Recently, the Google Pixel 9 series went official and brought with it a bunch of AI features. However, the new Pixel Screenshots app stood out rather easily. This new Gemini Nano-powered on-device AI app can parse your Pixel’s massive screenshot library like it’s nothing and lets you search through it using text and voice. How do you use the Pixel Screenshots app though? Let’s find out!
Mastering the Screenshot Search Functionality
The Pixel Screenshots app is designed to simplify the way you manage your screenshots. With AI capabilities, it allows you to search through your screenshots effortlessly, saving you time and effort. To get started, follow these steps:
- Open the Pixel Screenshots app, which will trigger a brief setup process when powering it up for the first time.
- Tap on More and then hit Turn on to enable the feature.
- Once that’s done, the app will start downloading AI models that it requires to work.
After the setup, you’ll see a floating search bar at the bottom of the home screen. This is where the magic happens!
- In the search bar, type in the description of your screenshot or use voice search.
- The app will instantly display the screenshots that match your query.
- Tap on any screenshot to access sharing options or to visit the associated web page directly.
With these simple steps, finding your screenshots becomes a breeze. Plus, the app allows you to organize your screenshots into folders called Collections, ensuring everything stays tidy!
Organizing Your Screenshots into Collections
Just like your Photos gallery, your Pixel Screenshots app can start to feel cluttered over time. Fortunately, the app offers a simple way to organize your screenshots into folders, making it easier to locate what you need. Here’s how to create Collections:
- From the Pixel Screenshots app home screen, tap on the plus icon under the Collections panel.
- Name your collections folder and hit the tick icon to create the collection.
Once your collection is created, you can easily add screenshots to it:
- Open the folder you created by tapping on it.
- Tap on Select screenshots to choose which images to add.
- If you need to delete a collection, simply tap the trash icon at the top right.
This feature not only helps keep your screenshots organized but also makes it much easier to find them later!
Additional Features of the Pixel Screenshots App
The Pixel Screenshots app isn’t just about searching and organizing; it also offers some handy features that enhance your experience:
Setting Screenshot Reminders
Ever take a screenshot of something important and forget to follow up? The Pixel Screenshots app allows you to set reminders directly for each screenshot:
- When viewing a screenshot, tap on the alarm bell icon next to the edit icon.
- A Reminder window will pop up, offering you options like Later today, Tomorrow, or Next Week.
- If those options don’t suit you, tap on Pick date & time to set a custom reminder.
You can even set reminders right from the preview panel when you initially capture a screenshot!
Manually Adding Images
The app also allows you to add images manually, which is perfect for organizing your visual content better. To do this:
- Next to the floating search bar, tap the plus button to manually add images from your gallery or use your camera.
This feature ensures that all your important images, whether screenshots or not, are in one accessible location!
Managing Your Privacy with the Pixel Screenshots App
Even with great features, privacy is a common concern. The Pixel Screenshots app processes all data on-device, ensuring your information remains secure:
- As noted by Google, because it’s powered by Gemini Nano, your information is private, secure, and available without an internet connection.
- Unlike other services that might scan through all files, this app only focuses on the screenshots you capture.
If you ever feel uneasy about the AI analyzing your screenshots, you can easily turn off this feature in the app settings. This flexibility empowers you to maintain control over your privacy.
Available Devices for the Pixel Screenshots App
Currently, the Pixel Screenshots app is exclusive to the Google Pixel 9 series, including:
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
These devices support the Gemini Nano’s multimodality update, but it remains uncertain if older Pixel models will receive this feature. However, there’s a possibility that similar functionalities could be introduced in other brands, like Samsung, in collaboration with Google.
Final Thoughts on the Pixel Screenshots App
In conclusion, the Pixel Screenshots app is a powerful tool that enhances how you manage and interact with your screenshots. With its AI capabilities, organization features, and privacy controls, it stands out as a must-have for Pixel 9 users. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of this innovative app!
