Google has wrapped up its MadeByGoogle 2024 event by announcing the new Pixel 9 series and a host of new and exciting AI features. As an Apple fanboy, while watching the Pixel event, I worry about the widening gap between the two companies and Apple's overall approach to joining the AI race. Google's new AI features like Pixel Studio, Gemini Live, Add Me and more are a breath of fresh air as Apple struggles to launch Apple Intelligence.

More recently, Google events have become AI extravaganzas. While the tech giant rolled out a range of AI features at Google I/O 2024, they mostly focused on getting more out of Google's search results, and most immediately called them "something I'd use every now and then." Understandable since it was a software focused event.

But this time, the features that Google announced at the Pixel event for the Pixel 9 series are targeting a wide audience and have got a lot of people excited. The new Screenshots feature is one that got me amped up. The camera-specific AI features are also incredibly cool. These have the potential to tip the scales in favor of the Pixel 9 series for those in the market for a new premium smartphone. Also, the Add Me feature is a nice addition, although it might not impact buyers as much, it's still a feature you'd want on your phone.

These useful, rather exciting AI features will help Google break out of the shackles of the notion that AI is only useful for summarizing. Google's innovative approach to trying to integrate AI into users' daily tasks is appreciated.