Key Takeaways
- Google Photos app code hints at Pixel 9 series AI camera features on older Pixel models
- Reimagine and Auto Frame features for older Pixels pending confirmation
- Upcoming Feature Drop suggests older Pixels may receive newer AI features
It’s been a month since Google officially unveiled the Pixel 9 series, and as we’ve come to expect from Pixel devices, the highlight has again been the software tricks (read: AI features) rather than hardware upgrades. Much of the innovation this time centered around camera and photo capabilities, including improvements to the Magic Editor, and some new features Add Me, Video Boost for Night Sight, and more. However, it seems that some of these new features might also make their way to older Pixel devices.
A report by AssembleDebug (via Android Authority) reveals that code in the Google Photos app suggests some of the Pixel 9 series’ AI camera features may be coming to older Pixel models. Specifically, two key features appear to be in the pipeline for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series are the Reimagine and Auto Frame.
For those unfamiliar, the Reimagine feature lets you completely ‘reimagine’ your photos by adding new elements, modifying existing ones, or even typing in what you want to see. On the other hand, the Auto Frame feature gives you the ability to adjust the framing of your pictures after you’ve taken them.
The launch date remains uncertain though
According to AssembleDebug, Google is developing three distinct versions of the Photos app. There’s one version for all non-Pixel devices, another for Pixel devices launched between 2021 and 2023 (covering the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 series), and a third version for Pixels launched in 2024 or later.
As expected, the code for the Photos app on the newer Pixel models includes all the strings for the latest AI features. However, interestingly, Google has also started including some of these feature strings in the Photos app version for the Pixel 6 to Pixel 8 series, suggesting that these AI features may soon be available on those older devices as well.
While there isn’t any concrete evidence of these features working on older devices yet, the appearance of the code suggests that they’ll likely make their way to previous Pixel models at some point, possibly with an upcoming Feature Drop. This, however, wouldn’t be the first time Google has done this. For example, the Magic Editor feature was initially introduced with the Pixel 8 series but was made available on older Pixel devices a few months later, and even on other Android devices through a Google One subscription.
-
Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is Google’s most affordable 2024 flagship, offering key features like a 48MP ultra-wide camera, 50MP main shooter, and autofocus selfie cam. While it makes a few compromises compared to the Pro models, it still includes new Gemini AI features and a 2,700-nit Actua display, providing great value at its price point.
-
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro is a compact addition to Google’s lineup, offering a smaller form factor while retaining all the AI and camera capabilities of the Pro series. It shares dimensions with the standard Pixel 9 but brings premium features like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it a standout in Google’s high-end range.
-
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL carries the same role as last year’s Pixel 8 Pro, with similar specs and a familiar footprint. The new Pixel 9 Pro, however, is a smaller flagship option. The 9 Pro XL offers a larger screen, faster charging, and a bigger battery, along with all the camera and AI features of the 9 Pro.
Source link
