Google Expands AI Animation, Image Tools to Older Pixel Phones

New AI animation and image creation tools are set to arrive on older Google Pixel phones. This expansion includes the Pixel Studio app rolling out to the Pixel 8 series, which was previously thought exclusive to newer models.

Credit: GOOGLE

The Pixel Studio app allows users to create and edit images through text-to-image prompts. This includes generating new AI pictures from scratch or enhancing camera shots with generative AI assistance.

A new "animate image" option will join this feature suite, transforming static pictures into animations after creation. Users can enter a prompt, or Google will suggest one, to animate the picture.

This Pixel Studio animation feature is expected to support sharing as GIF or WebP files. While an updated Google support article details the feature, it is not yet available, potentially arriving with a future feature drop.

Credit: GOOGLE

The Pixel Studio app's support page previously indicated it was reserved for the Pixel 9 and later, making its arrival on the Pixel 8 series a notable development. This extends advanced generative image capabilities to more users.

Google frequently rolls out newer features, once exclusive, to older Pixel phones over time. For instance, the new Take A Message feature made its way to the Pixel 4 and beyond earlier this year, originally presumed to be a Pixel 10 exclusive.

Similarly, the Next Steps tool, which provides action notes on transcribed calls in Call Notes, also became available on the Pixel 9 from the Pixel 10. The Pixel 8 series also gained Auto Frame and Reimagine from the Pixel 9.

However, some features like Pixel Screenshots and Add Me did not extend to older models. This selective rollout can be attributed to varying technical abilities of the phones, and business strategies aimed at retaining certain flagship AI tools for newer hardware.

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• AI animation and image creation tools are expanding to older Google Pixel phones.

• The Pixel Studio app, featuring these tools, is now rolling out to the Pixel 8 series.

• A new "animate image" option within Pixel Studio will transform static pictures into animations, with sharing capabilities for GIF and WebP files.

Source: FORBES