Google Details New Gemini and AI Features for Pixel

Yesterday was a big day for Samsung, but it was also a big day for Google, its biggest partner in the smartphone market. And in addition to the new Gemini and Android AI features that are coming to the new Galaxy S25 series, Google also plans similar updates for its own Pixel phone lineup.

Indeed, if you visit the Google Store today, you’ll see a banner at the top titled, “New Gemini Live and Circle to Search features on Pixel 9 phones” with a link to a page describing some of these updates.

“Groundbreaking updates now make your everyday tasks more efficient than ever before, right on Pixel,” Google explains. “From enhanced conversations with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, to deeper research, these new features transform how you interact with your Pixel.”

The following features are rolling out to Pixel 9 starting today, though the full rollout could take a few weeks. After that, they will come to all supported Pixel handsets, so Pixel 6 and newer.

Gemini Live improvements. Google’s AI assistant supports a feature called Gemini Live that allows customers to interact using their voice and free-flowing conversations. With this update, Gemini Live supports images, documents and other files, and videos, so you can learn more about this content.

Gemini extension improvements. Gemini supports extensions so you can complete tasks across Gmail, Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube, and other services. But with this update, you can now use multiple extensions simultaneously. “For example, you can ask Gemini for some high-protein lunch recipes and then easily save them to a note directly on Google Keep,” Google notes, “or ask Gemini for nearby activities and text them to a friend with Google Messages.”

Gemini Deep Research. Gemini Advanced subscribers–all Pixel 9 series buyers got a year for free–can now access a new Gemini Deep Research feature that browses up to hundreds of websites, generates a report of key findings, and provides links to the original sources. Google says this feature is perfect for students, researchers, or anyone else who wants to dive deeper into any topic.

Circle to Search improvements. Circle to Search is getting a new AI Overviews feature that will provide more information about places, trending images, unique objects, and more when you use this feature to search. “AI Overviews use generative AI to provide a snapshot of helpful information about your search with links to dig deeper and learn more from the web,” Google explains. “It’s like having a knowledgeable friend explaining exactly what you need to know about what you see on your phone.” Circle to Search is also getting a new feature that lets you tap on an on-screen phone number, email address, or URL to take action on that item (by calling, emailing, or navigating to it).

Additionally, Google is bringing Project Astra to Google 9 series phones “in the coming months” so customers can share their screens and stream video in real time.