Rumors Emerge: Google’s Development of ‘Pixie,’ a Pixel-Specific AI Assistant for Debut With Pixel 9 Series

Following the recent introduction of the Pixel 8 smartphone series in October, anticipation brews for the projected release of the Pixel 9 lineup in 2024. Despite the launch being months away, sparse speculative details about the upcoming handsets, such as processor enhancements and charging capabilities, have emerged online. Adding to these rumors, reports now suggest that Google, headquartered in Mountain View, California, might be in the developmental stages of a proprietary AI assistant exclusively tailored for the Pixel series, potentially debuting alongside the Pixel 9 launch.

Google is working on a Pixel-exclusive AI assistant called Pixie. The report claims that the new AI assistant is expected to perform all the functions of the current Google Assistant and more. The assistant will likely be baked into the Google Pixel 9 series in 2024. It is important to note that ‘Pixie’ may be an internal codename and vary from its final name.

The report also claims that Pixie would integrate data from several Google products and services, such as Gmail and Maps, to provide more personalised assistance to users. It is said to be able to perform sophisticated and multimodal activities such as directing someone to the nearest store where they can purchase a product they have photographed. The rumoured AI assistant is tipped to be powered by Gemini Nano.

According to reports, Google has broader plans for its Pixie AI assistant beyond the anticipated flagship Pixel 9 series, aiming to extend its reach to lower-tier smartphones and various other devices like wearables. However, the specifics remain unclear regarding whether this AI assistant will be accessible for existing smartphones or exclusively reserved for forthcoming products.

Earlier speculations hinted at the potential inclusion of Tensor G4 SoCs, codenamed “Zuma Pro,” to power the Pixel 9 phones. Notably, the current Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are equipped with Tensor G3 chipsets bearing the codename “Zuma.” Additionally, expectations point toward the Pixel 9 series embracing Qi2 wireless charging technology, positioning these devices among the first Android phones to adopt this advanced charging standard.