Last year, Google unveiled not only the latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro but also introduced a cutting-edge AI-powered Assistant known as Bard. While Google has yet to specify the exact launch date for this innovative assistant expected to replace the current Assistant, indications point to an imminent release. Nail_Sadykov, as reported by Android Authority, revealed a preview of the enhanced digital assistant within the Pixel Tips app. This sneak peek sheds light on the potential rollout timeline and the range of devices slated to support Assistant with Bard. Google’s preview provides a sneak peek into the functionality, interface, features, and settings of Assistant with Bard.
Additionally, leaker Mishaal Rahman highlighted that the demonstration of Assistant with Bard in the Pixel Tips app suggests that the new AI assistant will be exclusive to Pixel devices equipped with Tensor chips, starting from the Pixel 6 onwards. Google initially introduced the Tensor chip in its Pixel 6 series, a bespoke system-on-chip (SoC) tailored for machine learning and AI tasks. This chip has enabled Google to introduce various AI-powered capabilities to its Pixel lineup, including enhanced camera functionalities and real-time translation.
Moreover, Rahman noted an intriguing detail: the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and the speculated Pixel Fold 2 are conspicuously absent from the list of devices compatible with Assistant with Bard. However, this preliminary information is subject to change until officially confirmed by Google. It would be unexpected for Google to exclude the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet from receiving Assistant with Bard, considering their Tensor chip integration.
Lastly, the upcoming Assistant with Bard, potentially rebranded as Bard according to rumors, may debut in the March 2024 Pixel feature drop. This implies that the wait to interact with this new assistant firsthand might be shorter than anticipated.
As Google initiates the rollout of its January feature drop, which introduces Circle to Search, Magic Compose, and additional enhancements to Pixel devices, users of Pixel 6 and newer models can now explore these new features integrated into their Pixel experience.
