Latest news with #GeminiAI
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Phone Arena
There is a new, cleaner look for Google Lens on iOS and Android
Google Lens is a visual search engine that uses your camera to describe what you're looking at. To access Google Lens, find a Google Search bar on your phone or on the Google app. For example, on the Google app for Android, the camera icon is found inside the Search bar at the top of the screen. On iOS, the camera icon is found in the Google app directly under the Search bar. This opens up the phone's camera, allowing you to find something that you want to take a deeper dive into. Once you have the subject matter in your viewfinder, press on the search button (or the translate button if appropriate) for more info about the subject. As it has been doing with several of its apps, Google is looking to give Google Lens a cleaner look. For example, when you open Lens, there are now only two options you can choose from: Search, and Translate. The third button, which was a dedicated "Homework" element, has been removed. There is actually a legitimate reason why Google would do this. The company would prefer that you use Gemini AI when you need some help with your schoolwork. Google rightly feels that Gemini is the better option here since it can go deeper into a question or a calculation and provide more than just the right answer. Gemini can also explain how it reached the conclusion it did. With questions that require calculations, Gemini can solve the problem while breaking down the question into steps that the student can learn from. Removing the Homework button also gives Google Lens a cleaner look. In addition, the viewfinder on the Lens screen is a little wider. New look Google Lens from iOS on the left, old version from Android 16 on the right. | Image credit-PhoneArena If you're using the search option in Lens, you can now go into AI Mode via the Search button to get a more detailed search result about the item in front of your camera. The new look for Google Lens has appeared in the recently unveiled Galaxy Z Fold 7. I could not get the updated Lens on my Pixel 6 Pro running the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta version. Ironically, it did appear on the version of Google Lens running on my iPhone 15 Pro Max with the iOS 26 Developer Beta 3 installed. Apple does have a similar feature available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max , and all iPhone 16 series models (including the iPhone 16e). Called Visual Intelligence, this feature is available via the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 series except for the iPhone 16e . On that model and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, Visual Intelligence can be found as an option for the Action Button. While similar to Google Lens, on-device processing is heavily relied on by Apple for this feature, while Google turns to the Cloud for Google Lens. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Samsung's Galaxy AI Features To Be Free Forever? Here's What The Company Has Said
Last Updated: Samsung offers Galaxy AI features for its users that includes the Gemini AI-related set but the company is going for a different strategy. Samsung has been busy in the last few days. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was finally unveiled, and now the company has done its full refresh for the year. But with the craze and hype around AI it was inevitable that Samsung will also market its Galaxy AI features that do heavily rely on Google's Gemini model but some of them are still running on the device. Most companies are still offering their AI features without a charge and Samsung seems intent on keeping it that way for years to come. Yes, the company says its AI features will be free for now, for tomorrow and forever. Galaxy AI For Free, But Not All Features Samsung has reportedly said that all the Galaxy AI features that come pre-installed on its phones will be available free of charge for lifetime. You are mostly looking at all the features developed by the company and making it run on-device which gives it extra privacy and security. These features are Note Assist, Live Translate, Writing Assist, and Audio Eraser among others. The report from Android Police has quoted the company confirming the news. But which of the AI features offered for Galaxy users will not be free? It seems Samsung has the control over pricing for its own AI suite but the others linked to Gemini AI (via Google) will probably have a different strategy and the South Korean brand will have no say. Especially since the Google Gemini AI model already has paid tiers like Pro and Ultra in the market. But these companies have made a deal which lets you use some of the AI features with the new devices for free. AI features are still in their early stages and we're not sure how many people really see it being critical for their use that they will be ready to pay for them. Also, with AI making lapses, the last thing you want is a paid product that delivers inconsistent and inaccurate results, which will further irk the people who are paying for the features. Apple is the other brand trying to find its feet in the AI circuit which explains its decision to delay charging for AI, something that OpenAI and Google are ready to offer in the market. Samsung is likely to tie up with other AI companies like Perplexity in the near future, and those features will come at a cost to the consumer. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Techday NZ
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Techday NZ
Google adds photo-to-video tool to Gemini as Veo 3 rollout expands
Google has announced a significant update to its Gemini AI platform, introducing a new feature that allows users to transform their photos into dynamic eight-second video clips with sound. The tool, powered by Google's latest video generation model Veo 3, is now available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in over 150 countries, with the company highlighting rapid uptake and creative experimentation since the model's initial launch. David Sharon, Multimodal Generation Lead for Gemini Apps, said, "We launched our state-of-the-art video generation model Veo 3 in May - and last week, we expanded access to Google AI Pro subscribers in over 150 countries. Now, with a new photo-to-video capability in Gemini, you can now transform your favourite photos into dynamic eight-second video clips with sound." Describing the process, Sharon added, "To turn your photos into videos, select 'Videos' from the tool menu in the prompt box and upload a photo. Then, describe the scene and any audio instructions, and watch as your still image transforms into a dynamic video. You can get creative by animating everyday objects, bringing your drawings and paintings to life or adding movement to nature scenes. Once your video is complete, tap the share button or download it to share with friends and family." According to Google, the reception from users has been swift and enthusiastic. "The explosion of creativity from users has been truly remarkable, with over 40 million Veo 3 videos generated across the Gemini app and Flow over the last seven weeks. From reimagining fairy tales through the eyes of a modern influencer, to ASMR videos exploring what it would sound like to cut through a piece of cooling lava, your imagination is the limit when you create videos with Gemini," Sharon said. The new photo-to-video feature is being rolled out alongside broader access to Veo 3, Google's latest iteration in text-to-video artificial intelligence. Veo 3 is already recognised for its ability to produce high-definition video clips with synchronised sound and lifelike motion, generated entirely from user prompts. The model delivers results in eight-second clips, integrating both visuals and audio without the need for post-production editing. Google is positioning Veo 3 as both a creative and enterprise solution, with businesses able to access the technology through the Google Cloud Vertex AI platform. Creative professionals and app developers have begun using Veo 3 to accelerate workflows, generate marketing assets, and prototype video content in a fraction of the time previously required. The company also emphasises its commitment to responsible AI development and safety. "When you use our video generation tools, we want you to feel confident in the results. That's why we take significant steps behind the scenes to make sure video generation is an appropriate experience," Sharon explained. This includes what Google describes as "extensive 'red teaming,' in which we proactively test our systems and aim to fix potential issues before they arise," as well as "thorough evaluations to understand how our tools might be used and how to prevent any misuse." Safety measures extend to content labelling, as Sharon detailed: "All generated videos include a visible watermark to show they are AI-generated and an invisible SynthID digital watermark." Users are also encouraged to provide feedback on generated content, with Sharon stating, "Use the thumbs up and down buttons on your generated videos to give us feedback, which we'll use to make ongoing improvements to our safety measures and overall experience." Access to the new photo-to-video capability begins rolling out today for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in select countries. The same functionality is also available in Flow, Google's AI filmmaking tool, with the company continuing to expand availability to additional regions. "Your imagination is the limit when you create videos with Gemini," said Sharon.
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Samsung Brought Back My Favorite Feature for Its Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic
While competitors release predictable updates to their smartwatches, Samsung isn't afraid to surprise us (for better or worse) with design and feature changes each year. And with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in particular, announced at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, my favorite feature has made a welcome reappearance: the physical rotating bezel, a touch of romantic elegance that made me fall in love with Galaxy Watches in the first place. The Galaxy Watch 8 also has a new look and thinner frame, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra keeps the same functional, squared-off frame as before with a new Titanium blue color that will appeal to people who want a more rugged timepiece. But it's not just aesthetics that have changed in this year's revisions. The company is also stepping things up when it comes to health tools, including several features I've never seen on a smartwatch, like noninvasive skin analysis and AI-powered coaching for sleep and running. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic also have a smarter voice assistant and are the first smartwatches with Google's Gemini AI baked right inside, ready to handle complex tasks. Watch this: The Rotating Bezel is Back! A Look at Samsung's New Galaxy Watch 8 and Classic 04:31 Pricing and availability The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $350 for the 40mm model and $380 for the 44mm one. The LTE versions are $50 more: $400 for the 40mm model and $430 for the 44mm watch. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, with its rotating bezel and physical crown, comes in a single 46mm size and costs $500, or $550 for the LTE model. The Titanium Blue version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is $650, the same price as the original 2024 model. This version gets the same internal upgrades as the Watch 8 lineup, including a 64GB storage bump. All models are available for preorder now with shipping starting July 25. If you reserve early from Samsung you can get $50 in Samsung credit; your wireless carrier may also have deals on the watches and Samsung's just-announced phones. The 40mm version of the Galaxy Watch 8 has a new design with a circular screen and squircle frame. Joseph Maldonado/CNET Health and fitness features Samsung continues to expand the Galaxy Watch's role as a health and wellness tool, building on existing features like ECG, SpO₂ (shorthand for peripheral capillary oxygen saturation), sleep tracking and its AGEs Index, which reflects your metabolic aging process. The headliner is a new Antioxidant Index, which measures carotene (one type of antioxidant) levels in your skin with a simple five-second press of your thumb on the sensor (no needle needed). Since antioxidants help clear toxins from the body, knowing your levels can offer actionable steps for improving your health. The watch will rate your levels on a scale from low to high and then offer generic recommendations on the Samsung Health app on how you can improve your levels if they're on the lower side. It's important to note that this metric isn't clinically verified and isn't meant to replace a medical-grade test. It's designed to offer a baseline reading that may help you make real-time lifestyle adjustments, but it won't provide the detailed or precise results you'd get from a traditional blood test. The Antioxidant Index on the new Galaxy Watches. Joseph Maldonado/CNET There's also a new metric called Vascular Load, which measures strain on your heart during sleep. These readings are translated into a low-to-high scale to help you understand how behaviors (like sodium or alcohol intake) may be contributing to long-term heart disease risk. Sleep tracking gets a serious upgrade, too. A new Bedtime Guidance tool uses a three-day analysis of your circadian rhythm and sleep pressure (aka sleep debt) to recommend an ideal bedtime window. It factors in heart rate, HRV, skin temperature, and even environmental cues like room temperature or brightness (if you've got connected SmartThings devices). The goal: Improve your sleep quality, recovery and energy throughout the day. The new Running Coach gives you a personalized training plan to help meet your goals. Samsung The coaching isn't just for sleep; the new Galaxy Watches are also debuting a Running Coach feature. It starts with a 12-minute running assessment that scores your fitness from level 0 (beginner) to level 10 (marathon-ready). From there, it builds a personalized four-to-six-week training plan tailored to your distance or performance goals. Similar to Apple's new Workout Buddy, Samsung's Running Coach offers real-time, contextual feedback while you're running, like pointing out a major milestone. But unlike Apple's version, Samsung's tool goes a step further by actually adapting your future training plans based on your progress. Design The two new Galaxy Watches take a page out of the Galaxy Watch Ultra's playbook ditching the traditional circular watch face for a "cushion" design that has a round screen set inside a "squircle" frame (square with rounded edges). As someone who thought the Ultra looked too big and masculine for my wrist, I'm still not totally sold on the design shift. But I'm a sucker for that rotating bezel on the Classic (the Ultra's is static), so I can't help but love the look, even if it doesn't feel like it was made for me. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic brings back the rotating bezel in two color options: white or black. Joseph Maldonado/CNET The Classic also adopts the customizable quick-action button of the Ultra that also doubles as a crown wedges between the two navigation buttons. Despite my preference for the sleeker, edgeless circular design of past Galaxy Watches, there may be some benefits to the new design, including a slimmer form factor. According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 8 is 11% slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. When trying it on, I was blown away by how light it felt on my wrist without the usual belly bump bulge of the body. Pair that with a new band system, which reduces the gap between the watch and your wrist and you have a noticeably more comfortable fit. Thanks to the tighter sensor-to-skin contact, it's also more accurate at capturing heart rate data. This is still subject to testing, but if it holds up, it may be a justified design trade-off. Width comparison between the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra. Both the Ultra and the Classic have the crown that doubles as an action button. Joseph Maldonado/CNET The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in silver and graphite with an aluminum frame, while the Classic opts for a stainless steel finish in just silver. Size-wise, the regular Watch 8 comes in 40mm and 44mm options, while the Classic is only available in 46mm, which looks pretty large on my 6-inch (15cm) wrist and definitely leans more masculine. I can't help but miss the days when Samsung offered more feminine options like rose gold or even just plain gold, though it's been a while since those were part of the lineup. The new Galaxy Watches are the first smartwatches to debut Google's Gemini AI assistant out of the box. Joseph Maldonado/CNET Gemini on the watch The new One UI 8 software brings a refreshed user experience that is easier to navigate. Notifications are separated by app and instant access to your six most-used apps. The Watches also takes a page from the Galaxy phone with a new "Now bar" at the bottom of the screen for quick access to active apps like timers or media controls. But the most important software update is the addition of Gemini AI. The new Galaxy Watches are the first with Google's AI assistant built-in, bringing more complex commands and contextual understanding to your wrist. You can ask it to check your most recent running pace, start a five-mile run and launch your workout playlist simultaneously, set a timer to boil pasta based on a recipe in your notes, adjust the font size on the watch, or have it draft a text letting a friend know you're running late. Since Gemini requires an internet connection to work, you'll need to have your phone paired nearby or use an LTE version of the watch. Battery and storage Let's set expectations: Just because the Galaxy Watch 8 looks like the Ultra doesn't mean it matches the Ultra's three-day battery life. But there's still good news to share. Samsung says the Watch 8 has an 8% larger battery than the Watch 7: 325 mAh vs. 300 mAh (for the 40mm), and 435 mAh vs. 425 mAh (for the 44mm). The Classic tops out at 445 mAh, which is still well below the Ultra's 590 mAh battery. How much that translates into real-world use remains to be seen, but any boost is welcome, especially paired with the efficiency gains from the new Wear OS 6 update. Storage also doubles across the board, with 64GB now standard (up from 32GB), including a new Titanium Blue version of the Ultra. This is just a first look based on hands-on time. We'll find out if these features live up to the hype when put to the test in our full review, coming soon.
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Gemini AI app now gets access to third-party app data on Android- How to disable?
Google has reportedly rolled out a new update that lets the Gemini AI app on Android devices access data from third-party apps installed on the phone. This may come as a major privacy concern to Android users. However, users can disable the Gemini AI activity from accessing data from other apps on the devices. This update has been rolled out from July 7 as per the ZDNET report, and many users may also have received an email regarding the major change. Therefore, if you want to maintain privacy, here's how you can disable Gemini AI from accessing data from other apps on Android phones. Android users can easily disable Gemini Apps Activity and the app's Gemini extension; however, it should be noted that the app will store activity for 72 hours. However, if the activity is not disabled, the app will store the activity for about 18 months. Follow the steps below to disable Gemini Apps Activity: Step 1: Go to the Gemini app on your Android phone. Step 2: Now, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner, and select Gemini Apps Activity from the drop-down menu. Step 3: Just alongside Gemini Apps Activity, you'll find a drop-down menu from which you can turn off the feature. Step 4: Now, head back to the profile's menu and click on 'Apps'. Step 5: Within the Apps tab, you'll see several third-party apps and a toggle switch. Make sure the toggle is disabled to make sure Gemini do not access data from the listed apps. Doing so will enable users to maintain privacy, and an AI tool to access personal data from other apps installed on their Android device. As far as iOS users are concerned, we checked the Gemini app, and users can follow similar steps to disable the Gemini App's Activity. However, for third-party app support, we did not find any third-party app list on the 'Apps' tab of the Gemini AI app. Additionally, users also have options to disable Gemini and switch to using Google Assistant on Android.
