Pixel Screenshots app: How AI makes your messy screenshots smarter
What's the story
For years now, screenshots have resided in our Photos app, often lost amidst selfies and other images. To tackle the mess of screenshots, Google has announced a new app that aims to transform the way users manage and interact with screenshots. Pixel Screenshots is an AI-powered app that creates a dedicated space for screenshots, removing clutter and making organization easier. The app will be initially available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold devices.
AI integration
Pixel Screenshots app uses Gemini AI for image analysis
The Pixel Screenshots app employs Google's Gemini AI to analyze image content. Once users grant the app access to their photos, the AI begins processing files it identifies as screenshots and starts recognizing what's within each picture. The app features a "Collections" row at the top of its home page, where users can find pre-organized snaps like "Gift Ideas," "Boots," or "Places to visit." These collections can be curated by users or suggested by the system.
App functionality
Pixel Screenshots app features a user-friendly interface
The Pixel Screenshots app also includes a grid of all recent captures and a search bar with a '+' symbol next to it. Pressing this plus symbol allows users to launch the camera or import a photo from their album. This feature is particularly useful for photos of real-world signs containing information that users want Gemini AI to remember.
AI capabilities
AI generates title, summary, and buttons for each screenshot
Each screenshot in the app can be expanded to display a title, summary, and buttons based on its contents. These are all generated by AI. For instance, if a user views a screenshot of an Instagram post about upcoming music festival dates, the title might say "Lollapalooza headline acts," with buttons allowing them to add specific events from that picture to their calendar.
Information retrieval
Pixel Screenshots app can answer questions based on image content
The app goes beyond basic search by offering contextual suggestions. From the home page, users can type into the search bar or tap the microphone icon and ask Google questions like "What was Sam's Wi-Fi password?" or "How much do I owe Sanjay?" The app will then search through your gallery and attempt to answer your question while also returning images with possibly relevant information.
Privacy assurance
Pixel Screenshots app ensures user privacy with on-device AI model
The Pixel Screenshots app uses Google's on-device AI model, Gemini Nano, for local processing. Google has assured users that this feature won't share their screenshots offline, beyond any backups they might have already opted into via Google Photos. At present, Google has not shared any information regarding wider availability of the app. However, based on past launches of apps like Recorder, it is likely that older Pixel devices will receive Screenshots in time if it is well-received by users.