Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen Replies!

The Pixel 9 series is getting a new “AI Replies” feature for the Call Screen, allowing personalized, AI-generated responses for incoming calls. Powered by Google’s Gemini Nano, it offers contextually appropriate replies, like confirming appointments, without answering the call. Users must enable the feature manually, with plans for future enhancements.

CONTENTS:

• AI Replies streamline Pixel call management.
• Pixel 9 Pro’s high pricing strategy.
• Pixel phones gain battery charging limit.
• Pixel 9 Pro’s production cost savings.
• November update enhances Pixel 9 performance.
• Pixel’s AI Replies enhance Call Screen.

Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen Replies!

AI Replies streamline Pixel call management

Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen Google is testing a new feature for Pixel phones called “AI Replies,” designed to help users manage incoming calls more efficiently. This feature expands on the existing Call Screen function, using AI-generated responses to answer calls based on the caller’s message. Instead of relying on generic responses like “Can you say more?” or “Call me back later,” AI Replies will craft more natural, contextually appropriate replies, powered by Google’s advanced language models like Gemini Nano.

This feature is aimed at making it easier for people who find answering calls overwhelming. It will allow Pixel phones to handle calls without the user needing to pick up, offering tailored responses based on what the caller says. However, since the responses are AI-generated, they may not always be accurate, and users will be informed about potential inaccuracies. AI Replies will be available as an experimental feature, which users must manually enable in the Phone app. This new functionality could streamline call management and reduce unwanted interruptions in daily life.

Pixel 9 Pro’s high pricing strategy

Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen The Google Pixel 9 Pro, priced at over Rs 1 Lakh in India, is significantly more expensive for consumers than it is for Google to produce. A report reveals that the bill of materials (BOM) for the Pixel 9 Pro costs approximately $406 (around Rs 34,000), which is less than half the production cost of the iPhone 16 Pro, which costs Apple about $568 (Rs 47,800). Despite the lower manufacturing cost, the Pixel 9 Pro is sold at a similar price point to the iPhone 16 Pro, which raises questions about the pricing strategy.

The report also breaks down the costs of key components in the Pixel 9 Pro: the Tensor G4 chip costs $80 (Rs 6,740), the Actua display costs $75 (Rs 6,320), and the camera system costs $61 (Rs 5,100). These figures do not include the significant expenses for research and development (R&D) and marketing that contribute to the final retail price.

The high cost of the Pixel 9 Pro in India can also be attributed to customs and taxes, which Google must bear for importing the device. In contrast, Apple has an advantage as it assembles its iPhones locally, allowing it to absorb some of these costs. However, Google is gradually moving towards local manufacturing in India, starting with the Pixel 8 model, and it is expected that future models will follow suit.

Pixel phones gain battery charging limit

Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen Pixel phones are reportedly receiving the highly anticipated battery charging limit feature with the latest November security update. This feature, which was expected to launch in the December Android 15 QPR 1 release, allows users to manually limit their phone’s charging to 80%. This helps preserve battery health by preventing the battery from being constantly charged to 100%, which can lead to faster degradation, especially if left at full charge for extended periods.

While the feature was spotted in the stable Android 15 November update (build number AP3A.241105.007) on some devices, it may be rolling out server-side, so not all users have access to it yet. The charging limit is intended to enhance long-term battery lifespan, particularly for those who charge their phones overnight or for extended periods. This feature has been anticipated since it was first mentioned in July.

Pixel 9 Pro’s production cost savings

The Pixel 9 Pro, which retails for Rs 1,09,999 in India, costs Google significantly less to produce—approximately $406 (Rs 34,000). Key components such as the Tensor G4 chipset, priced at $80 (Rs 6,700), the Samsung-made M14 display at $75 (Rs 6,320), and the camera system, which costs about $61 (Rs 5,100), contribute to the total production cost. Notably, the Pixel 9 Pro is 11% cheaper to manufacture than its predecessor, the Pixel 8 Pro, due to cost-saving measures in display and camera components, although the device also features a smaller display and battery.

While the production cost is considerably lower, the final price takes into account additional expenses like shipping, marketing, and business overhead. In comparison, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro costs around $568 (Rs 47,800) to produce, with its A18 Pro chip alone costing $135 (Rs 11,300). Despite the savings on production, the Pixel 9 Pro still carries a premium price tag, reflecting the broader costs involved in bringing the device to market.

November update enhances Pixel 9 performance

Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen The November 2024 update for Google Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9 series, is now rolling out with various bug fixes and security improvements. The update addresses issues with Bluetooth range under certain conditions, as well as camera tilt when zooming across different lenses. Additionally, it resolves problems with flashing white dots on the screen and malfunctioning adaptive brightness on the Pixel 9 series. For the Pixel 8a, the update fixes a screen flickering issue in specific scenarios.

This update, available for devices running Android 15, also brings general performance and stability improvements, particularly in user interface transitions. It includes crucial security fixes for vulnerabilities related to the framework, Google Play system updates, kernel, and system. Notably, two vulnerabilities—CVE-2024-43047 and CVE-2024-43093—have been under targeted exploitation and are now addressed. The update, with build number AP3A.241105.007 for the Pixel 6 to Pixel 8 series and AP3A.241105.008 for the Pixel 9 series, is the first security update for Android 15.

Pixel’s AI Replies enhance Call Screen

Google’s Pixel 9 Series Gets AI-Powered Call Screen The Pixel Phone app is working on a new feature called “AI Replies” for the Call Screen, which builds upon the contextual reply feature introduced in December 2023. This feature suggests personalized, AI-powered responses for incoming calls based on the conversation. For example, if a caller asks to confirm an appointment, the app might show options like “Confirm” or “Cancel appointment” without needing to answer the call.

In the latest beta of the Phone app (version 153), code indicates that these AI Replies will be powered by large language models and are part of Google’s Call Assist suite, which includes features like Call Notes and Hold for Me. The AI Replies feature is currently labeled as “dobby_AI” in the code and is expected to use Gemini Nano for generating responses.

Users will need to enable this feature manually by turning on the “AI Replies” setting, which differs from the existing contextual replies that are automatically available. Google has also hinted at further enhancements, such as multi-step, multi-turn conversational AI, and the Call Screen’s expanded capabilities with a more natural-sounding voice and replies in more countries beyond the US.