TL;DR:
- Google is set to release an AI Core update for Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.
- The update focuses on enhancing AI capabilities, benefiting features like Magic Eraser and Google Assistant.
- AI Core app runs in the background, aiming to bring generative text and image capabilities to Pixel devices.
- While the initial update won’t make Pixel phones AI image generators, it paves the way for future cloud-based AI processing.
- Google has been secretive about AI Core’s specifics, but images suggest it updates foundation models for intelligent features.
- The update will provide the latest Foundation Models, including Imagen, Codey, and Chirp, to Pixel phones.
- No official release timeline is available yet, but it will roll out first to Pixel 8 Pro and later to other Pixel devices.
Main AI News:
In a surprising development, Google is set to deliver an AI Core update that promises to significantly enhance the capabilities and performance of Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. This forthcoming update is tailored to amplify the AI prowess of the device, which, in turn, will empower the Pixel 8 Pro’s intelligent features, such as the acclaimed Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur for the camera, as well as the ever-reliable Google Assistant. However, it’s worth noting that the impact of AI extends beyond just the camera and the Assistant.
The AI Core application, a cornerstone of this update, operates seamlessly in the background, furnishing the device with advanced AI functionality. Google’s ultimate aspiration with AI technology is to introduce generative text and image capabilities across the entire spectrum of Pixel devices. The AI Core app represents a crucial stride towards realizing this ambitious vision. It’s essential to understand that this initial update won’t magically transform your Pixel phone into an AI image generator, as such capabilities demand a level of processing power that surpasses the confines of a smartphone. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that, in the future, the device will harness the colossal processing might of Google’s cloud infrastructure to bring this aspiration to fruition.
Notably, Google has been rather tight-lipped about the specifics of AI Core. The app listing in the Google Play Store offers scant descriptive information, leaving users curious about its inner workings. Nonetheless, a cursory examination of the accompanying listing images sheds some light on its functionality.
These images reveal that AI-driven features operate directly on your device, leveraging the latest foundation models to deliver intelligent services. To ensure the continued intelligence of these features, your device automatically updates the AI models, a responsibility diligently managed by AI Core while concurrently extending AI functionality to other applications.
Given Google’s unwavering commitment to AI innovation within Pixel devices, it becomes evident that AI Core plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. With this forthcoming update, features like Magic Eraser will not only operate with heightened efficiency but will also exhibit a newfound level of intelligence. Furthermore, all applications reliant on AI will gain access to the most current Foundation Models, which are categorized into three distinct types:
- Imagen Model Family: Specialized in image generation and editing models.
- Codey: Empowering developers to achieve enhanced productivity and unleash their creativity.
- Chirp: Equipped with models for automatic speech recognition across more than 100 languages.
This initial AI Core update is set to equip Pixel phones with the latest iterations of these models, along with introducing additional AI features to augment both your hardware and installed software. Unfortunately, there is currently no official timeline for the release of the Core AI update. Some Pixel 8 Pro users, like myself, are eagerly awaiting its arrival, but rest assured, once it debuts, it will initially cater exclusively to the Pixel 8 Pro before gradually extending its reach to other Pixel devices.
Conclusion:
Google’s AI Core update signifies a significant leap in Pixel 8 Pro’s AI capabilities, benefiting both camera features and overall device intelligence. While details remain scarce, this move underscores Google’s commitment to AI innovation in the smartphone market, potentially reshaping the landscape of AI-driven smartphone functionalities and user experiences. Competitors in the market will likely need to ramp up their AI offerings to stay competitive.
