Your Pixel 11 Pro has just received its own AI tech support assistant.

      Google has now equipped Gemini on the Pixel 11 Pro with the capability to resolve issues rather than merely directing users to the appropriate settings.

      Owners of the Pixel 11 Pro utilizing the latest Gemini beta may observe a new option within the app's plus menu.

      This tool reportedly enables Gemini to troubleshoot issues on your smartphone rather than just guiding you to the right settings and presenting numerous options.

      So, what exactly does this new assistance feature accomplish?

      Located in the Gemini app's plus menu or accessible via the overlay, the new feature is referred to as "Device help." On my Pixel 11 Pro XL, it is positioned between Guided Learning and Personal Intelligence. It also bears a “Labs” designation, similar to Personal Intelligence, suggesting that Google is still in the testing phase for this feature.

      The description states “Get help with your device,” which accurately reflects its function. With the Device Help Agent, the tool can manage tasks such as adjusting system settings for dark theme, brightness, and Do Not Disturb modes. It can also troubleshoot issues related to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or battery drain, and provide an overview of your storage and battery usage. Additionally, the tool can review app permissions and guide you through Pixel-specific features and gestures in a clear, step-by-step approach. This truly represents a comprehensive toolkit for a feature integrated into a chat interface.

      Is this truly new technology?

      However, the Device help tool seems not to be entirely novel. Its functions reportedly rely on Google’s existing Device Assistance app, previously known as Utilities, now rebranded under the conversational Gemini interface instead of being a separate utility.

      As for who can access this feature, it's currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro. It is available in the Google app beta version 17.52, with neither the standard Pixel 11 nor earlier Pixel models having access to it, at least for now.

      Given the Labs label, this should be viewed as an initial trial rather than a broader release. Google often tests features on a single device before making them available on others, provided they function as intended.

      For over five years, Shikhar has adeptly simplified advancements in consumer tech, making them accessible…

      

      Sony has recently released its Xperia that features hardware I wish the Pixel 10a had.

      The Xperia 10 VIII offers a unique approach to challenges that the Pixel 10a deals with. The Pixel 10a is a commendable mid-range smartphone priced at $499, offering Google's robust software experience, competent computational photography despite its small camera, and a solid form factor. However, the underlying hardware has seen little advancement. It relies heavily on software for its performance. Surprisingly, Sony now emerges as a strong contender in this market segment with its new phone, which retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD support up to 2TB, a dedicated camera shutter button, front-facing stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

      OpenAI has introduced an entertaining update to ChatGPT that lets users create stickers from their photos.

      You can now transform any image from your library into a custom sticker with a transparent background.

      Apple's fall software lineup, including iOS 27 Beta 7, is currently in its final stages, and Beta 8 is on the way.

      While Apple has yet to confirm the date for the iPhone 18 Pro launch event, it is finalizing the software groundwork for rolling out the stable version of iOS 27 concurrently. The company just released beta 7 for its entire fall software collection, from iOS 27 to visionOS 27.