Guide to Using the Screenshots App on Google Pixel

Google has always been at the forefront of innovation, and with the launch of the Pixel 9 series, they’ve done it again. Among all the AI-powered features, one that stands out is the new Pixel Screenshots app. This nifty tool uses cutting-edge AI to help you manage, search, and organize your screenshots effortlessly. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this guide will walk you through how to make the most out of the Screenshots app on Google Pixel.

Searching for screenshots made easy

We’ve all been there—scrolling through a seemingly endless list of screenshots trying to find that one piece of information we saved weeks ago. With the Pixel Screenshots app, those days are over. Here’s how to search for your screenshots quickly and easily:

1. Getting started: Open the Pixel Screenshots app. If it’s your first time, a quick setup will kick in. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward.
2. Enable the magic: Tap on the More option, then select Turn on to activate the AI-powered search feature. The app will download the necessary AI models to work its magic.
3. Search your way: You’ll notice a search bar at the bottom of your screen. You can type in a keyword, like “receipt” or “recipe,” or use voice search to describe what you’re looking for.
4. Get instant results: Once you hit search, the app will instantly pull up the screenshots that match your query. You can view, share, or even jump to the relevant webpage directly from the app.

And just like that, your screenshots are no longer a cluttered mess. But wait, there’s more! The app also lets you organize your screenshots into folders, which they call “Collections.” Let’s dive into that next.

Organizing your screenshots with ‘Collections’

If you’re like most of us, your screenshot library is a mix of random images—from shopping receipts to funny memes. The Pixel Screenshots app lets you bring some order to the chaos by organizing screenshots into Collections. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a Collection: From the app’s home screen, tap the plus icon under the Collections panel at the top. Give your new folder a name, like “Work Stuff” or “Travel Ideas,” and tap the tick icon to create it.
2. Add Screenshots: Once your collection is set up, tap on it to open the folder. You can then select the screenshots you want to add.
3. Tidy Up: If a collection is no longer needed, you can delete it by tapping the trash icon in the top right corner.

With Collections, your screenshots stay organized, making it easy to find exactly what you need when you need it.

More handy features of the Pixel screenshots app

The Pixel Screenshots app isn’t just about searching and organizing—it’s packed with features that make your life easier. Here are a couple more tricks it can do:

1. Set screenshot reminders: Ever taken a screenshot of something important only to forget about it later? The app lets you set reminders so that never happens again. When viewing a screenshot, tap the alarm bell icon to set a reminder. You can choose from preset times like “Later today” or “Tomorrow,” or set a custom date and time.
2. Manually add images: You’re not limited to just screenshots—if there’s a picture in your gallery or a photo you just snapped that you want to include, you can manually add it to the Pixel Screenshots app. Just tap the plus button next to the search bar and select your image.

Turning Off the Pixel Screenshots Feature

While the app’s AI works entirely on your device without needing an internet connection, some users might feel uneasy about AI analyzing their screenshots. If that’s you, turning off the feature is simple:

1. Open the app: Head to the Pixel Screenshots app and tap the settings icon in the top right.
2. Toggle off: Turn off the “Search your screenshots with on-device AI” option. If you want to delete all the AI summaries and metadata, you’ll see an option to do so right after.

Using the Pixel Screenshots App

The Pixel Screenshots app isn’t just a neat feature; it’s a game-changer in terms of practicality. Here are some situations in which it excels:

Finding restaurant recommendations

Imagine you’re visiting a friend in a new city, and they’ve texted you a list of must-visit restaurants. Instead of scrolling through your messages, you can simply ask the Pixel Screenshots app, “Restaurant recommendations in [City]?” and the list with addresses and directions will appear.

Shopping with ease

During online shopping, you might screenshot various products, prices, and coupon codes. When you’re ready to make a purchase, you can ask the app, “What was the price of the [Product] I saved?” or “Do I have a coupon code for [Product]?” The app will instantly provide the information along with links to the original sites.

Recreating family recipes

If you’ve ever saved a photo of a family recipe, the Pixel Screenshots app can help you recall it easily. For instance, if you need to know how many peaches go into your dad’s famous peach cobbler, just ask the app, and it will provide the exact quantity from the saved recipe.

Supported devices

Right now, the Pixel Screenshots app is exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, which includes:

• Pixel 9
• Pixel 9 Pro
• Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold

It’s unclear if older Pixel models will get this feature, but for now, it’s a Pixel 9 exclusive.

Is the Pixel Screenshots app safe?

In today’s world, privacy is a big deal, and it’s natural to wonder if an app like this could compromise your data. Rest assured, Google has built the Pixel Screenshots app with privacy in mind. Since the AI processing happens on your device and doesn’t require an internet connection, your information stays secure. Plus, you have full control over turning off the feature if you’re concerned.

That’s a wrap on the Pixel Screenshots app! We hope this guide helps you navigate and make the most of this powerful tool. It’s one of those features that will make your Pixel 9 experience even better.

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