scam detection features in Messages? Just a slippery slope towards government surveillance! 
The Scam Detection feature is also a total game-changer - no more falling victim to those pesky scam calls 
. And the new Theme Packs app? Total win