Whether you are out on a trip with friends or just hanging out with your family, group photos are essential to capture the moment. However, your phone’s frame can only be so big to accommodate everyone. You shy away from asking a stranger to capture it instead and sacrifice yourself from the frame. Well, thanks to Google Pixel 9‘s new Add Me feature, you won’t have to anymore. So, what is the new Add Me feature all about and how does it work? Let’s find out!
What Is the ‘Add Me’ Feature on Pixel 9 Series?
This year, the Pixel 9 series is powered by a new Tensor G4 chipset. This chipset is the first to run the updated ‘Gemini Nano‘ AI model with multimodality. Thanks to this capability, many new AI features have made their way to the latest Pixel 9 phones. The ‘Add Me’ feature is an AI tool in the Camera app that has arrived on the Pixel 9 series and is currently exclusive to these devices.
The Add Me feature uses Gemini Nano to scan and analyze your environment. It then adds you into that very environment to be part of group photos. Instead of capturing one single group shot, it creates two images: one with the rest of the group excluding you, and another with just you in the frame. Finally, it stitches the two shots together with some AI magic to include you seamlessly in the group photo.
Unlike the somewhat eerie but useful Best Take feature from the Pixel 8 series, the Add Me feature doesn’t require internet access to function. It's integrated right within the Pixel 9’s Camera app and works entirely on-device.
How to Click Group Photos with Pixel 9’s Add Me Feature
Now that you know how the new Add Me feature works on the Pixel 9, let’s dive into how you can use it effectively:
- First, open the Google Camera app on your Pixel 9 or 9 Pro.
- Next, tap on the Add Me tab located next to the Portrait tab.
- You’ll see an Add Me Preview panel that explains how the feature works. Tap on Try it out in this panel.
- When you attempt to capture a group photo, a prompt will ask you to leave space for yourself. Tap OK.
You will also be asked to move the camera to scan the area. You don’t need to move in a full circle; just shift the camera around the frame to allow the Add Me feature to analyze your surroundings.
- Afterwards, capture the photo, and you will see a prompt saying Hand over the Pixel and join the scene. Tap OK in this panel.
- The second photographer will be asked to “Align the frame and take a photo.” You need to tap OK again to confirm.
- Once the second photographer captures the photo, the camera app will process the images, and you will appear in the final shot.
After using the feature, you can view the first image without you, the second image with just you, and the final output including you in the group photo. This functionality transforms how we take group pictures!
Things to Note When Using the Add Me Feature
While the feature works great, there are a few things to keep in mind for achieving the best shots. Here are some handy tips:
- Make enough room for the extra person in the frame. If not, the AI might awkwardly cram the person into the photo, often resulting in superimposition over others.
- Ensure the two shots are taken in the same environment. Differences in lighting can make the final result look artificial.
- Align your frame properly after capturing the first shot. Make sure that the person you are trying to add is neither too close nor too far from the rest of the group.
- Add Me works best in front of a static background. If you're in a crowded area, the AI may create inconsistencies. Try to find a spot with fewer distractions in the background.
- Your face should be well-lit and clear. The feature performs best when your face is visible and not hidden in shadows.
- Only one person can be added to a group photo. Avoid trying to add multiple people to maintain the integrity of the shot.
Overall, while it may require some practice to get the perfect shot, the Add Me feature can dramatically enhance your group photo-taking experience!
Add Me Camera Feature: Supported Devices
The Add Me feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 9 series. Here’s a list of devices that support this amazing feature:
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
As of now, Google has not disclosed its plans to extend this feature to older Pixel models, so we will have to wait and see if it becomes available for Pixel 8 and earlier devices.
This guide has provided a detailed understanding of the Add Me feature on the Pixel 9. Group photos are no longer a hassle, and we can only hope that more manufacturers implement such helpful AI features in their products.
If you have any further questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!
