Google today announced a surprise Pixel Drop, previously known as a Pixel Feature Drop. These usually come every three months but we weren’t expecting one until September. So that’s why they call it a surprise.
It brings a free year of the Google AI Pro subscription to owners of the Pixel 9 Pro (and presumably the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold as well). This includes access to Veo 3, Google’s AI video creating tool.
Next up, Circle to Search gets AI Mode integration, letting you access AI Mode’s “advanced reasoning” to “explore complex topics and dig into your initial searches with follow-up questions” without switching apps. This works automatically when Google’s systems “determine an AI response to be most helpful”. If so, then an AI Overview will appear in your results, and from there you can tap on “dive deeper with AI Mode” to ask follow-up questions and “explore content across the web that’s relevant to your visual search”.
AI Mode can also now be accessed through Lens via the Google app for Android and iOS. AI Mode in Circle to Search and Lens is currently only available in the US and India. Starting today, Circle to Search can also help you in games, giving you tips when you feel stuck. You’ll even see suggested videos to help you further navigate your game. This is out today in the countries where AI Overviews are available. And speaking of AI Overviews, the responses should now be “easier to read, breaking down key information, and incorporating more visuals directly”.
Finally, Gemini is headed to Wear OS watches from Google, Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. This will replace Google Assistant and will use the same advanced AI models as on your phone. Gemini on Wear OS lets you speak naturally, “understanding your speech patterns and delivering fast, concise responses” on your wrist.
It also works across apps so you can ask it to send a message, create a playlist, summarize an email, add stuff to your calendar, and navigate places. You just need to enable action-taking within other Google apps like Gmail and Calendar on your paired phone. Gemini can also remember details you ask it to. It’s rolling out to Wear OS watches running Wear OS 4 and later “over the coming weeks”.
