Pixel 9’s ‘Google AI’ is Like Microsoft Recall, But Slightly Less Scary

The next generation of Pixel phones could come with modern “Google AI” features, including one that bears a slight resemblance to Microsoft’s controversial Recall tool. As reported Android PowerGoogle is working on a “Pixel Screenshots” feature that will be able to “save and process useful details” from screenshots, making them searchable.

But unlike Microsoft Recall, which automatically records what you do on your device, Google’s version would only process manually taken screenshots — which should immediately make it less intimidating than Recall. Microsoft delayed the rollout of Recall to Windows 11 after security experts raised concerns about the feature. While Google AI can only apply screenshots you take, it could raise similar concerns depending on how the information is processed and stored.

Photos obtained by Android Power indicate that you can turn AI processing on or off for your screenshots at any time. Once enabled, it appears that you can apply the feature to summarize your screenshots or answer questions about the information contained in them. Google will also save metadata such as links, app names, and the date a screenshot was taken to make it easier to search for specific images, according to Android Power.

Google plans to introduce a similar feature to Google Photos that uses AI to facilitate you search through your photos. These aren’t the only AI features Google is working on. In addition to Pixel Screenshots, Android Power reports that a modern photo editing feature called “Add Me” will be coming under the Google AI umbrella. The feature could let you add someone to a group photo, which goes a step further than modifying everyone’s face with Best Take. Google will also reportedly add previously rumored Studio tool which could apply artificial intelligence to generate stickers and other images.