Artificial intelligence that’s built for people
PaLM 2. PaLM 2 marks a major step forward in language modeling. The Bard chatbot now rests on a more capable foundation, bringing support for dozens of additional languages and sharpening its ability to analyze images and grasp context. In demonstrations, Bard could interpret an X-ray to identify a fracture, illustrating how the model handles real‑world tasks with higher reliability.
Gmail. The email service is integrating more deeply with Bard, letting the AI offer topic suggestions and even draft letters. A typical showcase involved automatically generating a refund request for a canceled flight, highlighting how AI can streamline routine correspondence while preserving user voice.
Google Lens. The image understanding tool has become sharper and more versatile. It can generate captions that fit the mood of a photo, offering witty or descriptive lines when a user needs a caption for social media or a quick description for accessibility.
Google Maps. The navigation app introduced a new dip route display mode. It gathers live information about the upcoming journey, including bike routes and weather, then renders an interactive 3D map of the trip. The feature is currently rolling out in a limited set of major cities, with ongoing expansion.
Google Search. AI enhancements extend to the core search experience. Bard’s integration helps produce answers that synthesize information from multiple sources. For example, when deciding where to vacation with a dog, the system can compare options and explain the rationale, sometimes presenting a top choice at the top of results rather than just listing links. The answer card can appear above traditional results, streamlining decision making for users.
Google Perspectives. A new facet within Google’s search ecosystem shows user reviews and real opinions from people who have tried products. Below product cards, snippets from Reddit, YouTube, and other platforms surface to give readers a broader view of experiences and opinions.
Purchases section. The shopping results adapt to human needs, not just product specs. For instance, when someone needs a computer for a specific software workflow, the search can simplify the prompt to identify the best option without listing every feature. A concise prompt like “Which computer is best for Photoshop?” can yield focused recommendations that align with the user’s tasks.
Google Photos. The photo gallery remains a standout for editing, thanks to neural features. The Magic Eraser removes unwanted objects quickly, while Magic Editor lets users move elements, adjust colors, and reshuffle composition. These tools bring a more dynamic and creative set of options to photo editing within the gallery experience.
MusicLM. MusicLM continues to push AI-generated music, crafting melodies from textual prompts. The feature remains accessible to users and is integrated into the broader suite of creative tools announced at Google I/O, enabling experiments with sound and composition.
Fresh Android OS and Wear OS capabilities
Find My Device. An upgraded Find My Device service helps locate Android devices more reliably. Devices can share location data in a privacy‑preserving way, enabling precise tracking while ensuring encryption and user consent at every step.
Productive AI wallpapers. A new setting lets Pixel users generate unique desktop wallpapers via Bard’s generative capabilities. The option will live in the device settings, making personalisation a seamless part of the daily experience. The rollout began with the 2023 timeframe but continues to evolve with new themes and control options.
OS 4 for wearables. Demonstrated at Google I/O, Wear OS 4 promises greater functionality and energy efficiency. Notably, it includes enhanced backup so users can move data and settings smoothly when upgrading to a new smartwatch, reducing friction for multi‑device ecosystems.
New Pixel devices
Pixel 7a. Google unveiled a new entry in the classic Pixel line. Specs include a 6.1‑inch display, a Tensor G2 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 4355 mAh battery. The dual‑camera system features 64 MP and 13 MP sensors, with a 13 MP front camera. Availability spans white, gray, and blue, with a coral color exclusive to Google’s store. The price sits around $499, reflecting a strong value proposition in the mid‑range segment.
Pixel Fold. As Google’s first foldable, the Pixel Fold ships with two OLED screens: 5.8 inches external and 7.6 inches internal. Both supports 120 Hz refresh rates. Powered by the Tensor G2, it offers up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Its triple rear cameras are 48 MP, 10.8 MP, and 10.8 MP, while the front cameras measure 9.5 MP and 8 MP, respectively. Reviewers praised Android optimization for the larger display and the seamless app experience. Pricing places it in the premium tier, typically around $1,799 to $1,919 at launch.
Pixel Tab. After a long wait, Google introduced the Pixel Tab, a tablet with an 11‑inch IPS display, 2560 × 1600 resolution, a Tensor G2 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and up to 256 GB of storage. The aluminum chassis with a fingerprint‑minimizing finish, paired with a bundled docking station that doubles as a wireless charger and speaker, rounds out the package. It is positioned at a launch price of $499.