Google has released a new feature called Remix in its messaging app that brings AI-powered photo editing capabilities to more users. This new tool utilizes Google's Gemini image model and allows users to edit photos directly within a chat, making them viewable by anyone involved in the conversation, regardless of their device operating system.
This development is significant as it expands access to Gemini-powered photo editing beyond just Android devices. Remix can now be used on various platforms with RCS enabled, including English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand. Furthermore, remixed images can also be sent over MMS.
Interestingly, this feature has also been incorporated into Google Photos, enabling users to refer to friends in photos by name while editing. The app will utilize past photos of labelled friends to make tweaks like adding a smile or opening someone's eyes without needing prior references.
In other news, the latest Pixel Drop includes several enhancements aimed at enhancing user experience and improving safety. A new Power Saving Mode has been added to Google Maps, which blacks out the screen and only shows essential information and directions, promising an extension of battery life by up to four hours. Although it's unclear if this feature will be rolled out to other platforms, it seems like a natural fit for Android Auto.
Additionally, Scam Detection, a built-in Android feature that identifies potential scam calls and warns users with notifications, has been expanded to work within messages on Pixel 6 devices and above. This update also includes Support for Notification Summaries on the Pixel 9 and up, as well as prioritized message delivery to marked Pixel VIPs.
Lastly, Google has introduced a new seasonal theme pack called Wicked: For Good, accessible via a newly released Theme Packs app. While it utilizes existing options like wallpaper and icon settings, this tool offers convenience by allowing users to change all those settings at once. However, its introduction was accompanied by an ad, which might raise some eyebrows.
This development is significant as it expands access to Gemini-powered photo editing beyond just Android devices. Remix can now be used on various platforms with RCS enabled, including English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and New Zealand. Furthermore, remixed images can also be sent over MMS.
Interestingly, this feature has also been incorporated into Google Photos, enabling users to refer to friends in photos by name while editing. The app will utilize past photos of labelled friends to make tweaks like adding a smile or opening someone's eyes without needing prior references.
In other news, the latest Pixel Drop includes several enhancements aimed at enhancing user experience and improving safety. A new Power Saving Mode has been added to Google Maps, which blacks out the screen and only shows essential information and directions, promising an extension of battery life by up to four hours. Although it's unclear if this feature will be rolled out to other platforms, it seems like a natural fit for Android Auto.
Additionally, Scam Detection, a built-in Android feature that identifies potential scam calls and warns users with notifications, has been expanded to work within messages on Pixel 6 devices and above. This update also includes Support for Notification Summaries on the Pixel 9 and up, as well as prioritized message delivery to marked Pixel VIPs.
Lastly, Google has introduced a new seasonal theme pack called Wicked: For Good, accessible via a newly released Theme Packs app. While it utilizes existing options like wallpaper and icon settings, this tool offers convenience by allowing users to change all those settings at once. However, its introduction was accompanied by an ad, which might raise some eyebrows.