Google's Pixel Screenshots App Set for Major AI-Powered Upgrade

Pixel Screenshots app is getting improved UI, multi-screenshot selection and more

Google is reportedly preparing a major update for the Pixel Screenshots app, which launched with the Pixel 9 series. This app acts as a central hub for organizing and accessing all screenshots. When the app's AI processing feature is activated, it saves and organizes useful information, transforming your screenshots into a searchable library for easier access. According to a report from Android Authority, the update will bring several user interface (UI) improvements. Soon, users will be able to select multiple screenshots more easily, edit their collections, and add images from other applications. Currently, the home page of Pixel Screenshots displays a few collections and screenshots, accessible by tapping an arrow next to the respective headers. The update will revise this layout, letting users view all screenshots directly on the home page, with an added option to change the image layout. The new version will introduce a long-press and drag feature for selecting multiple screenshots, streamlining the process. Previously, users had to select each screenshot individually, which was time-consuming. Additionally, the update may include an option for users to rename collections within the app, enhancing organizational capabilities. Alongside these updates, Google is set to introduce two new app shortcuts -- Gallery and Camera. These shortcuts will enable users to quickly add images to the Pixel Screenshots app directly from their home screen or app drawer by long-pressing the app icon. Although these shortcuts already exist in the app, the update will make them more accessible through the home page. The report also highlights that Google is enhancing the ability to add multiple images from other apps to the Pixel Screenshots app using the Android system share sheet. Furthermore, code found in version 0.24.373.08 of the app suggests new options allowing users to add, copy, and send emails directly from screenshots, as well as options to call or save phone numbers to contacts. According to the report, these new features are not yet live in the current version of the Pixel Screenshots app but are expected to roll out in a future update.

Google's Pixel Screenshots App Could Get a New Layout and More Features

Google Pixel 9 series was announced in August and it debuted with three new apps, with Pixel Screenshots being the standout. It is not only an image manager but also leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to retrieve information from stored screenshots on the device, functioning as a searchable library. A new report suggests Google might be developing visual tweaks and more functionalities for the app, including a new layout and the ability to select multiple images. According to an Android Authority report, the changes were discovered following an APK teardown of the Pixel Screenshots app version 0.24.373.08. The app is reportedly being tested with a new home page layout, which includes a new layout button alongside the Screenshots header. Following this change, users might be able to see all their screenshots on the home page of the app, along with a quick option to change the layout. The report hints at the inclusion of a new way to select multiple images. Instead of long-pressing and tapping each screenshot individually, it could allow users to carry out a drag gesture while selecting multiple screenshots simultaneously. They may also be able to rename collections within the Pixel Screenshots app. Google is reported to be developing new shortcuts for adding images to the app, along with the host of UI changes that are said to be in development. This change may enable users to add screenshots to the app from the Gallery and Camera quickly by long-pressing the app icon. New ways to add, copy and send emails, or copy and call phone numbers from information provided in screenshots might also be in development, the report adds. However, all of the aforementioned features are not available to the public yet and are in development. Instead, only code strings containing references to them have been discovered. Thus, it is possible that it might take Google some time to roll them out to the public. Alternatively, there is a possibility that the Mountain View-based tech giant might tweak some of them in one way or another, or not bring them to the Pixel Screenshots app at all.

Own a Google Pixel? One of its best AI features is about to get even more useful

In a recent APK Android Authority discovered a major update coming for the Pixel Screenshot app. This update includes some UI changes, as well as several new features that aim to make it easier than ever to select multiple screenshots, edit collections and add images from other apps. Firstly, Google is testing out a new UI to make it easier to see all your screenshots. In the current version, users can press an arrow on the homepage to see all their screenshots. The new version replaces this with a layout option that lets you access all your screenshots from the home page. Another UI change found is support for a long tap and drag gesture to easily select multiple images, making it much faster than the current method. Google is also working on two new shortcuts called Gallery and Camera. These shortcuts will reportedly allow users to quickly add images to the Screenshot app from their phone's app drawer, which was improved in a recent feature drop, or from the home screen. It should be noted that these shortcuts do exist on the current app, but Google is looking to make them more prominent by allowing access through the app icon on the home page. Google is looking to make it easier to take multiple images from other apps and add them to the Pixel Screenshot app using the Android system share sheet. Finally, according to information found in the current version of the app, Google could offer users the option to interact with emails and phone numbers found in a screenshot and add them to their contacts. These changes could help to make Google Screenshots (already one of the Pixel's best AI features) a much more useful app in a future update. As an aside, now would be a great time to grab a Pixel phone, especially with Black Friday on the horizon as many of the models are enjoying discounted pricing.

The handy Pixel Screenshots app is about to become even more useful - here's what's coming

It's not confirmed when, or even if, these features will be released Google's Pixel Screenshots app, which provides a dedicated gallery and AI search function for (you guessed it) screenshots, is due to receive some major improvements with a coming update. Coming additions include two new shortcuts and a new home screen layout, as well as the possibility of copying and contacting email addresses and phone numbers from a screenshot. That's according to Android Authority, who have published a new APK teardown looking into the code and features of the next update to the Screenshots app. For reference, APK here stands for Android Package, which is the file type used to deliver apps, games, functional software, and updates to all three to Android devices. The most immediately noticeable new feature is the Pixel Screenshots app's subtly redesigned home screen, which has changed from a list of gallery display options to simply showing the gallery with a toggle to change the view type. There also seems to be a new gesture enabled, allowing users to long-press-and-swipe over a group of screenshots to select multiple images - the teardown also finds that users may be able to rename collections. As for the new shortcuts, these refer to the functions available with a long-press of the app icon on the phone's home screen or app drawer. The two shortcuts that seem to be on the way are "Gallery" and "Camera", allowing users to access and add to their screenshots with even less hassle. What's more, the Screenshots app will seemingly allow users to copy, contact, and save email addresses or phone numbers from images - this seems like a logical addition to the current set of AI tools included in Pixel Screenshots, but this isn't yet confirmed. Keep in mind that this is neither a scheduled or implemented update yet, so some or all of these features could change before release, or not make it to users at all. For the latest official updates as we hear them, be sure to keep up with our Google Pixel phones coverage and Android coverage.