Google Rolls Out First Software Update For Pixel 8a With AI Features

Amidst the plethora of announcements on the first day of Google I/O, the Pixel 8a has discreetly received its first software update. The new update weighs 190MB and brings along some upgrades that were expected from Google’s newest mid-range Pixel.

First and foremost, the update brings the latest May 2024 Android security patch, making sure the device is protected against the latest threats. However, the biggest highlight of the update is the introduction of Google’s AI-backed wallpaper generator to the Pixel 8a.

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How Does The New AI Wallpaper Generator Work?

The AI-powered wallpaper generator was originally announced at last year’s I/O and is exclusive to the Pixel 8 series. The new feature utilizes generative AI to create unique wallpapers based on user-specified themes and keywords.

While Google initially kept the AI wallpaper generator app exclusive to the flagship Pixel 8 series, it did offer a customized version to Samsung for its flagship Galaxy S24 series. Now, Pixel 8a users will be able to take advantage of the feature as well.

This update further brings the A-series and flagship Pixel models close to each other, especially with Google’s decision to extend its seven-year software support promise to the Pixel 8a, which was previously restricted to only flagship devices

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Pixel Phones To Allow Circle To Search In Split Screen

Google’s Pixel smartphones might soon be adding split-screen support for its popular feature - Circle to Search. It means that players will be able to use the feature while using two apps side by side on their screen. Android expert, Mishaal Rahman found something interesting while going through the Pixel Launcher app bundled with the Android 15 Beta 1.2 release. 

He found a flag that will enable Pixel users to use Circle to Search while running apps in split-screen mode. The feature was introduced on the Galaxy S24 series before it could make its way to Google’s flagship Pixel series. Circle to Search gained swift popularity, thanks to its fast and convenient way to search for information by just circling on the display.

Unlike Samsung smartphones that offer Circle to-Search support, Pixel phones cannot use the feature in split-screen mode. It seems odd for the company to intentionally restrict the feature on its own devices, hinting it might be a bug that went unnoticed during development.

Circle to Search comes coupled with the Google app, as the Android expert points out. This means switching the default digital assistant from the company to another service might make the feature stop working. Earlier, it seemed that this restriction could be related to Android's Assist API, but Rahamn later found out that it wasn’t the case.