Google's AI assistant is becoming more accessible as the company removes previous restrictions on its visual recognition capabilities. In a significant shift from its earlier strategy, Google is now bringing premium AI features to more users without requiring subscription fees.
Expanded Availability for Visual AI Features
Google has begun rolling out Gemini Live with camera and screen sharing capabilities to all Pixel phone owners for free. This feature, which allows users to share their screen or camera view with the AI assistant in real-time, was previously restricted to the latest flagship devices like the Pixel 9 series and Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup, or required a paid Gemini Advanced subscription. The company announced this expansion via social media, stating that the rollout will continue over the next few weeks until all Pixel devices receive access.
Gemini Live with Camera and Screen Sharing
- Previously: Available only on Pixel 9 series and Galaxy S25 lineup, or with Gemini Advanced subscription
- Now: Free for all Pixel phones
- Rollout: Starting now, continuing over the next few weeks
- Similar competing feature: Samsung's "Real-Time Visual AI" (announced for 2025 flagships)
How the Feature Works
The functionality operates through the Gemini app, enabling users to have more contextual conversations with the AI assistant. When users tap the Share screen with Live button in the Gemini overlay, they can choose to record and share their screen. Similarly, for camera sharing, users can access the feature through the fullscreen Gemini Live interface by tapping the camera button, which opens a viewfinder with options to switch between front and rear cameras. Google recommends steady movements for optimal results, and notes that the screen needs to remain active during video capture.
Real-World Applications
This feature significantly enhances the practical utility of Google's AI assistant by allowing it to respond to visual information in real-time. Users can ask Gemini questions about anything on their screen or whatever they're pointing their camera at—whether it's help understanding a recipe they're scrolling through, identifying an unusual plant they've encountered outdoors, or getting assistance with content displayed on their device. When screen or camera sharing is active, a counter appears in the status bar, and users can terminate the sharing session at any time via the notification shade.
Part of Google's Broader AI Vision
The feature is an implementation of capabilities first showcased in Google's experimental Project Astra, the company's next-generation AI assistant unveiled at Google I/O last year. Project Astra is designed to respond to users' surroundings in real-time, and its capabilities are expected to extend to upcoming Android XR (extended reality) devices as well. This free rollout to all Pixel devices represents a significant step in Google's strategy to make advanced AI features more accessible to a broader audience.
Market Positioning
The timing of this announcement is notable, coming shortly after Samsung revealed a similar feature called Real-Time Visual AI for its 2025 flagship devices. By making these capabilities available across its entire Pixel lineup without requiring a subscription, Google appears to be positioning itself competitively in the increasingly important AI smartphone assistant space. This move could potentially give Pixel devices an edge in the market by offering premium AI features at no additional cost.