Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9a users are in for a treat with the latest free upgrade: Gemini Astra. This update brings advanced AI capabilities right to your smartphone, making interactions more intuitive and engaging. 
Gemini Astra allows you to launch Gemini Live and grant it access to your camera. From there, it can chat about what you see or what’s on your screen. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend right in your pocket. The feature has been eagerly anticipated, and now it’s here, rolling out to Pixel 9 users.
Testing reveals Gemini Astra’s impressive ability to identify objects and provide context. Point your phone at a water bottle, a magazine, or even a cityscape, and Gemini will not only recognize them but also offer relevant information. For instance, it correctly identified a nondescript car park as being in Bath, UK, based on architectural cues and greenery.
However, Gemini Astra has its limits. It can’t perform web searches in real-time, so while it’s great for brainstorming or identifying objects, it won’t fetch the latest prices or news. Also, it can’t interact with your phone beyond providing instructions. Ask it to take you to Bluetooth settings, and it’ll guide you there but won’t do the tapping for you.
Despite these limitations, the convenience of having these features integrated into the Gemini app is undeniable. It’s fast, bug-free, and, most importantly, it just works. This upgrade is a significant step forward in making AI more accessible and useful in everyday life.
