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Google Preps Gemini-Powered Upgrade for Pixel Search

Confirmed

Technology Desk

In Short: Google is preparing to upgrade its Pixel Search app with Gemini technology, according to Android Authority.

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Google is preparing to upgrade its Pixel Search app with Gemini technology, according to Android Authority. The update will include privacy improvements, allowing users more control over their call logs and message data.

The latest version of Pixel Search, version 1.0.983036833, introduces a new 'Privacy & Permissions' section in its settings. This section includes toggles for 'Help improve Pixel Search,' 'Call Logs,' and 'SMS,' giving users the ability to disable these features if they prefer.

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Users can disable the 'Help improve Pixel Search' toggle to prevent their data from being aggregated for usage insights. Similarly, the 'Call Logs' and 'SMS' toggles can be turned off to prevent Google from using call and SMS history to improve contact suggestions.

However, disabling these toggles does not prevent Pixel Search from displaying results from call history or messages. Users can completely remove call logs or messages from search results by revoking the 'Call logs' and 'SMS' permissions on the app’s 'App Permissions' page.

The Pixel Search app, which comes preloaded on the Pixel 11 series, allows users to search for photos, emails, contacts, and more. It is also compatible with older Pixel devices running Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 or newer.

Android Authority also found evidence of an upcoming feature called 'Gemini-powered suggestions' in the app’s code, though it is not available yet and could roll out in a future update.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

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