We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
In the world of smartphones, we often see small, incremental tweaks between generations. But it's not very often there's big WOW moments.
In the case of the Google Pixel 9 drop, there were several WOW moments.
Instead of having to do with hardware changes, with the Pixel 9s, it was all about the AI capabilities. In particular there are a lot of new tools that will help people easily edit and improve the look of their photos.
One of the most practical AI photography features that's baked into the Pixel 9 experience is called Add Me, which ensures everyone, even the photographer, makes their way into the picture.
How to use Add Me on Google Pixel 9:
Google's new Add Me feature is a two-shot photography technique that is ideal for group shots.
Within the camera app, by swiping sideways between different photography modes you'll find the new Add Me feature. On screen prompts outline how to use the feature:
Step 1: Frame up your photo of your friend or friends, but leave a little extra space on one side or the other.
Step 2: Take the picture.
Step 3: Hand off the phone to one of your friends.
Step 4: Join the group!
Step 5: The person holding the camera will now see a superimposed picture from photo one as well as some audio and visual guidance helping them to frame up the shot for an Add Me photo.
Step 6: Snap picture two!
Step 7: Admire your new masterpiece in your Photos app.
Add Me How To Video:
If that's a little hard to follow with text-based instructions, this video will explain the Add Me photo feature (and a few other fun AI photography tools) in literally two minutes:
Google's AI Phone
Aside from the photography features, there's a lot of great AI functions that are part of the experience with the PIxel 9 lineup. Some of which you can read about right here.
The new Pixel Screenshots app leverages AI to better organize your screenshots, allowing them to be easily searchable. This means if you screenshot a website with the perfect gift for someone, or snap a pic of a menu at a favourite restaurant it will be easy to locate later on.
Call Notes make a transcription of your chats on the phone (if you enable it, totally optional) so if you miss some details after the call (like the time you're supposed to meet, or an address) you'll be able to find it no problem.
And Gemini Live puts Google's chatbot on your phone and allows you to speak with it (not just to it) in a way that actually feels natural.
Pixel 9 - Which one to choose?
The great thing is, all of the featuers I mentioned above are available in ALL models of the Google Pixel 9. While the Pro models do have a third rear camera with a telephoto lens and some exclusive photo and video features (like video boost, 8K upscaling and a bit more) these are pretty niche features.
This means those advanced AI tools like Gemini Live, Add Me, Call Notes and more are available to all owners of the Pixel 9. The entry point on the Google Pixel 9 up, in my opinion, has features and functions that will be more than enough for 90 per cent of peopel buying these phones. Switching to a Pro Model isn't going to be necessary for most people, because you're not limited by having a NON-pro model.
Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is packed with AI features and comes in a variety of colours (wintergreen is my pesonal fav). It has a 6.3 inch screen and a battery that will last more than 24 hours on a full charge.
Google Pixel 9 XL
The Google Pixel 9 XL comes with one year of Gemini Advanced included (as do all the pro model Pixel 9 phones). This is available in two sizes, though the smaller 6.3 inch display version won't be coming until late fall 2024.
Have you been following along with the new features that are on Google's Pixel 9 phones? I'd love to hear what you think is cool, what you think is off, or whatever hot takes you have on these new devices. Just drop a comment below!
Read more
The Pixel news that deserves a second look
The phones and AI features stole the show and because of that, a few fantastic features and products have been overlooked by many. Here's some great stuff you may have missed from Made By Google 2024
Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL Unboxing
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL are here...and the best features are shared between both phones! If you're curious what the Wintergreen Pixel 9 or the Rose Quartz Pixel 9 Pro XL look like (and what comes in the box) here ya go!
Pixel 9 Pro Fold First Impressions: Best foldable of 2024
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has arrived and it's excellent. Here's why we're pumped for Google's first pro folding phone.
New Photo Features And AI Everywhere - Meet Google's Pixel 9 Lineup
The latest Pixel lineup has been revealed and from their latest phones, to their newest earbuds, there is a deep integration of Google Gemini (their AI model).